Still in pieces, a new trench coat from a beautiful old kimono with cranes and pine trees.

The back, with the last crane from the kimono flying just off and out of view.

This is so satisfying! To start with an amazingly beautiful kimono but tattered and unwearable, take it apart and rework it into something new and usable.

We’re in the middle of winter now, but before too long, we’ll be deep into spring. Sun, cool breezes, bright colors and lighter clothes. Really! It will come again. My calendar confirms.

You know this, I am a fabric hound. I go a little nuts when I find good ones. Like the three below, so beautiful. I could not resist. Now reborn as bright, new trench coats. Perfect for spring.

This one, sewn from an old meisen kimono silk covered with scattered red leaves.

I love this fabric! Isn’t it the coolest? Those little paddle shaped leaves are amazing.

Another meisen silk, also from an old kimono, looking like some sort of a chemical code. May I please say ‘amazing’ again?

Tied or untied, your choice.

This one, so sweet. Little birds!

A closer view, these little guys. What more can I say?

Each one ready for my annual trip to the ACC Baltimore craft show, the last weekend in February. I can’t wait to bring these and so many others to the show!

Whew! Lots going on around here. In just a few weeks I’ll have a photo shoot and a few weeks after that I’ll be at the annual ACC Baltimore craft show. Fabrics are lined up on my table whispering, “use me, use me”.

Some pieces are in process, like the one below. A cousin to the vest in my last post, it’s a peplum covered with circles of kimono silk, each sewn in place with a bead.

A detail. I love the hand cut circles, they add an organic quality.

All parts finished on these three pieces, an appliquéd coat, on top of a green beaded vest over a yellow blouse. Can you tell? I’m thinking color!

Brand new and still pinned on my board, red squares ready to be sewn in place. I’m using both sides of this cool woven kimono silk, a woven design of loose circles.

I know you know this, it’s true for me too, that there is nothing like a due date to focus the mind!