time and the weather
May 14, 2014
the kesa is finished
the simple indigo stripe works well as a binding
I started this in January, it is all hand stitched
indigo and kakishibu
and some old, treasured pieces of Japanese fabrics
I’m very pleased with the results although, with the handwoven lining, I think it is much too heavy to be used as a kesa
most of my waking hours are spent in the garden
Summer weather in May – the rhubarb is loving it
silk previously dyed in indigo and topped dyed in the third rhubarb root bath
the cotton ties only dyed with the indigo
the irises are happy, too
I love the colour and the patterning looks hand painted
16 Comments
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Your kesa turned out so perfectly lovely! Of course I love the kakishibu and indigo colours together. And it’s definitely been perfect spring weather this year. Judging by the dirt under my nails I’ve been spending a good deal of time in the garden too!
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Louisa – I can’t remember such a wild Spring, everything is growing double time. Don’t know why I decided this was the year to dig up a large portion of the back yard?? but I’m slowly and stiffly making progress. Not much happening on the fibre front.
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came back over to look again at the kesa. wow, almighty! and that color is grand!
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Your beautiful kesa is too far away! It’s like an art book – you have to study it slowly and listen to the story behind all the bits in it. And you have completed it just before Vesak.
your iris “forest” is something to strive for – I have to move mine to sunnier place, they never bloom.
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thank you, Velma – indigo and kakishibu. think they were made to go together
Alfia, thank you, yes the kesa has a story to tell. the iris love sun and water, these spread in widening circles.
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so beautiful, the kesa is full of love! and that silk, well if that color is correct it is unbelievably beautiful!
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thanks Velma – it took about 10 shots but the colour is very close to reality.
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Yes, love plants that look hand painted!
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Alice – the irises are so perfect and delicate, I am amazed, every year.
Kerry – thank you. blue, green and purple is one of my favorite combinations.
Lis – we are having an incredibly abundant Spring with very hot days and then rain. Of course the weeds are growing too!
Neki – I want to get dyeing but the garden is demanding attention
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I love the shades of blue and green and purple in this post! The kesa is gorgeous! Well, it’s all gorgeous, for that matter.
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The kesa is sublime Jean, a real treasure. I hope one day to see it in real life. My irises are about to burst their buds, it is warm and sunny today so it might be the day!
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love those irises. and dying to start a vat.
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You have turned those bits and pieces into a work of art. Absolutely marvelous!
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Heather – thank you – and there is a little bit of you and JP stitched in there, too.
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The kesa is beautiful and holds many memories for you.
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Barbara – thank you, it is certainly a project to use up small bits and pieces.
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