An Asian Inspiration



Chinese Grandmas on French Script, printed on Cotton Silk fabric



Once upon a time we lived in Hong Kong.

A piece of my heart still lives in the memories of the people and the places we loved during that chapter of our lives.




Our home was in the mountains and faced the Tai Tam Reservoir in the steep hills of Tai Tam.


Chinese Grandmas on French Script, printed on Cotton Silk fabric



One day as I was walking along the reservoir, coming towards me were about twenty Chinese Grandmas.

They were climbing up the steep hill, and I watched this beautiful moment unfold.

Chinese Grandmas on French Script, printed on Cotton Silk fabric



Each one was wearing the customary pajama style outfits in vivid colors and brilliant patterns.

Chinese Grandmas on French Script printed on Cotton Silk fabric



They each carried a colorful umbrella to shield them from the sun.

I  stopped in my tracks as I watched this beautiful scene. I had no camera with me.  So, I had to use my  ability to memorize the moment.  I can still see that scene, as if it were yesterday.



Chinese Grandmas on French Script, printed on Cotton Silk fabric


Chinese Grandmas in Tai TamYears later I sat down and painted two large paintings in watercolor.   I used Asian papers to recreate the vivid patterns. I had them framed. I still have one in my home, and the other one I gave to my best friend Judy.

Chinese Grandmas on French Script, printed on Cotton Silk fabric


Chinese Grandmas in Tai TamThe name of this fabric is called Chinese Grandmas on French Script, and is available for sale on my Spoonflower Shop.



Chinese Grandmas on French Script
Click on this photo to see the fabric on my Spoonflower library of designs.


Hong Kong was known for it's beautiful scarves.  I dreamed of being able to create this scene in a scarf.

Chinese Grandmas on French Script, printed on Cotton Silk fabric



When I saw that Spoonflower was offering a Cotton Silk fabric, I was able to make another dream come true.

I also have another Chinese Grandma fabric design, and you can see it by clicking on this image.  

Chinese Grandmas in the rain


My dream of making a silk scarf using my Chinese Grandma design came true.


My creation



I reworked the design into two panels on French Script. It can be used as one large piece of fabric or cut into two panels.

Chinese Grandmas on French Script, printed on Cotton Silk fabric

Chinese Grandmas in Tai Tam




I am in the process of making a scarf, which I will share soon.

Now I can't wait to see other designs printed on this lovely fabric.







The music for this post is the traditional Chinese music.  The music seemed so romantic to me then, and I truly was in love.


Kathleen Grace said...

Wonderful Karen! The fabric looks so luxurious and beautiful, I can't wait to see the scarf.

Unknown said...

Hi Karen,
Not only did you paint lovely images on paper, you painted a beautiful story to go with it. I love this! Your work is amazing.

She Who Doodles said...

beautiful. i love the painting and the fabric.

Vee said...

Oh my! Now I want to know what twenty Chinese grandmothers were doing on an outing? Spoonflower is doing cotton silk suitable for a scarf? Hmmm...

Beautiful post, beautiful fabric, beautiful music, and you have a beautiful memory!

Dolores said...

Oh Karen,..... I have 4 adopted Chinese grandchildren, and I was fortunate to travel with my family in the adoption of one of the girls.........my heart skips a beat, looking at your beautiful and touching art work of the Chinese grandmothers..
So beautiful!

Snap said...

Oh, Karen! You knew I'd LOVE this one. Beautiful and lots of memories for you. I love *things* with stories!

Annie said...

Such a beautiful painting and fabric and most of all your story and the telling of it really drew me in!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Your design is absolutely gorgeous! I remember when we were in India last year, seeing all the ladies walking along in Rajasthan with all the brightly colored saris; it truly was magical. Hope you are having a great day. Tammy

Duni said...

Hi Karen,

the painting is absolutely gorgeous! It sure brings back wonderful memories for me as well...I used to live in Hong Kong too.
And I'm loving the silk scarf with this print. It is beatiful. I'm sure you will be envied when you wear it out :)
have a lovely day,
Duni

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

GOOD MORNING DEAREST!

There is just simply NO END to your ideas and where to PUT THEM....this is absolutely gorgeous, Karen!!!!!!!!!! I love the shift from French to Asian, and it works so well with the silk. BEAUTIFUL!!! Anita

Beverly said...

Oh my, Karen. This is exquisite!!!!!

Mary Lou said...

Your things just get more beautiful and more inspiring every day. I've never been to that part of the world but love this fabric and the fact that you did it without a photo.
I've changed my blog but you can find me from the old one..

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