Hand woven day inspired by Orihime

Today, and July 7th annually, is Hand-Woven Day 手織りの日 (Teori no HI) in Japan. July 7th was chosen as the anniversary as it ties in beautifully to another, much bigger, observance on July 7th - Tanabata, aka the Star Festival. 

Tanabata is a celebration of Orihime and Hikoboshi, star crossed lovers who can only meet once a year on July 7th (or August 7th in some regions). Orihime was known for her exceptional weaving, but on July 7th she would rest from her loom to meet Hikoboshi. Thus, SAORI, the Osaka based organization that created the "Hand Woven Day" anniversary proposed that people could weave 'in place of Orihime' on this day. 

Hand weaving has long been practiced throughout Japan, but in recent years the number of practitioners has declined. Inexpensive mass‑produced textiles have become the norm. SAORI established this day to help more people rediscover hand weaving and to support the growth of its culture and techniques