From the beetle-wing polish of calendered indigo jackets, to the intricate patterns of Hmong batik skirts, this one-day event celebrates the incredible diversity of indigo textile traditions in northern Vietnam.

TALK

Lucy Patterson, founder of Mountain Threads, will take the audience on a visual journey through her research into indigo in this region. The talk will cover how raw dye is extracted from plants; decorative techniques like batik, tie-dye, weaving and calendering; and uses of indigo in everything from clothing to baby carriers, umbrella cases to mosquito nets. Lucy will also discuss the cultural and spiritual significance of indigo in these predominantly shamanic communities.

EXHIBITION

This exhibition will showcase a selection of highlights from the Mountain Threads Textile Collection, telling the story of indigo from plant to finished textile. Displays will show the processes of indigo extraction, dyeing, and decoration through a range of unique tools and raw materials. The heart of the exhibition is a wide range of finished textiles - complete outfits, accessories, wedding blankets - and accompanying photographs that bring the pieces to life.

MARKET

Vintage traditional clothing, indigo fabrics by the metre, purses, scarves and accessories, blankets and more will be for sale in the market.

Drinks and snacks available.

EFTPOS and cash (no credit cards, sorry).

GETTING THERE:

CAR:

Conveniently located minutes away from both the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway, and Tacoma Street (southbound only) exits on the Southern Motorway.

Plenty of off and on street parking.

TRAIN

10-15 walk from the Ellerslie train station (Britomart-Southern and Onehunga lines)

BUSES

Numerous buses pass through Ellerslie, including the 70 from Town.