Introduction to Kami Ito (Japanese paper yarn)
This special workshop is offered in honour of John Noble, a great lover of textiles whose generous donation to the Guild enables us to provide specialty workshops every two years for further education in his name.
John worked at the College of Textiles in Melbourne as a lecturer in dyeing. A long-time member of the guild, after retirement he volunteered in the library until his death.
John’s hobby, apart from spinning and weaving, was travelling. He collected many books and samples of weaving on his travels and particularly liked the Ikat and backstrap weaving techniques.
John was extremely generous with his knowledge, and we are forever grateful for the generous legacy he left to the guild.
Introduction to Kami Ito (Japanese paper yarn) is a three-day workshop
You will be making paper yarn from 3 different types of paper. At the end of 2.5 days, you will have 3 different types of paper yarns.
1 sheet each or Japanese handmade paper (11g), Japanese machine-made paper (25gsm), and a page of vintage paper from a Japanese account book.
The workshop will provide damp cloth for wetting paper, concrete pavers on which to roll paper, paper cone wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for steaming.
During this workshop you will learn the process of making paper yarn
- Folding the paper.
- Cutting paper into 5mm wide strips precisely.
- Dampen paper for rolling.
- Rolling paper, takes about 20-30 minutes per quarter sheet.
- Wait for paper to dry and tear ends to form continuous length.
- Spin paper to form twist and wind onto cone.
- Steam paper to set.
Workshop Dates
Saturday, 14th March 10am - 3pm with 30 mins for lunch
Sunday, 15th March, 10am - 3pm with 30 mins for lunch
Sunday, 22nd March, 10am - 1 pm.
The benefits of joining the Guild
Click here to join the Guild - annual membership is $80 full or $70 concession.
Membership gives you access to all the Guild's amenities including our library of over 3000 books, DVDs and magazines, special interest groups, discounted access to all workshops and courses, and our once-a-month magazine Treadles.
Details
You will learn
- Students will be able to make paper yarn from Japanese washi paper. Kami = paper, Ito = thread or yarn
You will get
- You will be making paper yarn from 3 different types of paper. At the end of 2.5 days, you will have 3 different types of paper yarns.
Appropriate for
No experience is expected but some basic spinning experience is helpful
Preparation
What to bring
- Notebook, pencil, ruler, scissors, 1 towel (about 90cm long)
- Cutting mat, A3 size (with metric marking, smooth surface).cutting knife (with new blade and type that does not retract automatically, and comfortable handle)
- Steel ruler for cutting against. If you don’t have any of these items. Please let the guild know after enrolment by email -hwsgvteaching@gmail. com and we will try to provide them for you.
What to wear
Something comfortable, mask if you may be affected by paper dust, and closed toe shoes.
Your Teacher
Your tutor Amanda learnt this technique at Kawashima Textile school in Kyoto, Japan, in 2019. She has permission from her instructor Keiko Yoshida to pass on this method. Keiko Sensei learnt her craft of making paper yarn from Ms Takiyo Hattori and Ms Hiroko Karuno.
Amanda has been making and weaving with Japanese paper yarn since then.
Organized by
Handweavers & Spinners Guild of Victoria
569 reviewsThe Guild's aim is to bring together those who practise handweaving, spinning and allied crafts and to help and encourage them to increase their knowledge, understanding and skills by discussion, demonstration, exhibition, teaching and the provision of quality resource materials.
Our Guild rooms house an excellent library and craft supply, sell members work and host a wonderful range of interest groups, classes and workshops.
We have members and affiliated groups throughout the state.
Come and join us!
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 7 days before class starts. Free of charge.
- A transfer can be requested 7 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
No changes will be allowed after these times.
We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.
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Introduction to Kami Ito (Japanese paper yarn)
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