Tuesday evening I am teaching a small class on the use of kimono as a canvas for fiber art. We will construct very simple kimono. Then the artists will have their way.
I have long been attracted to the kimono shape. It is easy to wear. It is easy to make. It is perhaps the original zero waste design, though the bog coat probably takes that honor. The kimono has so many more possibilities though.
If you are interested in kimono construction, you'll find an excellent pattern for it from folkwear. It contains two versions of kimono plus the very wonderful, and also zero waste, monpei (pants). I have made and continue to enjoy all three pieces in this pattern grouping called Japanese Field garments.
In preparation for teaching the class, and as part of my participation in the What-If Diaries taught by Jude of Spirit Cloth, I am working on a small white linen kimono.
After completing a pair of white linen pants, I had a nice size remnant, just enough for a child sized kimono. I drafted it proportionally to my available fabric, rather than using a pattern.
I sewed the sleeves to the body, as well as the underarm seams and the front band by machine. Then I finished all the edges, using various techniques, by hand. It is a great travel project.
The first part of the What-If Diaries is a study of white on white - using the shadows, and the slight variations in white to create texture, shape, and artistic composition. So I started the embellishment of my little kimono with a moon from one of its remnants:
Martha, I love the kimono and wish I could be a part of your class. The green is edging down the cloth like new blades of grass.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link to the online classes at Spirit Cloth-I follow her but did not realize she offered classes.
Hi, Martha. Love your stitching on this kimono--So hard to stick with white all by itself! Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. It motivated me to visit yours.
ReplyDeletebest, nadia
have I mentioned to you how much I enjoy your posts??? well I DO! thank you!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! Isn't hand stitching such a soothing activity?
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely composition. This is destined to become an heirloom.
ReplyDelete