Yesterday's Textiles and Tea featured a master of katazome dyeing, John Marshall, and sent me down a rabbit hole of Japanese dyeing techniques. Quite a departure for the weavers watching him.
It's a process where rice flour paste is used as a resist, and natural dyes create the design. He studied it for years in Japan and his work is stunning.
The vivid colors are natural dyes, but not all from plants. He also uses cochineal, from beetles, and mineral colors, as well as plant dye from indigo.
He wrote a book on indigo dyeing, and I found a YouTube video where he gives a step by step of the process.
I have a katazome piece made in Japan
Much simpler design than his, but you see the idea.
And of course I had to check on other videos about stencil cutting, so long since I did any.
Then it was back to earth and separating socks.
Here's the completed enclosed tube
Then I'll send off the completed pairs and think about what's next.
Happy day everyone! Try a new thing, cut stencils, make something. Or just read. Or sit. Whatever you need to do. Just enjoy what you can in worrying times. We may as well.
I like your katazome fish piece!
ReplyDeleteIt was from the third sister I was talking about. The remaining sister is the one I talked with about the sniowdrops. This is starting to sound like Carly Simon's sisters..
DeleteHow does he get that royal purple? So beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to have some time with your son. I'm sure he enjoyed it.
It was a lovely afternoon. I think that purple may be indigo mixed with possibly cochineal. Just guessing, but blue and red can give purple.
DeleteI've seen pieces of that particular art form but didn't know what it was called.
ReplyDeleteYour socks are looking great so far. I hate picking up stitches but finally hit upon using a crochet hook and it seems to work better.
This is just slipping live stitches onto the needles. I too hate the other kind.
DeleteI've never heard of katazome dyeing before, but WOW! is it gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI expect you've seen it but not known the name, if you've seen high end kimonos and wall hangings.
Deletewow to that katazome dyeing! It is all beautiful, but the crane is especially stunning. Your socks are sure to warm someone's feet and heart.
ReplyDeleteOn that subject there was an interesting discussion about cultural appropriation and whether he's doing it. He made it good case for how he isn't, of course!
DeleteI almost always learn something new from reading your posts. This one was very interesting about a subject of which I knew nothing at all. I can see how all your vaired interests must make your life interesting and stimulating. People often give up on things as they age, you just seem to take on more and more.
ReplyDeleteI do like having the time now to follow up on things that interest me, yes.
ReplyDeleteHis work is amazing. Although less complex, your piece is quite beautiful. My making something will be food. I'll also sit. And I'll read!
ReplyDeleteSounds good to me!
DeleteWe had a picnic at the beach today. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteThat's the spirit!
DeleteSo many beautiful crafts and talented people.
ReplyDeleteYou must knit as fast as a machine you finished that part quickly
I love the simplicity of Japanese art, even when it's complicated if that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteWhat technique do you use for your sock heels, if I may ask?
I like short row toes and heels. Comfortable, no seams or grafting.
DeleteI like your continuous method. So Practical!
ReplyDelete