March 18th, 2024
MARCH 2024
TRAVELLERS JOURNAL
Ms.Trang so eloquently tells us that she lives with nature. The seasons tell her when to sow her rice crops, and the birds chirp and the ants scurry to signal rain. She says how textiles are a small part of her day-to-day life but worries about how the craft will survive as the world moves at a faster pace. Looking back to move forward.
March 26th, 2024.
What an amazing time in Hanoi, full of inspiration and research for an upcoming project launching soon. After an amazing day with Ms Trang, we ended our last evening together over a wonderful meal, I am so grateful for the team, to all the travellers and to all those who have supported TextileSeekers.
Regardless of how frequently I return here, I learn something new each time. Today was no exception, we chased goats from Ms.Trang’s garden, foraged for mulberry leaves to feed her silkworms, and watched her tend to her rice fields. Life moves at a different speed here and things can’t be forced. Thao Phuong.
The TextileSeekers retreat is a beautifully enriching voyage into the heart of textiles, to discover rich artisanal textile traditions and the heritage of the indigenous women of Vietnam. Not only does it immerse you in a unique country, but it provides priceless lessons in the crafting of silk, hemp, natural dyeing and batik at the source.
The journey beckons you to slow down and cherish life at a more natural pace. Thao created a profoundly inspirational and enriching environment and sharing it with other astonishing women made the adventure even more remarkable.
Overall, the organization, aesthetics, energy, accommodation and attention to every single detail made this trip unique. What a beautiful and unforgettable experience. Thank you. I am deeply grateful. Kateryna Lanha Chala.
A big thank you to Thao - the gentle and talented creator of TextileSeekers, for curating an incredible journey into the heart of the Vietnamese culture and traditions in fabrics and textiles, for making it so that the wonder women of Vietnam, who work so hard to preserve their heritage, take centre stage, and for bringing together the perfect group of strangers. This trip is an example of how every trip should be - an authentic and humble experience with the local people in focus. Teodora Todorova.
Jade Caroline Caron.
From the moment of meeting my fellow seekers, I knew the trip would be inspiring and cultivating to my body, mind and soul. Surrounded by creative, brilliant, humble and kind women from places afar, we relished in both the big and small moments of the journey.
The outstanding Women’s Museum in Hanoi was a great start, built on by meeting with gracious local artisans, in the city and country. Our participation in dying, weaving, batiking, spinning gave me a much deeper appreciation for the craft and art of textile production. Seeing the end-to-end process of silk fabric creation was especially gratifying.
The food was delicious. The hotel and resort were lovely and restful. I am so grateful to Thao for bringing us together, and for my sister-travelers for sharing their beautiful selves in Vietnam. Such memories I will cherish, in the photos and textiles that are home with me. Yvonne Gibb
Alice Šišmanović
I can’t thank you enough again for the opportunity and experience, it was life changing, truly. I’m still in awe of what we saw, textileseekers is such a gift and I’m so, so grateful. 🤍 Caroline Kidder
