The Art of Textile: Weaving Stories Through Fabric

A close-up of a hand gently touching a vibrant textile featuring colorful embroidery and reflective mirrors.

I’m traveling from Tutor to student of Textiles. I’m sharing it with like minded people. It’s a journey of curiosity and creativity. Each day brings new patterns and textures to explore.

As a tutor, I shared knowledge. I fostered growth in others. Now, as a student of textiles, I find myself immersed in a world where fabric speaks its own language. Just like the lady in the image above. Experiencing the tactile experience of weaving threads together is so interesting. The hues of dyed fibers are fascinating. The intricate details of embroidery tell stories of cultures, histories, and personal expression.

Whether it’s transforming raw materials into a stunning piece of art, the journey is as rewarding as the final creation. Designing functional yet beautiful garments is also fulfilling. I stay open to new experiences. This openness helps me evolve. I weave my own story into the rich tapestry of the textile world.

It’s been a busy week this week.

It’s just 3 weeks until I take off for Thailand.

Stylized handwritten text spelling 'WEEKEND' in a chalk-like font.

Keith and I attended the Festival of Quilts at Crafts Alive in Adelaide last weekend. We can’t show photos of the quilts; yet, I received permission from the owner to share the one below. Michael Barton crafted this quilt for his sister Ruth. She is legally blind. The quilt features tactile fabrics. It incorporates his heartfelt sentiments in Braille. Michael has decided that every quilt he creates should include purple fur. He received an award for this quilt, and I believe it truly deserves to be called a masterpiece.

It will return to the USA with Ruth this week to be shared with her quilting friends. Bless her, she made a trip out to share his excitement about his wonderful Quilt. I love the real stories behind quilts.

A vibrant array of textured fabrics and threads displayed on a table, showcasing various colors and patterns.
Handwritten text spelling 'MONDAY' in a casual, artistic style.

A bought a new Book this week.

In 1969, Sheila Fruman departed from her homeland of Canada to explore the world. She journeyed overland from London to India. She navigated through bustling markets from Istanbul to Mumbai. She spent time in teahouses nestled in the Swat Valley.

Then, she immersed herself in the vibrant hippie culture along the beaches of Goa. Her adventures show a generation eager to abandon convention in pursuit of adventure and enlightenment overseas.

Throughout her travels, she became captivated by the exquisite handmade textiles she discovered. These included embroidered silk dresses, mirrored shawls, and luxurious wool hats and coats. Many decades later, she recognized her admiration for the rich variety of textiles was shared. She found these textiles in the streets and markets. In this book, Fruman shares the stories of nine daring travelers. Their textile journeys encompass collecting, scholarship, interior design, and the fashion runway. Together, these narratives serve as an enlightening guide. They help to understand our connections to the past and how textiles weave the world together.

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AUTHOR: Sheila Fruman’s travels in 1969 from London to Mumbai sparked her deep interest in textiles and carpets.

Marigold, Textiles, Arts and Adventure

The Textile Treasures of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

November 24th – December 10th 2025

17 days – 16 nights. With an Optional pre-tour journey to Agra and Delhi.

Under the expert guidance of Pam Holland and Govind Agrawal, you will explore various traditional techniques. You will also learn about contemporary practices in Indian Textile Art.

Pam’s extensive experience and passion for textiles will provide unique insights and hands-on opportunities for learning and creating. Govind Agrawal has profound knowledge of the region and its traditions. He will enrich your experience by sharing the fascinating history and stories behind the textile masterpieces you come across.

We still have a few spaces left in our tour. Get a few friends together and spoil yourself.

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Image of a quilt created by Michael Barton for his sister Ruth, featuring tactile fabrics and heartfelt sentiments in Braille, surrounded by admiration.

These are images I took during our recent tour of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Included in the tour is a three-day side trip to Delhi and Agra.

A close-up view of a colorful quilt made from various textile pieces, showcasing intricate stitching and vibrant patterns.

Let’s send off a new little quilt.

I made this a long time ago. However, it is a repurposed fabric quilt.

The red background is a feed sack that has never been used. I bought it at a thrift store. The brown paper wrappers were still displayed its original price tag. The half-square triangles consist entirely of feed sack pieces. I purchased a bag of 1,000 of these beautiful hand-sewn blocks. I got them for just a dollar at another thrift store. The fish and fish house are designed by Pam Imagination. They are drawn on white fabric and enhanced with sketch applique. The design is complemented by slow stitching. I created a colorful leg fabric for my alphabet project to enhance the design.

I’m going to give this little guy away. Should it be to a Canadian fisherman or lighthouse keeper?

Every three weeks, I will give another small quilt away. I’m just asking for a small donation to add to a project in India. I’ll share the information on the project next week.

A colorful quilt featuring an illustrated lighthouse at its center, surrounded by patchwork triangles and fish motifs along the border, set against a blue background.
A vibrant display of textiles showcasing various patterns and textures.

A brightly colored cartoon flower with a large red petal head, blue and yellow center, and green leaves.

Text overlay displaying the words 'I am Pam' and 'I am Pam Holland' against a colorful textile background.

2 Comments Add yours

  1. Jane Burginger says:

    I am always inspired by the diversity of your creativity. Makes me hope some day to be able to achieve something creative into my own quilts. I realize you have a ton of practice so that is how I am trying new things on my own quilts. Thanks for the inspirations and for sharing.

    1. Pam Holland says:

      Thank you Jane. That’s the way to do it.

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