Mame shibori explained (video)

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Mame ("beans") shibori is a classically Edo design, a pea-dot pattern most common for tenugui (hand towel).

Harisho, the only remaining itajime master continuing practice of this traditional Edo period technique, demonstrates on video how to fold fabric several times into very small strips then put in between carved wooden boards (for mame, the boards are grooved). Recently, Harisho collaborated with popular Japanese fashion brand SOU.SOU, providing fabrics for their contemporary tabi collection.

Mame fabric created by Harisho is available in Yoshiko's online shop.

Thanks for sharing, Barbara Shapiro!

What is boro?

Here's a great video clip (~17min) of Yoshiko and Kim Schuefftan* discussing, identifying and showing examples of different boro. There's a lot of great information to learn here. It's also fun to watch Yoshiko and Kim banter about with one another.
*Kim, who has been living in Japan for 40+ years, has had a long career as editor of some of the most monumental books on Japanese culture, including Yoshiko's seminal first book on shibori (yes, they've been friends for over 30 years).


Click here for video clip







You can see the full segment and learn other great information on shibori and textiles on the DVD, "Arimatsu Narumi Shibori" ($34.95, shipping included) available here.