May 2, 2012

Indigo Sisters and the Japanese Textiles Study Tour

We called ourselves Indigo Sisters on the tour. It was strange because I thought of the name well before the tour started and kept it to myself. The other members thought of the same thing. Great minds think alike I guess!

Thank you, thank you Indigo sisters. You were all delightful to spend 10 days with. Each and everyone brought unique experiences to share with the others to make this tour a success so thank you.


Eight months of planning and renovating packed into 10 days. It was a busy and enjoyable 10 days of fun! I have to thank all the helpers in Japan who tirelessly gave a hand to one thing or the other to get the preparation and renovation completed by 20 minutes before the members arrived!


We didn't keep the program down to the T due to the weather and local artisans' availability. We filled the program and packed in extras. I took about 900 photos using my iPhone and will sort them by activities instead of days.


The results of the first day dyeing at the farm. There were two indigo vats ready for the members to use. These were dyed using chopsticks resist (itajime). 


My silk scarf I pre stitched and dyed at the indigo master Noguchi-San's studio. I'm so happy the way it turned out! 


Two of the Indigo sisters, Lis and Blandina. They were just taking a quick break from dyeing!


This is Noguchi-San's studio and residence. Visiting Noguchi-San for me was the highlight of the tour.  


Myra on the steps of Fuji-Sengen Shrine. The Fuji-Sengen Shrine is located at the northern foot of mount Fuji. Fuji-San is only 45 minutes drive from Fujino. Unfortunately we didn't see the mountain that day. It's quite common that people go to Fuji-San for five or six times without seeing the top of it! I made a wish to go back and see it on a clear day...!


Jean was holding the knitted cloth knitted by Kurihara San on an old knitting machine. The members dyed cotton threads at the beginning of the tour and Kurihara San took it away to knit it. He brought the cloth back on the last day of the tour for members to share.


Judi showed one of the scarves she dyed during the tour. Judi is a real Indigo sister. She was a wiz at the vat! 

Here is a list of tour members with blogs. Do visit them and see great photos from the tour.
Lis Harwood
Cynthia Tomaszewski
Myra Dunn
Jean Betts
Blandina
And Bryan

I have to share with you DS's Bike Babies adventure blog. My son and his family left for their bicycle adventure holiday with their two children age under four. They are keeping a blog in order to share their experiences with young families wanting to go on this kind of holiday. Please leave them an encouraging comment when you visit their blog.

Till next time
Nat

13 comments:

myfluffybag said...

It was a great tour thanks to you Nat and Bryan and all the helpers. The Indigo Sisters contributed to the success of the study tour with their humour, their kindness, their willingness to share and learn new things. Well done Japan Textile Study Tour. We are all tired but it is a happy tiredness from having lots of laughs and a good time!

Needled Mom said...

Oh my goodness! What fun you all had! It looks like it was a wonderful learning experience and the pieces you have shown are just gorgeous.

deanna7trees said...

so glad that you all had a great time. i followed along with your postings and am enjoying the follow ups by you and Lis. will have to check the others blogs. your son and daughter in law are very brave to travel with 2 small children. i am following along with their blog.

Nedra said...

Looks like an amazing 10 days with your kindred spirits. So glad you had such a good time. Beautiful setting and works.

Simone de Klerk said...

What a wonderful time you must have had!!! And you all look so happy and proud.
Very special, that all of you thought of the same name!
Your son and his family are really going for an adventure.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Sounds like you all had a fantastic time...just perfect!!!

Kim said...

Welcome home Nat! I've been thinking of you and your fellow dyers.....looks like a wonderful time was had by all. I can't wait to see more of your trip and hear about all your adventures.

Happy sewing

Queen of the Tea Cosies said...

You should be very proud Nat. What an incredible adventure you shared. Perhaps you have a whole new career ahead of you.

antique quilter said...

I was wondering how you were doing! I am so thrilled for you that it all worked out and everyone had fun. I am looking forward to seeing more pictures. Kathie

sheila at shecological said...

OMG!! You are an amazing woman and it looks like such a fun and memorable trip. The shibori is stunning. I look forward to more posts. congrats on doing that whole tour and welcome back.

blandina said...

I can not stop dreaming about the tour, it made such an impression on me. We were an active bunch of people given an incredible opportunity: Bryan and Nat, you did a great job!

Jeannie said...

Welcome home and I am so happy the tour was a sucess. I'll be back to read more!

judib said...

Thanks Nat and Bryan. Without your encouragement I may not have gone . What an experience I would have .missed. So many fantastic opportunities and so many treasures. Indigo sisters forever

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