Did you know how many steps and how much "artisan attention" go into completing a single muto scarf?
This time, we spoke with T, an artisan in their eighth year at "muto," who supports the scarf-making process. Let's take a glimpse into the world of delicate handwork overflowing from the interview.
Preparation begins with working with the "yarn"
Q: What is your usual role?
I am in charge of a wide range of processes, including "warping," "weaving," and "water-beating," which are preparations for the loom.
Particularly noteworthy is the work called "winding." This meticulous preparation, filled with muto's secrets, determines the beautiful weaving that follows.
The first thing to check at the start of work is the "condition of the yarn"
Q: What is the first thing you always check when making a scarf?
"Before starting warping, I check if there are any loops (slack) in the yarn. If there is a loop, the winding will stop."
Also, I pay close attention to the position of the crank (lever) when operating the loom. Even a slight misalignment can cause the "shuttle to weave," so not a moment's carelessness is allowed. There is no moment to let your guard down when working with the fabric.
*Weaving the shuttle: This occurs when the shuttle is not in its proper position and is woven along with the weft yarn. It can cause a large amount of broken threads and damage parts.
The "moment of greatest care" is the commitment to beauty
Q: When is the moment you need the most care? Also, from an artisan's perspective, what is a satisfactory finish?
The moment I am most alert during the weaving process is "when correcting irregularities in the weft yarn." And how beautifully the fabric can be started.
Sometimes, lines or gaps called "ori-dan" (weaving folds) can occur, which shows the struggle and commitment to completing a perfect piece.
T feels a sense of accomplishment when, after all that hard work, the fabric is finished beautifully without any flaws. When it goes well,they say they do a fist pump in their heart.
Yarn that can only be experienced at muto
Q: What do you think are the characteristics of muto scarves?
T mentioned that the characteristic of muto scarves is, above all, "that they are woven with very fine yarn."
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They are incredibly light, do not take up much space in a bag, and are convenient to carry!
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With warmth that stays with you all year round, even though the fabric is thin, it is mysteriously warm when wrapped around your neck.
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With their versatility regardless of the season, they are ideal not only for spring, autumn, and winter, but also for air conditioning in summer! I use them all year round!
4. What the artisan wants to convey to customers
At muto, artisans stand in the store and have opportunities to meet and interact with customers directly. What does T value during those times?
"I try to make sure it doesn't become pushy, like saying, 'Please buy it because it's good!' Since it is expensive, I make an effort to treat customers so that they can buy it with satisfaction, not feeling like they couldn't refuse it. I stand at the sales counter with the wish that they continue to use it for a long time because it is a very good product."
Finally, we received a message for those who pick up a scarf.
"Using old machines, handling each fine thread carefully, and through meticulous work that takes time, a single scarf is completed. I hope you will use the piece you pick up for a long time."
Editor's Note
From T's words, the "preciousness of handwork" that proceeds while conversing with old machines, rather than just pursuing efficiency, was conveyed.
When you wrap a muto scarf around your neck, I hope you can remember the fineness of the yarn and the passionate memories of the artisans.
