I have always had a love for sewing and learning about how things are made. I started collecting fabric from around the world a few years ago. Japanese silk has become one of my favorites because of the labor intensive and artistic skills that go into making wearable art. From the harvesting of the silk to the dyeing and hand painting or embroidery that go into making beautiful fabric. That is what draws me to it.

Fine art that has been around for thousands of years. There is so much to learn about kimono and the different types of silk and weaves and when certain ones are worn and who wears them. I have only just begun to learn and find the history and tradition so fascinating. One of my favorites is the jackets that are worn over a kimono called haori because it is easily worn today with a pair of jeans and a top.

Since kimono are not worn as much as they used to be, many people today will make different crafts from the fabric. Pillows and purses and wallets, etc. Currently, I am working on a silk quilt made from scraps that sample all the different designs from different time periods. So, if you're anything like me and love fabric and art, I encourage you to collect and learn about silk and the world of Kimono. — by Kelli, Texas