Kantha workshop with Rubina Porter

Rubina, from the Merseyside RG branch, gave us a great day workshop, showing us how to use a simple running stitch in kantha work. Using 2 layers - silk and a cotton backing, both woven and bought in Bangla Desh, we chose a motif from one of the amazing kanthas Rubina had brought to show us and began stitching it, using rayon threads. She showed us how to do blocks of 3 rows to form an outline, then how to move the next row of stitches on to make the slanting columns and chevrons.
Here are our efforts:

And another of Rubina's, all bought, she says, in Bangla Desh, for pennies!

Rubina visits Sreepur Women and Children's Village in Bangla Desh regularly. Please do check out the link and read about this effort to help orphans and disadvantaged women in a culture that is stacked against them. There are great cards to be bought, made by the people there.