Author: Pam Holland

I travel the world teaching and talking. Photographing and writing, Sharing experiences What a way to go.

We have so much to learn.

The following images were taken at the wholesale hill tribe market. You’ve all seen beautiful embroideries made into re purposed garments or bags, every culture does it, however, I want to buy the re-purposing textiles. And so we did. Set in a tin shed of immense proportions one is transported into a cultural wonderland of color and texture. It’s unbeleivably hot under the tin roof and I would love to know just how the mounds of clothing finds its way into the hands of the dealers. To be honest, most of them are just families who sell to manufacturers. They live in the small stores, babies, children and older folk.

Textiles, trains and markets so splendid.

Suddenly the rains came down with force. It was torrential and keeping track of 19 people was challenging. We all ended up absolutely soaked to the skin despite our of our brollies.

The water poured off awnings and umbrellas and then began to rise from the ground so we splashed our way back to the train station.

We held an impromptu show and tell at the boat station to the amusements of the passers by. However, they are unaware of our passion for fabric, bargains, jewelry and clothes.

Tracking down Textiles in Bangkok.

We designed on the spot. Discussing at length how the patterns and colors would be suitable for the fabric chosen. Roll upon roll of beautiful fabric was displayed in the low tables and the colors took your breath away.

Tales from Thailand.

However, I had a little glitz in the clothing department yesterday. After washing out my Bra’s the night before, I went to find the clean ones and found that I had forgotten to pack them. Oh no, they were still soaking wet…

Well I couldn’t go topless, so I tried to dry them as much as I could with the hair dryer. No you don’t put them on your head and dry them, it doesn’t work. you hang them on the door handle and blast them.

Color, just plain color. Bangkok flower and fabric market.

Our first visit to Bangkok was in 1976 when we adopted our son Joshua and we accidentally stayed in a brothel…. The Maya Guest house, yes, it turns out the hotel was a house of ill-repute. Oooh I could tell you some stories and I was very innocent in those days. Then again it was really, really interesting. So that memory is never far from our mind when we visit here.

Individual voice. – Capture and Create.

I always have a vision of the completed work before I begin to stitch, but it doesn’t always end up that way. This piece is a testament to that. I listen to my work, and react to the individual voice.

Passenger trains have passed through an incredibly busy market 8 times a day for almost 30 years…
Lily, our guide explained that the market is overflowing and there is no more room for vendors, so when some enterprising folk saw that the space by the train line was free, they gradually put their stalls right next to the line. As the train arrives, the produce is lifted or rolled back like a well coordinated race team the canopies are removed and the train passes through. Within a few minutes products are put back in place and the overhead canvas is unfurled, it’s an incredible sight. The train actually passes over the produce…. OK, I’m not going to buy any of it… but its the way it is….

The letters of a journey that changed my life.

5 days before we were due to leave for Houston we got a frantic message to say our son Matt and his beloved Karen had been terribly injured in a motorcycle accident just 5 minutes from our home. A car coming in the opposite direction lost control and mounted the median strip and charged straight into them. How can I say it……Our Karen died and Matty has many broken bones and will be convalescing for a long time. I decided to cancel my trip, but as you see I have come, I was literally pushed onto the plane by a determined husband and family members. Qantas took control and I have been looked after with compassion and a great deal of care. I’m numb. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. The support from family and friends has been humbling. I thank you all.

Special people – the purple lady.

Her thick woolen skirt was hand sewn and the pocket sat askew on her knee. Her bright red slippers were held neatly with purple wool. I think she was quite pleased we stopped for a chat.
“I make my scarves really long” she states as her hands continue with her knitting. “I don’t loose them as much when they are long” !!! well I guess that makes sense.