Rampuya and Aizome (Indigo)

Here are two videos introducing the processes at Rampuya workshops.

• Indigo plant processing.
• Indigo dye.
• Momotaro/Japan Blue jeans.
• Denim hand loom in action.

Rampuya use the labor-intensive techniques of slow dyeing natural indigo. They use the polygonum legume. The leaves are composted over almost one hundred days to prepare the dye material called sukumo.

The sukumo is mixed with lime and lye (remember lye in Fight Club?) and kneaded until it dissolves. More lye is added, and a sugar agent (sake).

The handloom weaves denim fabric at the honest and steady rate of only 1m per day. (sounds excessively slow to me)

I will be trying to visit these aizome/momtaro/japan blue/rampuya workshops in May.
(Thanks to Neilfuji from kato jeans for giving me the first link to the aizome tour)

I found THE LYE SCENE from Fight Club, so I thought I'd include it here.

Remember the vinegar if you're making your own indigo!