Shibori

More about the book

The potential for creating textile designs is inherent in the physical properties of cloth, particularly how tightly compressed fabric resists dye penetration. This quality allows for the creation of unique designs through various methods of shaping and securing cloth before dyeing. While this practice is recognized globally, Japan has uniquely expanded it into a comprehensive array of traditional resist techniques known as shibori. This involves manipulating cloth through plucking, pinching, twisting, stitching, and more, followed by securing these shapes through binding and clamping. The resulting designs exhibit a softness and spontaneity, capturing the beauty of unexpected outcomes during the dyeing process. The motivation for this book stems from the need to preserve and document these techniques, particularly those that have faded from memory in Japan. However, the authors have gone beyond mere documentation, reviving forgotten shibori methods through extensive research and experimentation. The work also highlights contemporary fiber artists' contributions to shibori textile art and wearable art, showcasing the creative possibilities within this medium. Featuring 104 color and 298 black-and-white plates, the book includes a photographic gallery of traditional shibori fabrics, a guide to natural dyes, indigo vat care, supplier information in North America, and a glossary and bibliography. Now in paperback, it remains a c