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Dye Journal

Explorations in Natural Dyeing, Indigo, Shibori, Bojagi, and all things textile related.


Featured posts:

Featured
Sashiko - Takenhanezashi Stitch
Dec 27, 2025
Sashiko - Takenhanezashi Stitch
Dec 27, 2025

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).

Dec 27, 2025
Sashiko - Modified Dan Tsunagi Stitch
Dec 25, 2025
Sashiko - Modified Dan Tsunagi Stitch
Dec 25, 2025

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.

Dec 25, 2025
Sashiko - Dan Tsunagi Stitch
Dec 15, 2025
Sashiko - Dan Tsunagi Stitch
Dec 15, 2025

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…

Dec 15, 2025
Sashiko - Kurguri Jujizashi Stitch
Dec 10, 2025
Sashiko - Kurguri Jujizashi Stitch
Dec 10, 2025

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…

Dec 10, 2025
Sashiko - Hana-Fukin Sampler
Dec 7, 2025
Sashiko - Hana-Fukin Sampler
Dec 7, 2025

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….

Dec 7, 2025

Japan - Gifu - Aiwayu Indigo Dye Workshop - Oogangi Shibori

October 11, 2025

Text below from Aiwayu <3

‘⁡A textile artist from California, USA visited us for the Hondate Sho-Aizome experience.
⁡
He has been traveling across Japan, visiting various dyeing and textile specialists, learning through workshops and deepening his understanding of Japanese craft.
⁡
During his journey, he became interested in Hondate Sho-Aizome,and came all the way to our studio to experience it firsthand.
⁡
Although “indigo dyeing” is often spoken of as one, the raw materials, the preparation of the dye vat, its maintenance, and the dyeing methods vary widely—and naturally, the results and expressions of color differ as well.
⁡
We continue to walk this path, deeply moved by the cosmic wisdomand human knowledge that dwell within Hondate Sho-Aizome, as taught to us by our master.
⁡
During the experience, we shared about the mindset we hold when facing indigo, and the beauty of true fermentation-based indigo dyeing—a living process nurtured over time.
⁡
He listened with sincerity and genuine curiosity as a fellow craftsman,and his thoughtful engagement left a deep impression on us.
⁡
We are truly grateful for the time of resonance we shared—
a moment where hearts connected beyond borders and cultures, through indigo.’

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