Tag Archives: Heritage Textiles

The Weaving of Flowers

Shuri Hana Ori is a float weave structure that originated in Shuri, the capitol of the Ryukyu Kingdom, during the Ryukyu Kingdom period (15 – 19th century).  Shuri is located on Okinawa Island, Japan. Hana means “flower” and “ori” means weaving in Japanese, therefore Shuri Hana Ori (or, Hana Ui in Ryukyuan language) is essentiallyContinue reading “The Weaving of Flowers”

These Bashofu Threads…

I’ve been spinning and winding these bashofu threads, and as I do, my mind spins and wanders too… What shall these bashofu threads be?  A book cover, or tapestry?  Or perhaps a cherished cloth for my family? These bashofu threads, once dyed and handwoven will tell a story.  Like these vintage kimonos, they will documentContinue reading “These Bashofu Threads…”

Shibori Wanderings

Wandering about Izumi Village in Okinawa, Japan has it’s advantages.  Someone always seems to have a Ryukyu Ai (indigo) pot available in this region of Okinawa Island known for its Ryukyu Ai production and dyework. So, after wandering about and talking to my Izumi family members and other locals, I found a Ryukyu Ai vatContinue reading “Shibori Wanderings”

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”

Exhibition: “The Art of Fiber”…Lorton, Virginia USA

Just in time for the holidays, The Workhouse Arts Center presents the exhibition, “The Art of Fiber” from November 23 – December 31, 2011.  The exhibit is a celebration of  “the beauty and creativity of the fiber arts”. I am so happy that one of my hand-dyed shawls was juried into the exhibit by jurorsContinue reading “Exhibition: “The Art of Fiber”…Lorton, Virginia USA”

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”

Exhibition: “Interwoven III″…Houston, Texas USA

The “Interwoven III” exhibit will open next week at the 18 Hands Gallery, Houston, Texas USA.  I’ve been busy handspinning silk threads and weaving…a combination of recycled silk and kibiso silk are combined in my two scarves on display.  You’re welcome to see for yourself and attend the opening reception on Saturday! “Interwoven III″ ExhibitContinue reading “Exhibition: “Interwoven III″…Houston, Texas USA”