Dye Journal
Explorations in Natural Dyeing, Indigo, Shibori, Bojagi, and all things textile related.
Featured posts:
Shibori - Yotsu Hinode
This shibori is an adapted form of a technique called "Hinode Shibori". ‘Honode’ (日の出) means "sunrise", and ‘Yotsu’ (四つ) means "4". Making this Shibori name’s meaning "four sunrises".
Shibori - Gangi Tatsumaki
"Gangi" means the shape of a flying bird and "Tatsumaki" means a tornado.
LerClerc Nilus Loom
I kicked off the year with an awful sinus infection that kept me out of my studio, but I did receive a wonderful exciting gift from my hubby. I have wanted to start weaving my own textiles for a while. It feels like the natural progression in my studio work, and now I have a floor loom to explore…
Sashiko - Takenhanezashi Stitch
Moving forward again from Dan Tsunagi, the Takenhanezashi stitch is an easy variation that adds a little more pattern and an opportunity for an additional color. The name breaks down to Take (竹): Bamboo, Hane (跳ね): Jump, splash, or spring, and Zashi (刺し): Stitching (from the verb sasu, to stitch/pierce).
Sashiko - Modified Dan Tsunagi Stitch
Moving forward from Dan Tsunagi and preparing for the Takenhanezashi stitch , I made an error half way through my 2nd direction of stitches. Where I should have alternated the sewing on each row, I mirrored one row and then continued on with alternating. Thankfully this happened at the exact halfway point, so the stitch ended up looking intentional and also beautiful. It essentially looks like the Yamagata stitch, but only one half of it.
Sashiko - Dan Tsunagi Stitch
Today’s Sashiko pattern is named Dan Tsunagi - Linked Step Stitch. “Dan” means step or stair, and “Tsunagi” means connected or linked. It’s another Hitomezashi stitch pattern. These are made up of small straight lined stitches that build the pattern up in layers…
Sashiko - Kurguri Jujizashi Stitch
Morning Sashiko before heading out for the day. This pattern is a Kurguri Jujizashi - woven 10 cross stitch. Kurguri means ‘go through’ and Jujizashi is the 10 cross stitch. Jujizashi, with the number 10, is also representative of a wish for wealth or prosperity…
Sashiko - Hana-Fukin Sampler
Hana Fukin translates to ‘Flower Cloth’, or ‘Kitchen Cloth’. These stitched cloths area small treasures, used in daily applications and also considered family heirlooms and wedding dowries. They can be used as decorative items, placemats, food coverings, gift wrapping, table runners, decorative pillows, etc. The stitches and thread reinforce the fabric, making them beautiful and also durable for use. The creation of the Hana Fukin itself is an example of patience and quiet meditation. They take time and planning to create….
Sashiko Kurguri Sashi Stitch
Kurguri means ‘go through/under’ and Sashi means stitch. This pattern combines the running stitch foundation we use in Yokogushi with a woven element. Using a contrasting treat for the weave creates more depth, and since the weave is only done on the front side (unless you add it to the back as well), you have 2 patterns in one piece; Kurguri Sashi on the front and Yokogushi on the back…
Sashiko Komezashi Stitch
Komezashi, meaning rice stitch, is a pattern that symbolizes a wish for a rich harvest and abundance. The name comes from the stitch’s appearance, which looks like the kanji character for rice…