Sakata san and his wife have really tried to develop new patterns with their textiles, which is by far the most time-consuming and risky part of being a weaver. Their designs are mostly used by clothing companies looking for that combination of tradition and innovation. We are given free run of the store room and they are very patient as we pull out endless rolls of cloth to see whether they can still be produced.

We really like finding designs which look very modern and abstract like our "Mado" drum-shaped shade but which are actually historic kimono patterns. The weaving factory is a short walk away from the office and is full of clattering looms all working to a traditional kohaba or kimono sleeve width which we have to get experimental with such as our "Amatsubu" inset cushion.