Summer Sewing -by Robin, TX

Just a few days ago another article on using ‘discarded kimonos’ for cool contemporary fashions was published, first by Bloomberg and then The Japan Times. The Times photographs were of classic kimono and furisode being worn, while the original article featured designer Duni Park’s work (elegant coats!) being sold in a Tokyo gallery. Both the environmental and artistic benefits were described as great reasons to use the amazing second-hand silks and other materials in surprising new incarnations.

Of course, many of us who shop Yoko Beverly Hills already know about saving the planet and money by turning kimono panels into household decor, purses, chic dresses and kids’ clothes, but lately even re-purposed fabric zori in different styles have been showing up in online shops, and I’m quite tempted to try fashioning some myself. If that doesn’t work out, I can definitely make new straps for a plain pair of old geta I have!

Another project will be to sew at least two or three hanhaba obi to wear with yukata this summer. I bought kimono pieces for the outsides already, but need to cordinate with either solid color linings or contrasting designs that will show when the obi are tied or folded. A handy and inspiring little book that offers some fun examples of “DIY’ obi is The New Kimono, published in English in 2011, by the Editors of Nanao Magazine.

However, I am embarrassed to admit that I still haven’t made up a lovely bolt of indigo on white yukata cotton - despite it being my very first purchase here last year! My small kimono collection includes one older yukata that looks like the kind worn to the hot springs at an onsen, and it was completely hand sewn. Since it actually fits me properly, it will be my guide to making up the far more elegant hand-screened tanmono. Maybe by obon, in case I find a festival to attend in Texas?

—- by Robin, TX