My small time obsession with Kakishibu began after reading this blog. I thought I’d try my hand at combining it with indigo as it’s a frequent marriage in traditional Japanese textiles. While I don’t consider my style to be traditional at all, I do look for techniques to integrate and translate into my work. Nine months of experimenting later, I feel I’m finally getting a grip on the basics and perfecting my notes and skills enough to be of useRead more
Somewhere over the rainbow…
In the midst of new development, I’ve been doing a lot of introspective thinking about what I can offer that is of value. What are my processes in business or in creating that may be of use to others? In all of my experience working for many years, one very basic urge has been prevalent throughout: Do what you love. I know this sounds juvenile, so in adult terms it can also translate to “Follow your heart” or “Do whatRead more
The Indigo Trials
My first experiences with indigo that peaked my interest were a bit how I imagine Oz seems to look from the outside. Beautiful. Idyllic. Carefree. I started by taking a few classes in beautiful Brooklyn loft spaces and community gardens with perfect vats and vivid blue results. Once I began my own trials, however, it was much more like going behind the scenes and meeting the Wizard behind it all. My false sense of indigo-security was evident from my firstRead more
T-minus 10 seconds and counting…
After my previous study with mixing organic cotton and black alpaca, my mission has been set on creating a lighter version…something easier to wear than a mini rug. Something to keep out the fall-time chill but light enough to ease the transition of seasons. I had several cups of tea with fellow weaving friends on how to break down the construction and achieve what I want with this next round. Well…here goes. I started with another huge learning curve, theRead more
I left my heart in San Francisco…
Is how I felt as of yesterday at 12pm. I’ve had my birthday weekend plans lined up for a few months now, my first trip to San Francisco. It’s a bit ridiculous that I’ve never been given the proximity to Seattle and all the bands I’ve listened to from the Bay Area since I was younger. Here’s to perfect timing! The business portion of my trip was to scope out some upscale menswear shops that could handle all the ideasRead more
Color Weave Effect Process
A color weave effect is made mainly by using the same sequence of colors in both the warp and weft. I’ve been experimenting with this concept of multiple patterns, color weave, and supplemental weft roving for a few years now…and every try is a different result. I’ve been awaiting the day when I get a more consistent outcome, and I think I may be close! Two shuttles are used when weaving this as well as hand placing roving in aRead more
Naturally Dyed Shibori
For these experiements, I’ve scoured multiple dyeing books, internet articles and blogs with varying degrees of helpfulness. I had purchased many dried dyes from Carol Leigh at the HGA Convergence show that I was itching to try out. After weaving 5 shibori scarves, I was a bit nervous to mess them up (considering my history in chemistry class). I started on testers, or bits of shibori destined to open up the world of natural dyes to me. I began withRead more
Ik hou van Amsterdam
After leaving London, I traveled alone to Amsterdam by train. I had been blessed with clear skies in London for several days (probably a record!), but was thus unlucky when arriving at my new locale. Trying to navigate streets with names-longer-than-the-average while the rain is pouring, the feet are sloshing, the mood is irritable…can make for a bit of relief upon destination arrival. Once I gathered my thoughts, maps, and drier clothes, I set off to explore this “free” cityRead more
London Ahoy!
Let me start this texture and color post by mentioning that my trip took place some time ago. I had the pleasure of a stop-over in Iceland for a few brief hours and it didn’t take long to be incredibly impressed by their individual bathrooms. No waiting lines, no one tapping on the door or peeking through the cracks…just a snippet of public restroom privacy while traveling. On to London…a city of great mystery and dripping with historical significance. IRead more
Woven Shibori Time!
So this is my first venture into woven shibori and indigo dyeing. I figure Go Big or Go Home! I’ve read alot about it, and was finally prepared to experiment with this naturally fermented vat dye. Unfortunately, I cheated quite a bit in high school chemistry, thereby making me believe I am not good with chemicals/measurements/everything scientific. Alas, 3 batches of indigo dye later, I’ve only achieved the slimmest of blue color with this tester. It’s enough to choose whichRead more
Looming Jane 