Interesting websites

While doing some reading for research on future posts I cam across some interesting sites. Thought I would post them here for any readers who are interested.

Noh Drama "noh.com is a full of rich information about Noh. You will enjoy photo stories that take you to the center of the Noh stage, reading material that helps you understand everything about Noh, articles that highlight the people who work on front stage or behind the scenes, a list of plays with guiding directories, the stories of Noh masks, and a lot more to come. From beginners to experts, there's always something that catches your eye."

An interview from Noh.com - Master Yasujirō Yamaguchi who turned 104 in 2008 has cultivated unsurpassed skills in nearly a century as a master of Nishijin textile, reaching the pinnacle of his craft. He became involved almost exclusively in the creation of Noh costumes nearly 50 years ago, and has made nearly 300 pieces.

Kaga embroidery - history, techniques, and examples of Kaga embroidery.

Traditional Crafts of Japan - Information from the Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries, Japan.

Pinks - from an antique design book

A very successful class

You may remember back in October last year we ran a taster class on Japanese embroidery and following that we advertised a four day phase class and another two day taster course. Well I'm pleased to say that in April at the Crofters Hotel in Garstang (near Preston) five of our original students returned to start their phase one piece, one was doing a pre-phase piece, and we had three new students doing the taster class.

I don't have many photos of the course as I was too busy running around assisting our tutor Denise to take many, so this is just a big thank you to all our ladies who were a joy all week, you all worked very hard and were lots of fun.

Denise, our tutor, and Colleen discuss a technique.

Bouquet from the Heart of Japan - copyright JEC. This version was embroidered by my JE colleague Sue.

We have dates for the next lot of classes in the North West which will follow the same format, all four days for the phase class and the last two days for the taster class - 22nd-25th October 2009 and 22nd-25th April 2010. If you would like more details, costs etc, please get in touch with me or with Denise.

If you'd like to find a list of qualified JEC tutors in your area click here (page down for UK tutors).

To meet us in person and see lots of examples of Japanese embroidery come and visit us at the Stitch and Creative Craft show at Manchester Central (GMEX) at the beginning of September.