Let's make your one and only original indigo-dyed T-shirt in the world! To Prefecture, the city of indigo dyeing

Hello, this is Macchan.

Do you know about indigo dyeing? It is a traditional dyeing method that has been passed down in Japan since ancient times, and is dyed with a dye made from plant indigo. There is a place in Thailand's northern Phrae province that is famous for its indigo dyed products, and I decided to visit the place as I heard that you could actually dye T-shirts, scarves, etc. with indigo dyeing as you like.

First of all, what is indigo dyeing?

Indigo leaves are the raw material for traditional Japanese indigo dyeing.

First of all, let's talk about what kind of dye is indigo dyeing.

The history of indigo dyeing is very old, and the world's oldest indigo dyed product is said to be the cloth used to preserve mummies from around 2000 BC during the ancient Egyptian dynasty.

It was introduced to Japan from China via the Korean Peninsula during the Nara and Asuka periods.

At Shosoin, cloth made with the indigo dyeing technique of the time was used to wrap treasures, and indigo-dyed silk was also used for the costumes of officials. Indigo dyeing is called ``Indigo'' in English, which comes from the indigo variety ``Indigo'' that is native to India. Since the indigo component of the indigo dye was particularly strong and could be dyed efficiently, Indo Eye later became the standard for indigo dyeing around the world.

Baan Pagiam, a play workshop where you can experience indigo dyeing

Near Tun Horn Market, the center of indigo dyed products in the center of Phrae Province, there is a workshop called Baan Phagiam where you can enjoy an indigo dyeing experience.

Baan is the Thai word for home, and Phagiam is the name of the owner of this indigo dyeing workshop. At first, I read up on various Japanese pages, but for some reason none of the sites listed the exact address, so I had a hard time finding it.

(The address and MAP will be mentioned later, so please use it as a reference.)

About the fees and procedures for the indigo dyeing experience

This is an indigo dyeing experience at Baan Pagiam, but no advance reservation is required.

This time I went with his wife, and we were able to enjoy the indigo dyeing experience without having to make an appointment in advance. However, there are only a few staff members, so if you are going in a group of 5 or more people, it is best to make a reservation in advance. Click here for address and phone number

First, choose the goods

Choose your favorite from white cloth products

First of all, choose the base fabric product.

Plain white stoles, scarves, T-shirts, hats, etc. are available, so choose the item you want to try your hand at indigo dyeing. Prices vary slightly depending on the item. My wife and I each ordered a T-shirt and a scarf. It was 300 baht each including the experience fee.

Next, choose a pattern

Once you have selected your product, the next step is to choose your favorite pattern from the catalog. Even though it is simply called indigo dyeing, there are various dyeing methods and pattern patterns. Floral patterns, stripes, gradations, swirl patterns, etc. The catalog also had more than 10 pages. With so many options, it can be confusing. .

The indigo dyed hat is also very cool and cute!

We each decided on a pattern for a T-shirt and a scarf.
From here we will finally start dyeing. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of pattern you choose after it's finished.

I hope you can do it well!

It's a big deal if you get dye on your clothes.
First of all, you can't drop it, so you'll be fully armed with thick rubber gloves and an apron.

Everything you need for the work will be provided at the workshop, so you can come empty-handed, but it is best not to wear clothes that will get dirty.

Indigo dyed scarf edition

Now let's move on to the actual indigo dyeing process. First, let's start with the scarf.

① First, use a stick to twist the center and secure it with a rubber band.

Here's what I secured with a rubber band.

② Then, soak one side in the indigo dye solution.

When you slowly spread the soaked food. . .

A whirlpool is completed!

The correct answer was a swirly pattern.
Immediately after soaking, the color is greenish, but as the ingredients in the indigo and the oxygen in the air cause an oxidation reaction, it gradually changes to a deeper indigo color.

This discoloration process is also something to see. What do you think? It turned out pretty good.

Indigo dyed T-shirt edition

The pour is a T-shirt.

①Do something for the kettle~

～Omitted～

Anyway, I was able to successfully dye a swirly scarf and an asymmetrical T-shirt. It will take about 90 minutes for the dyed product to dry, so we will have some time to chat until it dries.

Dry products will be placed in the workshop's original carrier bag. You will pay the trial fee at the time of delivery.

There is a stylish cafe inside the workshop!

There is a stylish cafe "Cup & Craft" on the premises of the workshop. Why not take a break and refresh yourself with a sweet drink while waiting for the dye to dry?

I ordered a sweet Thai milk tea for 45 baht.
The sun was shining brightly on this day as well, making it a midsummer day. On a day like this, I crave cold drinks!

Of course, the cushion covers are made from homemade indigo-dyed cloth.
The refreshing blue is stylish!

Basic information about Baan Pagiam

Baan Paggiam (Phangam Morhom Dyeing Factory) , take a songthaew or taxi from Phrae Bus Terminal.

It's a little far from the city center and takes quite a while to walk. When telling someone where you are going, I think it would be easier to show them this photo above. Alternatively, "Tun Horn Market (Talat Tun Horn)" and it is about a 5 minute walk from Tun Horn Market. If you are walking from Thung Horn Market, look for the signboard below ↓ just past the 7-Eleven.

name	Baan Phagiam/Paangam Morhom Dyeing Factory
Thai name	กลุ่มวิสาหกิจชุมชนหม้อห้อมทุ่งเจริญย้อมสี ธรรมชาติ
address	291 ทุ่งโฮ้ง หมู่ 5, ตา Tambon Thung Hong, Amphoe Mueang Phrae, Chang Wat Phrae 54000 Thailand
TEL	+66 54 521 709

MAP

Indigo dyed products are everywhere! Just like Indigo Street

There are many indigo dyeing product shops near the indigo dyeing workshop Baan Phagiam that I introduced earlier.

I think there are probably more than 100. If you look to the right, it's indigo dyed, and if you look to the left, it's indigo dyed. It's a sight that can only be seen at Aizen Town Play. As a result, all stores tend to have relatively similar product lineups, but he found a store with very unique and wonderful products and a wonderful cafe.

“Tan ra Wee” is full of cute clothes and accessories

"Tan ra Wee" is a shop on Indigo Street that carries some of the most fashionable clothes. We have a wide selection of T-shirts and pants for both men and women. Please stop by when you come to Thung Horn Market.

Basic information about “Tan ra Wee”

name	TANRAWEE – ธารรวี
address	เลขที่ 31/2 Yantrakit Kosol Rd, Tambon Thung Hong, Amphoe Mueang Phrae, Chang Wat Phrae 54000 Thailand
TEL	+66 86 477 8991
Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/tanrawee
business hours	09:00-17:30/No regular holidays

MAP of “Tan ra Wee”

Indigo House Cafe where you can enjoy indigo coffee

Another cafe I would like to introduce is Indigo House Cafe, located on the first floor of the hotel Indigo House Phrae .

It's just opposite the "Tan ra Wee" mentioned earlier. You can enjoy the ``indigo'' colored coffee that is unique to the city of indigo dyeing, which is pleasing to the eye.

The most popular indigo coffee is 70 baht. A wonderful contrast between blue and coffee. Not only the appearance but also the taste is goo goo! !

This is Indigo Latte.
All of the other drinks are also blue in color. The spirit of keeping it blue for now. I don't hate it.

Basic information about Indigo House Cafe

name	Indigo House Cafe/(Indigo House Phrae)
address	39 Moo 5 Yantrakit Kosol Rd., Tambon Thung Hong, Meuang Phrae, Chang Wat Phrae 54000 Thailand
TEL	+66 54 063 211
Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/TheIndigoHousePhrae/

Indigo House Cafe MAP

Access to Play from Bangkok

You can reach Phrae Province from Bangkok by plane or train.

Access by plane

Nok Air flies twice a day to Phrae Airport in Phrae Province from Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport.

There are also two return flights per day. Click here for the flight schedule between Bangkok and Phrae.The

fare is around 2,300 baht (8,000 yen). It's quite expensive considering the prices in Thailand.

Access by train

There is no station in Phrae, but Den Chai Station is about a 30-minute drive away, and the Northern Main Line, which runs from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, runs through there.

This time I came to Phrae Province by a sleeper train that runs on the National Railways of Thailand's Northern Main Line.
The fare for a second class car is over 2,000 yen. The process takes about 7 and a half hours. I will introduce the situation at that time in this article, so I would be happy if you could take a look at it as well ^^.

Recommended hotels in Phrae

Gingerbread House B&B

This is a quaint hotel that has been renovated from an old wooden house.

Most of the buildings and interiors are made of wood, and you can feel the warmth of the wood. The female owner is also very kind and will kindly tell you about the highlights of the play and the location of the market.

Bicycles owned by the hotel can be used free of charge. The playing area is flat and there is not much traffic, so I think it would be a good idea to take a leisurely bike ride. There are only 3 rooms available, so please make your reservation early.

Check availability on agoda.com

Gingerbread House B&B Photos

If you choose a breakfast-included plan, you can choose between a Thai-style breakfast consisting mainly of rice porridge or a Western-style breakfast consisting mainly of bread.

Gingerbread House B&B MAP

summary

The area around Tun Horn Market in Phrae is truly an indigo street full of indigo dyed products. It's a good idea to buy indigo dyed products at various stores, but if you've taken the trouble to go to the game, you should definitely try your hand at indigo dyeing. You should be able to get wonderful indigo-dyed goods that are only one of a kind in the world.