Tag Archives: Ai Zomme

Kasuri Views

in my studio begins with a Hai Sai!  Let’s begin the day, shall we, with a magical tie… then let’s dip our threads, yes dip our threads into the blue dye… now our threads are drying…will tomorrow ever come?  i want to untie, oh yes, untie and view those blue-white hues… then we will windContinue reading “Kasuri Views”

Exhibition: “The Art of Fiber” Exhibit Poster

I’m so, so pleased.  Yet, I am humbled too.  My Ryukyu Ai (indigo) dyed silk shawl was included on “The Art of Fiber” exhibit poster. My shawl was created utilizing an ancient method of fermenting indigo leaves common to Okinawa.  I grow the Ryukyu Ai (indigo) in my studio dye garden. I see that myContinue reading “Exhibition: “The Art of Fiber” Exhibit Poster”

My Uwa-Pari

I planted Ryukyu Ai (indigo) outside my studio last Spring…the plants are healthy and the time for gathering the leaves for fermentation dyeing is drawing near. However, last summer i grew oh soo impatient…so, i picked some leaves and bound them in vintage Japanese cotton cloth to extract the pigment.  Thereafter, i fermented the clothContinue reading “My Uwa-Pari”

Houston Area Fiber Artists – November 9 and 10

“Ryukyu Weaving and Dyeing:  Fabrics that Guard the Spirit” Date:  November 9, 2011 Time:  7:00 pm Where:  Houston Area Fiber Artists (HAFA) Meeting Location:  St. Philips United Methodist Church, 5501 Beechnut, Houston, TX USA ******************************************* Date:  November 10, 2011 Time:  10:30 am Where:  Houston Area Fiber Artists (HAFA) Meeting Location:  Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599Continue reading “Houston Area Fiber Artists – November 9 and 10”

Eco-dyeing across 3 continents…

I learned traditional dye methods in the Ryukyu Islands, located in the southernmost Prefecture of Japan.  Ryukyu dye methods have been practiced for many, many centuries. As i continue to learn dye methods originating from around the world, the more i see common methods and themes.  The Ryukyu dye methods,  for example, often utilize saltwaterContinue reading “Eco-dyeing across 3 continents…”

Ryukyu Bingata Kimono

Traditional Ryukyu kimonos are constructed of handwoven fabric with bingata natural dye designs.  The underlying fabric is also handwoven, however the weave structure differs and consists of the Kasuri Ikat style. A Hanagasa (lotus flower hat) is typically worn with the traditional bingata kimono as seen on these Ryukyu dancers… As you can see, theContinue reading “Ryukyu Bingata Kimono”

Awamori

Awamori is an ancient alcoholic beverage indigenous to Okinawa.  It is distilled from rice.  The awamori distillation process originates from Thailand.  It is different from sake, mainland Japan’s indigenous drink. Sake is brewed, and not distilled.  In addition, Sake is made from short-grain Japonica rice.  Awamori, on the other hand, is made from long-grain indicaContinue reading “Awamori”

Contemporary Handweavers of Houston – April 21

“Ryukyu Weaving:  Fabrics that Guard the Spirit” Date:  April 21, 2011 Time:  7:00 pm Where:  Contemporary Handweavers of Houston (CHH) Location:  Bayou Manor, 4141 South Braeswood, Houston, TX USA Note that my presentation fee will be donated to the Japan Red Cross to help the tsunami victims in dire need of our support.