FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find out the answers to those Frequently asked questions.
Do you take people to Japan to study textiles crafts?
Every year I take a group of around 10 people to Japan to be taught by Bryan Whitehead, my sensei, good friend and internationally renowned Japanese textiles artist and silk farmer. We spend a couple of days in Tokyo visiting museums and interesting shops and a full 10 days and nights at Bryan’s beautiful silk farmhouse in the mountains to the West of Tokyo. Room and board, materials and teaching and two guided days in Tokyo are included in the price.
Do you do talks and lectures about Japanese textiles and your trips to Japan?
Yes. Several times a year I will give an online lecture about Japanese textiles and I will always do a talk about my most recent trip on my return.
I can also visit your group to give an in person lecture about Japan and my adventures in textiles. I love to share stories of my travels and to show people the lovely vintage Japanese fabrics I collect whilst I am there.
Will the colours fade on indigo dyed fabrics?
The short answer is yes, the fabrics will fade over time and with repeated washing. This is due to the way that indigo dye attaches itself to fibre. The dye forms a mechanical rather than a chemical bond, which means that bits of the dye gradually gets knocked off over time. Wash in a cold water cycle to keep the colour for as long as possible. Think of my indigo pieces as if they were a pair of denim jeans you own, that have been dyed with indigo.
Will the indigo come off if I wash my indigo dyed piece with other clothes?
Indigo only attaches to fibre if a certain specific set of conditions exist in the dye bath. Every effort is made by me to wash the loose indigo from each individual indigo dyed piece. The dye should not come off when you wash it.
However… I always advise customers to wash their indigo pieces on a cool wash and with other denim, navy blue or black clothing. That way, should any loose dye still be on the piece, it will not discernibly colour the other fabrics it is washed with.
What carrier do you use?
We use Royal Mail currently but this is continually being reviewed based on price, reliability and volume of orders. We reserve the right to use another carrier if necessary to maintain a good service for our customers.
Do you do commissions?
Yes. We are happy to work with you to a unique piece. Past projects have included Sashiko embroidery and Boro patch mending on a much loved family quilt and the creation of a Noren curtain for Koya Ko Japanese noodle bar on Broadway Market. If you are interested in a Commission please simply drop an email to rob@romordesigns.com with a brief summary of your project and we'll be in touch to discuss with you further.
If you still can't find what you need send an email to rob@romordesigns.com or fill in the Contact form at the bottom of the page and Rob will get back to you as soon as he can, usually within 24 hours.