I always have problems using the blog which inhabits me. Sometimes it is its fault as small things change but if I did it regularly it would be easier. It always changes.

Our trip to Japan in the spring was full of textile and art wonders. Here are just a few. Tokyo held many wonders – including frenetic crowds and rain – but most importantly lovely helpful people. I started at the Amuse Boro museum which houses the main collection of these textiles. The remnants of clothing used in desperate cold conditions and poverty.

Tokyo holds a wonderful area of textile shops. The most famous being ‘Tomato’. I bought cheap cotton yardage and even a second hand kimono.

Yuki worked on a collaborative Round the World quilt project with Sheila Steers, Shirley McGregor and myself many years ago. This was the first time that I met Yuki. A fab, fun lady.

Kyoto was where I experienced a roketsu wax resist indigo dye workshop. I was the only one there and spent hours trying to master the application of a wax design with a brush. I learned a lot but did not master it all by any means. Enormous fun.

Textile Town – Nipori, Tokyo
Boro Museum Tokyo. The terrible suffering of the Ainu people of Hokaido.
Roketsu Dye Workshop
wax resist design in dye bath – early colour green
Yuki and Daughter with badges made by Ellie