Materials：Cotton yarn, Recycled fabric yarn, Raw silk, Japanese washi paper yarn, Wooden parts, Metal parts, Variety of handmade beads (walnuts, acorns, etc)…Product variations:Yaaya’s handmade yarn.We make Japanese washi paper yarn that has been dyed. You will get a good sense of what our Japanese ancestors did to resourcefully make their washi yarn. Washi yarn has a soft and silky texture that is great for lace and crochet. Because it is light and airy, it has similar benefits like silk. Cooling during summer and warming during winter.Washi paper has been used in Japan for decades. It’s strong, durable, water-resistant, and versatile. In Japan, it is commonly seen inside homes on sliding doors (shoji). Because summers are very hot and humid, washi helps control temperatures and humidity. It’s also great for UV protection. Yaaya’s plant-dyes.Natural dyes that Yaaya uses are symbolic of Japanese culture. Cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan. There are many species of cherry blossoms in Japan and Yaaya became curious about how to incorporate this national beauty into her creations. She uses cherry blossoms from her hometown in northern Hokkaido.Mugwort Dye.In Japan, Mugwort is called Yomogi. It may be just an invasive weed to many but in Japan, it is used for a variety of things such as an ingredient for food, desserts, food coloring, skincare, tea, and natural dye. Traditionally, we have Nanakusa-no-sekku (七草) which is a customary 7-herb rice porridge eaten on January 7th signifying the coming of spring.Nut Dye.Yaaya forages for acorns and walnuts herself. When it is autumn the fruits begin to fall to the ground. I pick them, wash them many times, and use them for dye. She also processes them to use them as decorations for her handmade beads. The dye turns out as a gentle grey tone but depending on how long you bathe the fabric/yarn, the color can become more ochre.
