[Yokote City, Akita Prefecture] Make your own sustainable handkerchief dyed with pruned apple tree branches and leaves ★ Tea time included

Masuda-cho, Yokote City, is a specialty apple-producing area. Dye made from recycled branches and leaves cut from apple trees during pruning creates a rich range of colors, including orange, yellow, and gray. Why not try making your own handkerchief with a soft texture? You can also create your own pattern using marbles, rubber bands, clothespins, and other items. Experience the excitement of imagining the finished product and the thrill of seeing it dyed. The experience is soothing, as you gaze upon the expansive apple orchards. After your dyeing experience, enjoy tea with sweets and pickles brought by local mothers. You might even get to taste some local apples! A once-in-a-lifetime encounter awaits, complete with your own unique handkerchief and the smiles of the mothers.

Apple dyeing is a type of "plant dyeing." It's a sustainable plant dyeing technique that uses branches and leaves cut from apple trees during pruning. Depending on the part of the tree and the mordant used (the formula is a secret), a variety of colors, including orange, brown, and gray, can be created. The heavy snowfall of 2011 broke many apple tree branches, causing significant damage that took years for the trees to recover. Faced with a mountain of broken branches, 11 mothers active in the "Masuda District Lifestyle Research Group" stepped up and came up with the idea of reusing those broken branches, which led to the creation of "apple dyeing." They traveled to Kyoto, Tokyo, and Asakusa to learn the plant dyeing technique, and spent two years mastering it. In September 2013, they formed "Pretty Apple" with the goal of "creating something that will be loved forever, like a cute apple." Through repeated trial and error, the 11 members of the group finally achieved the beautiful, vibrant colors that are now considered unique.

Even if you use the same materials and patterns, the temperature, humidity, and other factors on that day will make it impossible to create the same item. Your own special dyed item is also recommended as a gift for someone special.

In the dyeing experience using stencils, you place your favorite sheet where you want to leave out the white, apply glue, and then dye, creating a beautiful white pattern in the painted area. We have a variety of stencils available, including flowers, so choose and combine your favorites. We also recommend creating shibori patterns, which are easy to make using rubber bands and marbles. Just wrap the fabric around and around while imagining the finished product! Of course, the kind and cheerful mothers will give you careful advice and guidance, so you can rest assured. Dipping the fabric in and out of the dye will allow you to dye it to your desired depth. (Gradients are also OK!) The thrill of unfolding the shibori pattern is irresistible. Iron it to check the finished product and adjust the shade of the color to complete it! After the experience, take a break with a cup of tea♪