Fabric
Traditional No. 1 MAEKAKE
Anything has taken over 10 shuttle looms made by Toyota, Suzuki, and Enshu, which are around 70 to 100 years old, from Haga Orimono, the last remaining apron production area in Japan, and weaves the highest quality 'No. 1 MAEKAKE'.
~The story of the revival of the "Ichigo-No.1-" MAEKAKE~
After the period of rapid economic growth in the 1960s, Japanese manufacturing underwent a major turning point from the 1970s to the 1980s.
Japanese manufacturing plants continued to manufacture products based on the four principles of "fast," "cheap," "large quantities," and "uniformity." However, since then, various manufacturing industries, including the textile industry, have shifted their production overseas to China and other countries.
It was becoming increasingly difficult to continue preserving Japan's technology, and due to changes in lifestyles it was no longer possible to pass on these techniques.
Due to this major historical trend, the fabric used for Japanese MAEKAKE has gradually changed over the past 30 to 40 years.
Looking at old order sheets, it appears that the fabric was commonly referred to as "No. 1" -> "No. 2" -> "No. 3," and there were several different thicknesses of fabric by varying the thickness of the thread.
In the midst of all this, we at Anything have always felt that by returning to the origins of aprons and creating the "No. 1 MAEKAKE," we might be able to see a new future.
So, together with our aprons master, Mr. Haga, from Toyohashi, Aichi, we carried out test weaving, saying, "Let's revive the thick No. 1 fabric that was made 40 years ago, the No. 1 MAEKAKE!" We finally completed a thick, soft fabric with the same texture as 40 years ago, and officially started selling it in October 2011.
What is No. 1 Apron?
The highest quality "No. 1 AMAEKAKE," which revives the thickness that was used in the 1950s and 60s, has three major 'features'.
Tip 1: Weave thick fabric with thick thread!
→Using the "Shuttle Loom" invented in the Meiji to Taisho eras, the "No. 1 MAEKAKE" has been woven to bring back the original thickness of old aprons. In terms of thread count, it is woven using threads of "number four" thickness. It is also directly taught by Mr. Haga that it is possible to simultaneously achieve what seem to be contradictory things: "thick" and "soft". Its greatest feature is its thick, long-lasting fabric.
2. Soft fabric that fits the body perfectly!
→The texture of a woven fabric changes greatly depending on how the warp and weft threads are woven. Unlike ordinary "canvas", the threads and weaving method are carefully selected to create a soft fabric that naturally fits the body.
Tip 3: Traditional colors, colorfast dyes
→Dyeing thick fabrics softly with almost no color fading. Anything's dyed fabrics maintain a high ranking in washing fastness tests. Dyeing is mainly done in Tokyo.
Let's take a look at some other features of the Anything Apron.
Feature 1: About the thread
We use thick thread that is not normally used in apparel.
The yarn spun in Osaka is transported to Toyohashi, Aichi, and put on a shuttle loom that is approximately 100 years old.
Feature 2: About the loom
At the Toyohashi Factory, shuttle-type power looms made by Toyota (the "N-type" loom invented by Sakichi Toyoda in 1914) and Suzuki (the loom invented by Michio Suzuki in the 1920s) are still in operation. Every day, they manufacture unique fabrics with a soft, handmade feel, while keeping an eye on the daily temperature and humidity.
Feature 3: Weaving
The distinctive feature of Anything aprons is that in addition to being thick, as they are wrapped around the body, they also "flex sideways" and "become softer the more you use them."
In addition, the factory employs a "collective operation" system in which 10 looms are powered by a single small motor, which has attracted attention overseas as an "energy-saving factory."
Feature 4: About the tassels
The tassels at the bottom are also a feature of traditional aprons, and one theory is that they may have been a descendant of the decorative mawashi worn by sumo wrestlers, as well as that they may be related to or have originated from the New Year decorations at shrines.
Feature 5: Ears
The selvedge on both ends is a feature of the traditional shuttle looms that softly weave thick fabrics. Overseas, it is called selvedge.
Enjoy the traditional texture of this fabric, which is different from mass-produced fabrics made with high-speed machines.
Feature 6: The red and white obi (belt)
Since ancient times, aprons have been fitted with a red and white obi. When we say "red," we usually mean vermilion (orange), and this color has long been used for the waist straps of aprons, just like the torii gates of shrines, Daruma dolls, and Akabeko dolls. Along with its sacred meaning, it also carries with it wishes for protection from evil, prosperity in business, and good fortune.
