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.