The Indigo dyeing called « Aïzome » in Japanese is an old hand-crafted technique.
As a natural tint, indigo enables to obtain a infinite range of blue.
Crumpled or tied up, the linen or the cotton is immersed in a dye vat. Green when it’s getting out the bath, it becomes blue in contact with air.

Used by chinese persons since the 5th century, it’s in Japan that the dyeing technique called « Shibori » is widely used with several methods : bonding, weaving, folding, twisting, compression and seam… of fabric.
Each method is used to obtain a special result according to the fabric used. The reactions are different and the result will always be an impressive surprise.

From simple topstitching, over time the « Sashiko » becomes a refined embroidery stitch in the 19th Century with the spread of cotton. It was then used to embroider with a contrast effect on stylized geometric, vegetal or animal decorative patterns…
Ôtsuki Sama revisits the former topstitching with blue or white thread on its indigo tinted creations or on church linen. Graphic patterns which are deliberately unfinished, these handmade embroidries decorate cushions, placemat, tablecloths or napkins.

This the name given by Ôtsuki Sama to this Japanese repeat technique for farmer or fisherman clothes. A little stitch at the front fixes fabric pieces that hide tears.
Ôtsuki Sama creates in « Maekake » style, aprons, quilts or cushions…