Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

[Taigu]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Welcome Soen, and you may read my very clumsy kesa blog...

http://nyohoekesa.blogspot.com/2006_02_01_archive.html

waiting for the vids about the kesa that will come as soon as I can pick uo the old linen being dyed in Kyoto in the most traditionnl manner. I should start mid June.

gassho


TAigu

[Silva]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Dear Jundo,

Being new to the Sangha may I join the rakuso and Jukai group ?

[Dosho]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Hi all,

I was glad to see this thread had new posts and that Taigu will be starting some videos on the kesa soon. I am still working on mine, although I must admit it sat on the ironing board undisturbed for quite awhile. My perfectionism rears its ugly head every so often but hopefully it will not be too long now. I'd really like to complete it soon and, like zazen, I will re-dedicate myself to the project every day, every moment, until it is finished...and then I'll start another one!

Looking forward to sewing the kesa with all of you. Truth be told, I already am.

Gassho,
Dosho

[Jundo]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Dear Jundo,

Being new to the Sangha may I join the rakuso and Jukai group ?

Hi Silva,

Of course. That will begin later this year.

Gassho, Jundo

[Silva]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Hello Jundo,

Thank-you for your answer. This will be a beautiful way to join in the Sangha. Will you be using the same book R. Aitken's A mind of clover ? I would like to prepare now, because later in september we shall be leaving for the Cook islands for 7-8 months so I want to take all I may need with me. I could order books from New Zealand but it won't be so convenient and very expensive postage. I'll be able to communicate on the internet but it will be at the local post office!
As for Jukai I am reading your text about it ... it feels very "natural "

Bonne journée

gassho

Sylvie

[Jundo]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Hello Jundo,

Thank-you for your answer. This will be a beautiful way to join in the Sangha. Will you be using the same book R. Aitken's A mind of clover ? I would like to prepare now, because later in september we shall be leaving for the Cook islands for 7-8 months so I want to take all I may need with me. I could order books from New Zealand but it won't be so convenient and very expensive postage. I'll be able to communicate on the internet but it will be at the local post office!
As for Jukai I am reading your text about it ... it feels very "natural "

Bonne journée

gassho

Sylvie

Hi Sylvie,

Probably, it will be the same book. I am looking at one other book now, and possibly a change. I will try to finish reading it soon. Gassho, J

[Myozan Kodo]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Hello all,

Dosho, you are an inspiration. Your patience and care in your sewing is a great teaching in itself.

I am very happy that I'll be sewing the Okesa with you this summer. Taigu has kindly granted me permission. And if his Okesa instruction videos are anything like his Rakusu instructions, they will be a valuable and selfless gift to all sentient beings. Thank you Taigu.

Have you started sewing yet Shohei? I'm wondering if I should sew linen or cotton ...?

Deep bows to all!
Soen

[Shohei]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Hello all

Dosho, you are an inspiration. Your patience and care in your sewing is a great teaching in itself.

I am very happy that I'll be sewing the Okesa with you this summer. Taigu has kindly granted me permission. And if his Okesa instruction videos are anything like his Rakusu instructions, they will be a valuable and selfless gift to all sentient beings. Thank you Taigu.

Have you started sewing yet Shohei? I'm wondering if I should sew linen or cotton ...?

Deep bows to all!
Soen

Hi Soen
Very glad we will be sewing along together!

I have sewn one kesa already, started in October of 2008 and finished in January 2009.(though not really complete as it wears here and there... FYI never pull that string!) I blogged about it (see below). This kesa was made of left overs from my rakusu a cotton linen, and a blue flannel bed sheet. The weave of the 2 materials are very different and brought up some issues when sewing them together that i didn't anticipate.

This time around I have purchased a medium weight dark blue linen. All the same material (3m x1.5m of it) and cut it with and against the grain of the material, gives it abit of a patchwork feel with out actually using rags as i once thought I would. Since this robe is for upcoming Shukke Tokudo I decided to purchase new material with the same attitude as selecting rags... nothing special just what is needed. The weight is a bit heavy when you consider the layers to be worn with it however I live in an area that regularly sees -20 to -30s C so it will be appreciated in some December retreat .

I would suggest (though no expert!!! just going by what was recommended to me) a very light light linen if you can (almost see through) like a very light summer dress shirt if that makes sense.

Progress on this current kesa was going to be put up on my blog along with thoughts and commentary (yawn I know :P) but I didn't want to spill the beans. Here is some pics of where I was, 2 panel sets together.
Currently, complete panel set #4 working on putting together #5 set



hmm I talk too much

Gassho
Shohei

Attached files

[Jinyu]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Hi!
What a nice color! but it is true that the fabric looks a bit thick ... there is a lot of ironing work over there :lol:
Courage for your sewing and congratulations again!

gassho,
Jinyu

[Shohei]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Hi!
What a nice color! but it is true that the fabric looks a bit thick ... there is a lot of ironing work over there :lol:
Courage for your sewing and congratulations again!

gassho,
Jinyu

Hi and thanks Jinyu!!
Its a bit thick but i can see through it... was the lightest they had on hand. I think Ill hunt around more next time

Gassho
Shohei

[Myozan Kodo]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

That’s great Shohei, and thank you for your advice.

I like the dark blue you have chosen. I’ll go for a similar colour, I think. And I will look for a very light material, as you suggest. I may go for cotton, however, as it doesn’t crease as easily and the fibers withstand a lot of folding (which any Okesa will get over the years).

Your work is shaping up nicely. When is your priest ordination? Will Jundo be ordaining you? It is all very exciting…

Gassho,
Soen

[Taylor]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Very excited to join in on this sewing as well! I must have another look at the blog because I can't seem to derive measurements after a few times looking. Maybe I'm not being mindful enough ops:

Many Gasshos
Taylor

[Taigu]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Hi Taylor,

Wait a bit, I am doing a guide again. And soon shooting vids.
By the way, you can always get in touch with Shohei, my student. He wuill make it clear for you.

gassho


Taigu

[Seona]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Good rags. Sounds great. But remember...because it is old, you might have to mend it, the fabric can be more fragile.

Oh, yes. I have two very old patchwork quilts sewn by my grandmother. Several of the patches are quite worn. They have split in the centre and frayed, making it extremely difficult to fix them. As a result, these beautiful blankets, full of memories, are hidden away, unused, in a cabinet because I don't want them to disintegrate further.

It would be a shame to put so much love and care into sewing a kesa and then not be able to use it because of the delicate fabric.

Seona

[Taylor]

Re: Kesa OKESA, it is about time!

Wait a bit

Gassho, something I often need to hear :P

The kesa seems to be starting its teaching process even before I have purchased the fabric. I caught myself planning on what to finish by when and this and that to make it easier for school and all of this nonsense. Not the point, as far as I can tell. The kesa is life, it is worn and sewn through easy times and through rough times, sunny days and rainy days. Not about the finished product, all about the journey through the sewing.

Again, many gasshos to everyone who has undertaken this task.
Taylor