S210 KASURI OVERVIEW

M605 A TOUCH OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC - LAUHALA BRACELETS

Jennie L. Hutchings
Kauai, Hawaii and Akron, Ohio

Jennie has been weaving, spinning and teaching since the 1960’s. Her interests have grown and expanded into bookmaking, knotless netting and working with metals and natural materials for baskets. Living in Japan and learning to weave (in Japanese), she studied many things Japanese and traveled and explored over a 15 year period—photographing many weavers, dyers, spinners, potters and papermakers and collecting Japanese Kimono and Kasuri. Now dividing her time between Ohio and Kauai, Hawaii, she is studying Polynesian fiber techniques, using the abundant natural materials found on the islands. She continues her weaving and teaching in Ohio and Kauai, showing her work in both places.

A slide lecture—Jennie lived for many years in Japan and was able to visit, revisit and photograph many artisans. Her slides focus on the weaving village of Yuki, famous for tying, dyeing and weaving kimono; Tsumugi, Murayama, a small community using the "board-jammed" technique; a small family weaving establishment that uses a "warp shifting" box; an artist who hand spins and uses only natural dyes for his work and his apprentices; and a visit to a 200 year old indigo dye factory that has been in the same family for all those years. Hands on samples will be displayed and a special Kasuri tying technique will be taught.

Supplies: Notebook, pencils, scissors.
Fee: None.
Level: All.

Using leaves from the hala or pandanus tree, you will weave one or two bracelets in a plain or twill weave. Slides, photographs and samples will be shared. Lauhala, natural and dyed, and a bamboo tool will be provided.

Supplies: Knife; scissors; masking tape; sobo or Elmer’s glue; old towel; spray bottle; notebook; pencil; tape measure and a happy face.
Fee: $10.00
Level: All.

Top of page.