In this exceptional year where many families won't be able to get together, gift wrapping takes on a special importance. I have brainstormed a lot to figure out a packaging that would be both easy on the environment yet elegant. All the materials are based on recycled...
Blog
Sur la route du Tokaido @ Musée Guimet
It seems as I haven' really come back from Japan... keep looking for indigo everywhere! On a busy day in paris, I managed to stop at the Musee Guimet to catch an exhibition showcasing a flurry of etchings from the famed Tokaido route. The Tokaido is the east...
Nuishibori
Nuishibori is a name used in Japan for all reserve techniques where stitching and tying is involved. It is a fascinating world I am starting to explore, and I find that applying it to our typically French fabrics created a wonderful cultural melting pot. Stitching and...
Indigo dyeing
In the world of natural dyes, indigo has a place on it's own. Unlike other dyes, it does not need mordanting and can be applied to the fabric straight after scouring. However, it is still very labour intensive, and patience is still of essence here. The dye is applied...
Itajime shibori
Itajime shibori is another reserve technique used to create patterns. This time the fabric is folded and pressed between two pieces of wood. The folds, along with press placement, lead to a variety of patterns. I am always in awe with the magic of those geometric...
Arashi shibori
The Arashi pattern is created by tying a piece of cloth very tightly around a cylinder and then crumpling down the fabric to form little creases. It is one of the numerous reserve techniques used in Japan grouped under the shibori term. The tradition was to use a very...
Lee Young-Hee, l’etoffe des rêves
A sublime exhibition at the Musee Guimet in Paris, an endless source of inspiration as all her creations where based on naturally dyed, hand made fabrics, dreamy indeed! The exhibition opens with traditional Korean costumes, all recreated by the Korean stylist. Most...
Back from Tokushima
In Septembre 2019, along with a group of fellow natural dyers conducted by Leaf organisation (now Tinctoria), we had the incredible chance to attend a 10 day class at Buaisou where along with putting together a Sukumo based indigo vat, we also practised several...
Aizumi-cho historical museum
Another perl in our awesome trip organised by @leafLuberon around the indigo course at Buaisou Set in the former house of a major indigo merchant, this museum traces the history of indigo production, and use: from seed to fabric. The exquisite miniature scenes are a...
Katazome and processing the lavender crop at la Baye des Anges
The lavender field at la Baye des Anges, is the source and inspiration for the lavender pouches production. We planted this field in 2013, and ever since the first crop, we have been enjoying the powerful fragrance all over the house.
Buaisou: advanced indigo dying and reserve techniques course
A 10 day training organised by @leafluberon in Tokushima, Japan, at the @Buaisou-i workshop. An eagerly anticipated trip which went way ahead of my expectations. Filled with people passionate about indigo, natural dying practices, sustainability, life and slow...
Photoshooting @ Senanque Abbey
We took advantage of a visit to Senanque Abbey to shoot Mei Line's creation in one of Provence's iconic location. The thoughtful monks have actually set up a mini lavendin field outside of the gated areas, for photo opportunities...