What will we wear if knotted thread had not been invented? How valuable is the knowledge of joining
of one fiber length to another by invisible knotting, important to us in thread-making?
Four Japanese Ladies from Tokyo area visited some HABI ladies last week to present their published
book, authored by Mrs. Kimiko Watanabe. Together, they are the founders of Pakpak Natin, an
outreach program in the Philippines. https://pakpaktatin.shop to view their online handicraft shop,
developed to promote studied knotting techniques by Mrs. Watanabe and her Japanese comrades who
lived here in the Philippines, for over twenty years. Originally published in the Japanese Language, this
book was translated into English Language text with lovely illustrations and photos called, “Unique
Simple-Knot technique in the Philippines”: A Record of Discovery, Research and Reproduction with
Illustrations. 2022 by Keiko Watanabe, then aged 80 years old. Japan, November 2022. Php700 to order
a copy directly to Pakpak Natin.
Our HABI attendees were shown the fine knotting techniques, a sample and finished handbags worn by
two if our visitors. The workmanship is fine. The joined knots do not show.
The English version printed in April 2003 mentions the collaborative work that went into producing this
book.
Pakpak Natin Ladies, Yasuko Endo, Rie Abe, Yasuyo Sato and Kumiko Anada-Sayo gave us a timely talk
about, “loop-knotted joints.” The latter also served as translator at our meeting.
Thank you for your visit, Pakpak Natin Ladies. We look forward to your participation this coming
October 13, 14, and 15 to grace our annual Likhang HABI Festival at the Ayala Malls, Glorietta Mall,
Makati, Metro Manila.
For HABI—The Philippine Textile Council
By G.E.Y. Zialcita 07/17/2023
