Talking Japanese

It's well known that anything that's fabric related is my thing and I love finding vintage fabrics to use for my creations. When I first delved into the shopper's heaven that is Ebay, looking for vintage fabric, one of the first sellers that caught my eye was Kimonopetitjaon. They sell fabric taken from vintage silk, wool and cottom kimonos. Many of the pieces that I buy have been woven in 35cm widths, I'm assuming for the sleeves of a kimono, which are ideal for creating cushion covers.

Cushion cover made from vintage fine wool kimono fabric

The kimono is a Japanese full length traditional garment worn by women, men and children.
They are T-shaped, straight-lined robes worn so that the hem falls to the ankle, with attached collars and long, wide sleeves. Kimonos are wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right and secured by a sash called an obi, which is tied at the back.

The floral fabric on this cushion is cotton

Kimonos are works of art in themselves, and are often displayed on the walls like a picture, with a pole going through the sleeves, showing their T shape. As the kimono fabric that I buy is taken from vintage kimonos, these means that the cushions etc that I make are only made in ones or twos making them unique.

Lavender sachet made from silk kimono remnant

As the kimono fabric that I buy is taken from vintage kimonos, these means that the cushions etc that I make are only made in ones or twos making them unique. It also means that my stash of kimono fabrics can only get bigger, if I don't bid for them when I see them, I won't get another oppoortunity.

Lavender pillow made using silk crepe fabric.

Some of my vintage cotton kimono stash.

Some of my vintage silk kimono stash.

The items I've made from vintage kimono fabrics are available to buy from the Elsie May and Bertha shop.

TTFN
Louise