Print Inspiration for Artful House Dresses
Flora and Fauna are a big source of inspiration for us. Our recent Byron Bay Maxi dress has been made from our Blue Birds in Flight fabric. This fabric took shape on our recent trip to the backwaters at Kumarakom in Kerala, India
These backwaters are home to an amazing bird sanctuary. Every year during the Northern Hemisphere winter months thousands of migratory birds make their way here. Cruising along on boats we got lots of source materials for our design inspo as we watched birds flying down and lifting off.
Birds Design Inspiration for Our Blocks
Artful House Maxi Dress featuring our Birds in Flight fabric
For our trip we boarded one of the many picturesque houseboats that dot the massive Lake Vembanad. A trip on these boats is truly sublime as you watch the world gently go by. In the old days these boats were the most convenient means for transporting goods and communities to villages on the edge of the backwaters. This holds true even today. Many houses back on to these waters and you get fascinating glimpses into every day life cruising the waters
PRO TIP: The houseboats on Lake Vembanad in Kerala waters are beautiful to travel on. These do tend to be larger boats and are perfect for the large waters on the lake.We do recommend adding on to the experience by using smaller boats to travel the smaller canals where the larger boats can’t go to get a more intimate look into every day life in villages here.
Chinese Fishing Nets
Another place where we caught a lot of inspiration for our birds in flight fabric were the Chinese fishing nets that dot the banks of the canals and the sea. These are large stationery, cantilevered fishing nets which are lowered into water for some time and when the fisherman feels there is an enough quantity of fish in them they are raised up with a haul of fish. We found dozens of canny birds waiting patiently on the poles of the net and as the nets came up they swooped in for pickings. Fascinating to watch!
Print Inspo: Canny birds waiting patiently on the fishing nets for a delicious treat
Travel Tips: Dec - Feb are the best months to visit as the weather is cooler. It’s also the season for the migratory birds to visit the backwaters. We recommend a meal at the Kumarakom Lake Resort for the amazing views. If you travel in these months to Kerala you may also get to see Kochi Art Biennale which utilizes old warehouses and buildings on the wharfs for amazing art installations. Next one is supposed to be end 2025-beginning 2026
Artful House Byron Bay Maxi Dress featuring our Birds in Flight Fabric
Of course travel in Kerala wearing our maxi dress in the Birds in Flight block print fabric and remember to send us a picture :). More colours and dress styles coming soon!
Shop our Byron Bay Maxi in this fabric here