magic moments
it is the small events in life that truly matter, create memories and nurture friendships
someone (they know who they are) that I met through our blogs
gave me a collection of tools and materials for cutting and using stencils (katagami)
oh my! — rolls of kakishibu treated washi
paper cones and tips for tsutsugaki
punches for cutting patterns
silk gauze for reinforcing delicate patterns
ingredients to make rice paste and dyes
two skeins (16 oz.) of yarn that would appear to be silk paper
if anyone knows what this is called or how it is made I would love to know…?
and books…
two Japanese books of traditional stencil patterns
Harald Bohmer’s Koekboya, a book of natural dyes
The Silk Weavers of Kyoto by Tamara K. Hareven, research, study and personal interviews with the obi weavers of Nishijin, Kyoto. I explored and fell in love with this area when I was a student at Kawashima.
I am planning to host a workshop on a variety of Japanese techniques in 2013, many of these tools and materials will be shared
this is no small event and I am overwhelmed with the generosity and thoughtfulness of the gifter
and now, with only the vaguest idea of where this is leading me I’m prepared for the winter months
www.onesmallstitch.Wordpress.com u 
the paper yarn is called “shifu”
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Linda – I cut, spin, dye and weave with paper shifu yarn, first learned the technique at Kawashima Textile school in Kyoto 20 years ago. This yarn is silk and definitely is not shifu
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Unexpected treasures given to us make us feel overwhelmed and joyful, like children receiving a surprise. I am the same when someone brings me a bag full of old embroideries, your gift is really a special one.
Wouldn’t be nice if I could come for the workshop on my way to LA?
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Blandina – it is the special, unexpected events that create a quiet joy in life.
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Lucky you! I especially love the smell of the kakishibu-treated stencil paper. Kind of smoky and spicy. (Yes, I’ve tried katazome!) Can’t wait to see what you do with this fabulous haul!
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Lousia – there are 7 1/2 full sheets of paper that have been rolled up and stored in a tube for a long time, the smell is heady. I stick my nose in the tube occasionally just to get a whiff.
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this is truly wonderful! enjoy the fun times ahead.
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thanks Neki
Lis – it will be fun, I’ll keep you posted
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How wonderful that whoever had these fantastic things knew that you would appreciate them and give them a new life and so was generous enough to pass them on. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of a winter of studying and stencil cutting. I too wish I could join your workshop but that’s not to be.
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Yes what a great collection of objects and books, I look forward to seeing your creations. Now how are you going to find the time to weave too! Have fun….
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Kathy – Kirstin — the silk yarn is hard to resist, have to think of something special to weave
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What fun! Oh, the possibilities. Love that silk paper yarn, but, sorry, have no idea how to make that. When you find out, let us know 😉
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Wow jean! A treasure trove! Gorgeous.
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Hi Myra – it amazes me what unexpectedly comes ones way.
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oh, LOVELY, jean, congratulations. fine and perfect gifts for you. i think it’s a superb idea and only wish i were closer. if you send me a couple of inches of it, i will try to figure it out! (i suspect, though, you know as much if not more than me.)
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My oh my! What a lucky girl you are. I have no doubt that all this generous gift will be put to very good use and the knowledge shared with like minded people. Enjoy! How I wish I could come to Canada to do your workshop.b
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I remember visiting a museum in Dublin that had display cases full of archaic gold objects that the label referred to as a “hoard” discovered during an archeological dig. It always struck me that this treasure had been hidden away for centuries, appreciated by no one, and really with no value. Treasure only has currency when it circulates – I think the giver knew you would bring it to life! (I too am looking forward to the workshop!)
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oh wow! what a fantastic collection of material; you should soon be quite the accomplished stencil cutter! i would love to come to the workshop next year; it’s possible as we are on the same coastline now. exciting!
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Anastasia – I think it takes a lifetime of concentrated learning to become even a modest stencil cutter so I will attempt small and simple designs. I’ll keep you posted about next year as soon as details are confirmed. 🙂 Jean
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