A beautiful navy kimono silk with scattered silver dots inspired this full skirt and jacket.
I sketched out an idea:
Which wasn’t quite what I was after.
Sketch #2 was closer to what I wanted, little skinny lines scattered along the bottom edge of the skirt.
Kind of like this:
Direction established, I cut and sewed, recut and re-sewed the bits together, cut some more and sewed until there was enough for a full skirt.
The front half.
Final step: Sew into a skirt and make a jacket to match.
And Voila!
kimono silk
Japanese Kimono Fabrics
At first I only used Japanese kimono silks with very subtle patterns and weaves. It was the drape, the unusual colors and textures that drew me in. Anything with a traditional Japanese image didn’t interest me.
That didn’t last long…
Soon I was seduced by the cranes and pine trees, cherry blossoms, peony flowers and Hokusai ocean waves. They were so beautiful and cool and gorgeous. How could I resist?
I found myself buying the older, damaged kimonos and undoing, rearranging and piecing them into new jackets and coats.
The older, well worn kimonos are best. I set aside any torn or stained areas, signs of a life well lived, and find ways to reconnect the elements in new ways.
This is the kind of old kimonos that I use. They usually have the patterns along the bottom edge. The upper half is left undecorated and is where the obi is placed.
Although many of the same design elements are used over and over, the colors, the particular style, the placement and subtle differences make each kimono unique.
As I reconfigure the pieces, I see images flow together in new ways.
Cranes fly up and away, ocean waves crash together, flowers, trees and branches connect.
The fun part, I never know exactly what will happen. I lay out the fabrics and follow where they lead.
This old kimono had enough for a second jacket. I posted a picture a few weeks back. Go here to see it.
Jackets for ACC Baltimore 2018
A group of Spring jackets ready for the big ACC Baltimore Craft Show.
In the spirit of Mottainai, [Japanese for ‘waste nothing’] each is from a repurposed and recycled kimono, taken apart and rearranged into new shapes and forms.
A gorgeous coral silk pieced to emphasize the soaring cranes.
Cranes are one of my favorites. It’s not just that they are beautiful, but it’s also what they symbolize; happiness, eternal youth and good fortune.
So many cranes, enough to cover the back too.
A very pretty pink shibori silk covered with pussy willows.
I added little beads for extra sparkle, like dew drops.
Last but not least, two doves sitting in a tree covered with cherry blossoms.
In honor of Valentine’s day, doves for love, fidelity, new beginnings and peace.
They are my wishes to all of you, especially love and peace.
