{My Batik Creations}

• Since yesterday's post was all about Indonesia, a country that is dear to our hearts as we've lived and worked there for so many years, I will continue with Indonesia today. 
• While living and working in Central Java, Indonesia, about 15-20 girls from the Catholic boarding school for the deaf, did come to our home for a substitute Papa & Mama. 
• We've carried suitcases full of items for them to give away. Loads of handwork material etc. etc. 
• Being able to speak their native language, Bahasa Indonesia opened many doors and we often were overwhelmed by the stories we heard. 
• For those kids it was tough, only going home twice a year to their real parents. 
• Once in a while a visit by their parents to the boarding school, IF they could afford the travel expenses... 
• So gladly we opened up our hearts and our home to them. From two girls that came from Surabaya, East Java, we received once a parcel in the mail with two pieces of lovely batik in a high quality.
• In a previous post on November 20, 2010 about: {Batik Birds from Indonesia on Silk and Cotton}, you can find a video about the making of this artful waxing and printing on fabric.
• So from those two pieces of fabric I did sew a batik shirt for Pieter, using a Burda pattern, my all time favorite patterns. 
• And for myself I used another Burda pattern for a skirt with a button down top. Lined in Swiss batiste that I got at my favorite notions store of Britex Fabrics in San Francisco. 
• You can also get swatches and than mail order from them. We did a lot of consulting in California so I got lucky to make a frequent stop there for finding all my fashion notions.

• The ensemble is lined in red Swiss batiste and has buttons from Britex Fabrics, in San Francisco. You find the link above.
• The red coral necklace and bracelet came from China when Pieter went there for Campbell Soup with People to People Citizen Ambassador Program.
• The handbag and shoes are from Charles Jourdan. Shoes from the Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th at Potomac Mills (Simon Malls Outlet) south of Washington DC. Handbag from México City, México.
• Courrèges Paris watch is from Singapore. 
• If you want some Consulting from Mariette's Back to Basics about: YOUR OWN CLOTHES, ONLY BETTER! Just contact me.

• These photos are taken on June 12 with still green grass, before the heat and drought...

• October 20 to show you some more detail...

• Skirt has a slit and zips up in the back.
• I did make a hair barrette with the same batik fabric, batting and an antique button.

• The top does tie in the back.

• Buttons from Britex Fabrics.

• For Pieter I did sew a batik shirt.

• Detail of pocket with top stitching.

• Detail of the cuff and sleeve slit with buttons and top stitching.

Related link:

Silk Embroidered Birds from China Trip previous post by me