Japan May 2010
One of my stops this trip was to meet Bryan Whitehead. Bryan is living every fiber artists dream.
He had been living in Japan for the past 25 years in a very old traditional Japanese farmhouse.
Pictured here in his shop in the Fujino town center, Bryan demonstrates backstrap weaving.

Bryan raises his own indigo and prepares the leaves in the traditional Japanese method of fermentation. He maintains an indigo dyebath at both the shop and house.
Of special note, he raises his own silkworms, then reels, dyes and weaves the silk.
Dyeing includes the indigo as well as other natural dyeing vegetation.


Please visit his website: www.japanesetextileworkshops.blogspot.com/

Japan, May 2010
Recently returned to Japan for more lessons and shopping.
Spent a few days in Tokyo purchasing Saganishiki thread and warp paper. Also visited a number of shops that sell accessories.
Lessons focused on Moyoori this visit. Very complicated and most went over my head. I like the technique and want to continue. I prefer combining design with pattern.

While in Kyushu, visited Akizuki to observe the use of the cherry tree in the making of a pink dye. Mr. Yasuhisa Komuro claims he is the only dyer who has had success making the pink color from the cherry tree. It takes 3 months to make the dye using select parts of the cherry tree. Three colors can be obtained: beige, orange and pink.