Puppy ? Poop ?

Puppy ? Poop ?

On October 7, 2017

One last Yuki story. Not surprisingly, this story has me giggling. Just so we are clear – I love ? and ?!

Wednesday morning we had a bit of free time before meeting for our tour. I decided to take a walk and see a little of the area. I used my resources, Google Maps, and discovered a small park not far from our hotel. We were staying in the Yuki Daiichi Hotel (bottom right) and I walked about a mile to the park on the left.

The park had a trail that was used for exercising and commuting.

As I entered the park, I saw a cute sign. It obviously was asking people to clean up after their dog or cat defecated. Did you notice the chopsticks!?! Kawaii!

I of course giggled and continued on my walk. As I left the park, I walked down a lovely street and passed no less than three people walking their dogs.

Simultaneously, I passed a half dozen or more no poop ? signs. Several I passed more than once!!

You know what I love about these signs? How the sign happily tells the dog owner to clean up their dog’s poop ?! Clearly, picking up poop ? is not just an an American problem.

Perhaps, if we had the kawaii signs, people would be more likely to follow the rules! Regardless, I’ll enjoy a giggle or two each time I pass an adorable puppy ? poop ? sign! Teehee ?

Oribakan – Part 2

By wabisabisole

On October 6, 2017

In Japan, Weaving, Yuki

After our delicious bento box lunch on Wednesday, we meet at the looms to prepare for our afternoon of weaving.

For our weaving arts and crafts project, we were given two choices. We could either make a smaller coaster made from scraps of silk fabric or create a larger coaster made from silk thread. I took a picture of an example of each that were available in the gift shop.

We were given our choices of thread and then brief instructions – in Japanese.

I selected a red, green, and white combination thread. It reminded me of Christmas! Here is my spool of thread ready to weave.

I took a short video so you could see what it’s like to receive directions in Japanese.

Here is one more video. The process of weaving involves sliding the spool through the threads from one side to the other. Simultaneously, one foot is down on the pedal and the other is up. Then slide the bar down to make the threads tight. Switch feet and then slide down the bar twice – dong dong. In the video you can hear sensei say “dong dong” – it makes me giggle.

Here are a few pictures of me working the loom!

Eventually, we had our finished large coasters. Mine is in the middle.

We had a few minutes as the other group finished weaving and I spent it checking out the thread. The thread is made from silk worm cocoons.

It is gently shredded. And then spun into thread. A tedious process!

I enjoyed having the opportunity to weave using the looms. It required a lot of concentration to remember to dong, switch feet, and then dong, dong. I did find the loom to be a little small for my long legs. If I were to take up weaving silk fabric, I would need to have the XL loom. My knees were really achy by the end!

Oribakan-Part 1

By wabisabisole

On October 5, 2017

In Japan, Yuki

On Wednesday, we went to Yuki-Tsumugi to experience Oribakan.

Oribakan describes the dyeing and weaving processes of the silk fabric produced at the factory. In morning, our group was scheduled for an appointment to dye a scarf. The scarf is light, soft, and very strong.

Our dyeing sensei used the board to help explain the different methods for dyeing. He also explained the dye being used is a plant based dye and all natural. He drew a plant to illustrate where each color originated.

He shared with us the colors we would be permitted to use for the dying process.

The colors are seasonal. We had the choice of combining indigo, yellow, orange, and natural (brown). I selected indigo, yellow, and orange in a dotted pattern. Before dyeing, we were given aprons to wear and rubber gloves.

What our scarves looked like before we dyed them.

Our sensei helped us to create unique masterpieces. As we helded the fabric, he would envision where the colors should be placed and the shapes they should take.

The process of the color dying the fabric was amazing. The colors would change not only as the fabric was held in the dye, but also as the fabric was rinsed. It was really cool to watch the transformation of the colors.

We started with indigo. I’m preparing to dip my scarf!

After each color was dyed, the fabric had to be thoroughly rinsed.

After indigo, the fabric was rinsed again and the dye was set with hot water.

The squares or geometric patterns were so cool! How did he fold the scarf so that it made the patterns!?!

Next, I added orange. Or as I liked to call it – vermillion! Sensei looked on with intense concentration as I dipped my scarf. Steady, now!!

I was the only one who choose to incorporate the third color of vermillion. I’m glad I did because it also made a cool geometric pattern!

The final color added was yellow.

As the water rinsed the yellow, the color became more vibrant. The final step was washing the scarf in a water and vinegar mixture to set the colors. I was so pleased with our creation!

Here is a silly picture of me with sensei’s assistant. I was helping her hang my scarf. Notice we are the same height…

I took pictures of all the different scarves we created. Each one was unique.

It was such a fun and unique experience to be a part of the dying process. It reminded me of tie dying. Except we used silk scarves and had the expertise of the sensei to help us create beautiful pieces of wearable art!

We took a break for lunch. We enjoyed a delicious bento box with rose water.

That’s all for now… I’ll tell you about our weaving experience in Oribakan Part 2!

Yuki Road Trip

By wabisabisole

On October 3, 2017

In Japan, Yuki

A friend of mine, Lydia, organized a road trip to Yuki. She rented a van and invited 5 women to join her. I was fortunate to have a couple days free to be able to attend.

The city of Yuki is the birthplace of an ancient and beautiful fabric known as Yuki Tsumugi. Yuki Tsumugi is a fabric produced by using the oldest Japanese silk- weaving technique. The technique creates the highest quality silk fabric in Japan. The silk fabric is described as being strong, light and soft.

The drive took us about three hours. We stopped a couple times to enjoy the rest stops and eat lunch.

We had time this evening to explore the sleepy town of Yuki. In the town center was a visitor center. Here a young lady was learning the art of producing Yuki Tsumugi.

There were also beautiful kimonos that were available for rent.

Not sure they had my size!

Check out these bows!!

We went to another museum hoping to see a kimono exhibit. Instead for the month of October it had a photography display. However, the coolest thing was the fake bonsai.

Upon closer inspection, I realized the leaves were made from the Japanese ¥.05 piece! A real money tree!

Tomorrow we have a full day at the Yuki Tsumugi factory planned before we head back to Yokosuka. I am not sure exactly what we will be seeing and doing, but I’m looking forward to seeing the extravagant fabrics and the meticulous weaving process!