A tote bag dyeing experience taught by the skilled craftspeople of "Pagong"Tote bag dyeing

Contents of Experience

Clothing items such as Kyo Yuzen Aloha Shirts started from the Kyo Yuzen dyer founded in the Taisho Period. You can experience dyeing using traditional shapes and colors etc. at the factory where craftspeople usually work. This time you get to dye a tote bag. How would you like to create your very own tote bag working under seasoned yet easy-going craftspeople?

1. 

   STEP1

   The experience starts at Pagong's main office, which is full of flamboyant items. First, choose a pattern between "Ryu (dragon)" and "Hana usagi (confection)". Then, you can pick the base and motif colors from the 12 color samples.

2. 

   STEP2

   After leaving your luggage, you will head to the factory equipped with an apron and arm covers. You can visit live scenes overflown with a feeling of reality, such as "ekiba" where dyes are combined, the dyeing tables etc. You might think "that makes sense", while they explain the basics and process of dyeing.

3. 

   STEP3

   This is the molding yard located in the 3rd floor of the factory. Precious molds carved by local craftsmen of Kyoto are lined up here. Sometimes more than 20 molds are used to dye a single pattern. This view is astonishing, and taking photos is allowed here.

4. 

   STEP4

   After the tour, it is time to dye. After practicing, your first task is choosing a color. Place the mold on the fabric and apply the color paste with a spatula called Sukeji. It is quite difficult to dye up to the top with full strength!

5. 

   STEP5

   After applying the color paste, wash the mold and the Sukeji immediately with water. This part will be done by a craftsperson, but I am moved by the realization how much strength this requires.... It's amazing that they do this many times a day.

6. 

   STEP6

   When the first color dries, comes the second color. It also surprised me that the craftsperson put the mold so that it does not slip off towards the first color. If you move the Sukeji at the same angle and pressure to dye it, the work is completed. When you remove the mold, the pattern you chose at the beginning will appear.

7. 

   STEP7

   Return the apron and arm covers at Pagong's main shop. The dyed fabric will be steamed, washed, passed through the sewing process, and will arrive at your home about a month later. Let's imagine what kind of finish it will be and what to put in it.