In the summer of 2019 I visited the Daruma Yokota thread dyeing factory in Kyoto, Japan. As our wholesale company, Orimono Imports, is a distributor for the brand and our retail shop, Kimonomomo has sold their thread for several years, I was hoping to learn more about the dyeing process and brainstorm some new ideas. In both regards, the visit was a resounding success.

Kyoto is typically hot and humid in summer, so much so that I always get blisters on my feet, no matter what kind of shoes or sandals I wear. With all the walking I do it ...

I’m super excited to share with you my latest toy! When I create my Christmas Wish List, I often put impractical items. To me, a wish list isn’t a shopping list for people wanting to find me a gift, it is a chance to dream about all the toys that I’d love to own someday. […]

I had another great learning weekend! At the top of my quilting bucket list is a trip to the International Quilt Festival in Houston. Yes, one day I will go there...in person. However, this year I was able to attend a few virtual workshops offered through the festival. 

Sashiko stitching 

I took 3 courses and today I want to tell you about Sashiko Essentials - A Modern Adaptation of Ancient Handwork. The master class was taught by Shannon & Jason Mullett-Bowlsby of Shibaguyz Designz.

Sashiko printed designs - two of five are now done

I've been interested in Sashiko stitching for ...

Sashiko and Boro reference books – hard to find/out of print editions worth seeking out

Three lovely books for visual and text reference. One in Japanese, and two in both English and Japanese. These are not how-to books, but beautiful resources for getting a feel for sashiko, kogin, and boro textiles in historical context.

Links provided were valid on Amazon at the time I wrote this, but as these books are out of print they may not be available or may be ridiculously expensive. I’ve provided ISBN numbers for the first two you can use to search for these ...

My approach to stitching the traditional Seigaiha Wave design with variegated sashiko thread

There are many variations of Seigaiha – the ubiquitous Japanese wave design that consists of overlapping arches. Turn it upside down and you have fish or dragon scales. Add an extra line or two and you have rainbows. It’s pretty versatile and adaptable. Don’t have printed ...