April 25, 2017 2 Comments on Kimono Fabric Suggestions (and some tips for online fabric shopping)
Sometimes it is hard to find just the right fabric for your sewing project. Especially since local fabric stores carrying a wide selection of garment fabrics are not a reality for many of us. Often, we are left with the option of online fabric shopping.
Shopping for fabric online can be daunting. Is the color going to be right? the weight? the texture? fabric content?
A couple of things I do to make sure (or at least as close to sure as I can be) that I get good fabric that works for the garment I am making are:
So, after all those tips, I am going to leave you with a few fabrics I would love to use to make our Japanese Kimono. We picked these out from some of the fabric stores we trust as online sources., but there are many more out there, so you can see this as just a starting point.
Rifle Paper Co Wonderland Black from Harts Fabric. This is a beautiful and popular fabric. 100% rayon. $14.79/yard.
Japanese Dragons - Blue from Stone Mountain & Daughter Fabrics. 100% cotton. $11.90/yard
Rayon Challis Crane Print - Red from Stone Mountatin & Daughter Fabrics. Rayon challis with a fluid drape and hand. This light fabric and a pretty print would make a beautiful and drape-y kimono. $11/yard.
Bruce Botanical Satin Faced Silk Print from Vogue Fabrics. This is a beautiful print that I think would make a lovely kimono. 100% silk. $12.99/yard.
Sunstone Abstract Cotton Print from Vogue Fabrfics. 100% cotton, medium weight batic. $8.99/yard.
Geishas and Ginkos - Purple from Michael Levin. 100% chambray. $13.75/yard.
Genuine Handwoven Ikat - Raspberry/Gray from Michael Levin. 100% cotton. A traditional eastern look - very beautiful. $18.50/yard.
April 17, 2017
Kimonos are a beautiful and classic garment of Japanese origin and influence. The Folkwear Kimono pattern is for the yukata, or unlined informal kimono, worn by all classes of Japanese in summer. The word "kimono" literally means "clothing" but has come to distinguish the Japanese national costume from other clothes.
Kimonos are great garments to be used as robes, house coats, jackets, or outwear. They can be statement pieces or simple and elegant garments. Kimonos can be made with beautiful silks, medium to lightweight cottons (cotton gauze is a favorite of mine right now)., or even heavier fabrics like denim or brocade.
I found a great book in our collection entitled Kimono Inspiration: Art and Art-to-Wear in America, from the Textile Museum at George Washington University. I've put some pictures from the book on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. If you want to know more about the history and tradition of kimonos, as well as see some amazing artistic interpretations of them, you should check out this book. Kimonos can be a canvas for your art - quilting, painting, dying, embroidery, weaving, etc.
Traditional kimonos are a work of art themselves, so however you want to make one (traditional interpretation or modern art interpretation), it is a rewarding garment to make.
In our kimono pattern, we give information on the history and use of the kimono, styling and dress information, and instructions for traditional handwork (sashiko) and dyeing (shibori).
Have you ever made a kimono? What would you be inspired to make now?
** FYI, #113 Japanese Kimono is on sale for all of April (it is a great deal). Enjoy! **