What's Ito Maki Maki?

What's Ito Maki Maki?

When my son was a baby, we learned lots of Japanese and English fingerplay songs, and one that was extra catchy was called "Ito Maki Maki." I found out recently that it's originally a British song called "Wind the Bobbin." Who knew? (Victoria from Biku Designs clued me in!)

Ito maki maki (Wind the thread around)

Ito maki maki (Wind the thread around)

Hiite hiite ton ton ton (Pull, pull, clap clap, clap)

Dekita dekita, (animal's name)'s (item of clothing) (We made (animal's clothing))

The words in the orginal English and the translation of the Japanese version into English are a bit different, but it's basically the same song.

Fast forward to a few years ago when I was trying to think of a catchy and creative name for my business, and when I realized I had been singing this song as I wind my own bobbins for weaving-- it was a match made in heaven. Or, at least, in my studio. :) It would be a fun-sounding name in English, and it would resonate with people here in Japan who also grew up on that song.

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