chibana hanaori :: the miracle coaster

chibana hanaori :: the miracle coaster

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By Patricia Belyea

OKINAWA JP  It felt like a miracle! I wove a coaster with a super-cool square flower pattern that rose above the background fabric — a technique known as hanaori.

In Japanese, hana means "flower," and ori means "weaving."

Weaving at Chibana-Hanaori in Okinawa City

I was surprised by all the things I had to coordinate each time I scooted the shuttle across the loom — pressing my feet on the pedals, raising and lowering the heddles, and counting to follow the pattern. 

I was at the Chibana-Hanaori Cooperative, an Okinawan center for weaving.

This experience was made possible by an expert team who set up my loom and an instructor who guided me kindly.

Chibana-Hanaori Weaving Center in Okinawa CityYarn prep at Chibana-Hanaori in Okinawa

The members there use regional plant materials to dye their yarns.

Chibana-Hanaori Weaving Center in Okinawa City

Following traditional patterns, they set up their looms to produce intricate designs. The cotton textiles are typically used for clothing worn at festivals and formal events.

Chibana-Hanaori Weaving Center in Okinawa CityChibana-Hanaori Weaving Center in Okinawa City
With smiles everywhere, my visit to the weaving center was pure delight.
This hands-on workshop is a perfect fit for the upcoming Textile Treasures of Okinawa tour: a traditional textile, check; a fun learning experience, check; a happy place, check!

To visit the Chibana-Hanaori website +click here

Location
5-6-7 Chibana, Okinawa City, 904-2143 

Weaving at Chibana-Hanaori in Okinawa

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ABOUT US: Okan Arts, a petite family business, is co-owned by mother-daughter duo Patricia Belyea and Victoria Stone. Patricia and Victoria sell Japanese textiles online, host creative quilting experiences, and lead quilting & textile tours to Japan.

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