Life in the freezer- day 41

It is quite common to see the national costume, the Deel being worn on the streets of Ulaanbaatar by both men and women. It is made in many different fabric weights, silk or wool, with or without a warm lining. A leather belt or coloured scarf is tied around the waistline. The long sleeves with the shaped ends are great for the cold weather but also used to make secret bargaining deals.

Life in the freezer- day 40

The Mongolian Kazakh's are from the western part of Mongolia and this embroidery is part of their tradition, used now on many tourist items. Originally used in the gers as the wall coverings known as Tuuskeys, many old pieces are being cut-up and stitched into bags. We have 2 vintage pieces at home that we hang on our lounge room wall. Not sure if you can read the description above- fine on an i-pad screen I think. 

 

This is the tambour frame used for the chain stitch and the various steps in the design process are shown.

All these pieces were found at Mary and Martha Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar.

Newer ones are stitched on ultra suede or a similar material.

 

Life in the freezer- day 39

Cherry Bakery is a good drop-in spot for fresh pastry, cake, biscuits, savoury breads and pizza and is often packed. It is warm and cosy inside with the tables side by side.

The morning I stopped for coffee, a group of students were eating cheesy bread. I thought I had an apple pastry but it turned out to be cheesecake style- should have put my glasses on!

 

 

Life in the freezer- day 21

Amazing what can happen in a foreign country when you are a quilter! I was invited to go on the Mongolian National Broadcaster and talk about quilting, an opportunity I couldn't say no to as it is always great to promote this craft/art form.

This is a behind the scenes photo of the three cameramen filming the morning presenters.

With them recording live in the far right side, the producer sets up the colourful quilts and other items from the Mongolian Quilt Centre.

I had a silk eco dyed quilt with me that I'm hand stitching, so had that on set and talked a little about it. You can also see the Down Under Quilts magazine, on the right, that I brought from Australia for the local quilters. I write my Global Thread column for the magazine and this TV moment will be part of the story on Mongolia! I was very happy to have Boloroo with me. The presenters asked questions in English then translated my replies. It was a super experience.

Life in the freezer- day 19

Going off to a Mongolian party and sheep BBQ with the quilters in a ger suburb, was something I was looking forward to. This ger is tightly wrapped up and closed for the winter- no chimney.

We make our way slowly down the snowy slope to be warmly welcomed inside the cosy atmosphere of the ger.

Good timing as the cooked meat and vegetables were being pulled out of the pot.

After a delicious feast we settled in for some singing followed by a little Mongolian Vodka nip.

This is the group of lovely ladies! It has been fun getting to know them and although we have a big language barrier, sometimes words don't express everything and are not needed. The small stove in the foreground is used for heating and the cooking. Carpets and covers on the wall lattice also kept it cosy.

A better photo without the electrical cord in front of our faces. The floor is covered in vinyl.

Enjoying the entertainment as we all take turns to sing a song.

The second round of sheep and vegetable cooking begins, as meat and vegetables are layered in the large pot. Hot stones are then placed in the pot- the sizzling begins.

More meat and hot stones before the lid goes on and the pot is then placed on the stove.

And 45 minutes or so later the delicious cooked food comes out. Thanks for a super party!

 

 

 

New designs

Using reverse applique with crazy patchwork, we are working on new designs with Mongolian motifs. This is with a dark chocolate silk on top before stitching.

New table runners in silk with some detail photos of the three colourways.

 Traditional Christmas red and green or more contemporary blue and white.


Pencil case with more trees on the back.

And Bob's idea of dressing a ger in a Santa hat, which is very cute! This can be used as a table or tree decoration. Don't know how many I can fit into my suitcase!



 

Life in the freezer- day 18

I am suited up for a visit into the wards of one of the inner city maternity hospitals in Ulaanbaatar. My friend Selenge, Director of the Mongolian Quilt Centre invited me to witness the hand over of 36 baby blankets made by the centre from funds donated by IWAM [International Women's Association of Mongolia].

The Hospital Director lead us on a tour through various rooms. The ground floor had an update from Korean funds and was a bright, functional area.

The pre-delivery room was in use by a number of women. This hospital caters for poorer families. More than 4,400 babies have been delivered in the past year with boys outnumbering girls. Pollution and disease contributes to infant  mortality.

Funds are needed for vital equipment and sadly the government is unable to help support the services of this hospital. Despite such difficulties the hospital was recognised with the Best Medical Organisation Award.



 

Christmas is coming to Ulaanbaatar- day 17 & 18

This large Christmas tree was being erected in front of the large State Department Store, on Peace Avenue, when we passed by.

Lots of workers to get everything in order.

A hint of what the decorations will be.

And then, the next day when I passed, it was looking very sparkly and ready for the Festive Season.

 

 

Beautiful silks

The Mongolian Quilt Centre is where I'm spending most of my time, playing with the beautiful silks that are being stitched into new designs. Many pieces are offcuts from deel [National dress] manufacture. New products with the Mongolian touch are being created for the upcoming Christmas Fairs in UB and I hope there are lots of happy customers.

Osko L and Soso R have finished these silk wall hangings beautifully. I can't decide which is my favourite colour combination out of the three selections.

Most of the patchwork you see in the photos is stitched on these Chinese Butterfly [ r Bird Fly here] hand wheel sewing machines. I haven't tried one but can't imagine I would be as accurate!

Doing my best to spread Down Under Quilts magazine around the world!

Ger is the Mongolian word for yurt, the round, felted transportable home used throughout the country.

 

 

Life in the freezer- day 17

Chnggis Khaan's birthday was celebrated with a holiday last Thursday. Having a mid-week day off to do as we pleased was nice, so we treated ourselves to lunch at Delhi Darbar.

 The interior décor was Indian inspired ornate. We chose a window seat, looking out onto the divided street below.

Bb enjoyed a large local beer while I had Marsala tea, which was nice enough to transport me back to India.

The lamb and the beef vegetable curries were great. The naan bread was huge, paper thin and delicious. I think we will be back!