This was one of the first Shibori techniques I learned, and still one of my favorite patterns.
"Gangi" means the shape of a flying bird and "Tatsumaki" means a tornado. The sewing process is very simple as all you have to do is wrap it around a running stitch and a rubber hose. By sewing and winding finely, beautiful lines with lots of white can be created. - Sensei Taka
Gangi: 雁木
Also means 1. zigzag pattern, zigzag formation 2. steps down from a pier 3.pathway covered by extended eaves to protect from snow 4. large saw used by lumberjacks
Tatsumaki 竜巻
竜dragon, imperial巻scroll, volume, book, part, roll up, wind up, tie, coil, counter for texts (or book scrolls)
I made a silk scarf using this pattern and dyed it using a Cochineal immersion dye process. The pink hues of the cochineal took a deeper red color, and the pattern was striking and beautiful. It quickly became a piece that I was proud of, and I use the images of this scarf often as a promotional image.
I sold this piece at the last Fellowship of the Craft fair we participated in. I was speaking with a couple that were interested in my block prints, and Will came up to me and said that he sold the scarf. I instantly felt an overwhelming sense of sadness, and visibly looked like I was going to start crying. At the start of that day, I told myself that I would keep the scarf if it wasn’t sold at the end of the day- and secretly hoped that I could. As an artist, I find that letting go of work that you connected with through its creation can be difficult, but also a sign of completion. If I want to keep something, I know that it’s ready- and that I should not keep it. I think of this piece often and hope it is well loved at it’s home.
The first time I worked on the pattern, I used a linen cloth and dyed it using a Logwood immersion dye process. The purple from logwood is very vibrant, due to the characteristics of my well water. I kept this smaller piece as pattern sample, but also display it proudly in my home.