Introducing loop-wheeled sweats made by an age old loop wheel machine or 吊り編み機 by the hands of the artisans in Wakayama, Japan.
Loop wheel machines are very rare in the world and are no longer in operation in the US. The parts for these age old machines are mostly out of production, and there are only a small number of artisans who know how to operate the machines. The loop wheel machines, which take both time and labor in weaving textile, became nearly obsolete, replaced by more mass-production type machines. But there are still a handful of proud artisans in Wakayama, Japan, who keep the tradition of using the loop wheel machines going, because of the weave that can only be achieved by the use of the machines. The limited number of products that can be made makes these loop wheeled textiles all the more valuable.
Loop wheel machines create no tension on the threads as they are woven. As a result, finished products keep the natural characteristics of the threads and the soft feel. Modern machines, on the other hand, have superior time-efficiency and require less labor but put pressure on the threads as they are pulled when woven - see below.
A modern style weaving machine.
Over-dye, loop-wheeled sweat in gray. Sizes M, L (L sold out). Made in Japan. $215.
Over-dye, loop-wheeled sweat in natural. Sizes M, L. Made in Japan. $215.
See the back side of the loop wheeled fabric.
Over-dye, loop-wheeled sweat in Gray ($215).
Over-dye, loop-wheeled sweat in natural ($215).
0 comments:
Post a Comment