A Tour of the Caribelle Batik Factory
in St. Kitt’s
This past February, the Whimsical Workshop joined members of Stitchin Heaven on their 2020 Batik Cruise through the Caribbean. While on this trip, we spent several days teaching our quilting cruisers the benefits of using a binding ruler and how to add a sleeve in just a few easy steps (videos available on our YouTube channel), among other tips, tricks and fun techniques.
Our itinerary also included an exciting stop - a private tour of the Caribelle Batik Factory in St. Kitts!
The tour started with a walk across the stunning property and an explanation of how batiks are made. Then we got to visit the stamping room where we all got to practice hand-stamping our own piece of batik fabric! There were 16 different unique stamps to choose from, and we could dye our creation either blue or orange.
After learning how to place the stamps down on the fabric, then we dipped it into the dye bath. Here is Mary from Caribelle Batiks, holding up Heidi's batik just out of the dye.
Matthew chose orange (which came out yellow), and I chose blue. And while he went with a flower stamp, I was excited to test out both the flower stamp and a dragonfly stamp!
Our next stop on the tour was a fully stocked gift shop that included some of the most stunning batik pieces available for purchase. I was so focused on shopping that I forgot to take any photos! Whoops! Since our visit to the factory, Caribelle Batiks has opened a website shop. Here is the link to their website. https://www.caribellebatikstkitts.com/
Post-shopping, we all gathered outside in the beautiful garden where Caribelle workers like to hang freshly made batik fabric out to dry. Then, the factory’s owner surprised us all with a special guest appearance!
Maurice was so warm and welcoming; it was great to meet him and ask even more questions. He delightfully agreed to pose for a fun picture with the group.
This trip was truly a one-of-a-kind experience that we will all cherish for years to come. I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to Stitchin Heaven for arranging such a memorable event!
 |
| Heidi's Batik |
 |
| Matthew's Batik |
Want to see more? Check out our factory tour video below! Be sure to like and subscribe to our channel if you'd like to see additional videos, tips and tricks from the Whimsical Workshop.
No comments:
Post a Comment