Thursday, May 30, 2013

Summer cottons

It's almost summer and the cutest cotton handkerchiefs arrive in all the shops.  From the fancy designer names in high end dept stores to the corner conbi (convenience) shop.

These nigiri themed ones were found in Tokyo Station.  There is no other station like this one-it's a city in the middle of Tokyo.  There are 3floors, I think.  Got a little lost but found our way to the street/outside level.  Couldn't buy them all, so must go back. Seasonal prints and fabrics...always changing!

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Fresh from Tokyo May 2013

Despite all my efforts to divorce myself from fabric, textiles, etc.  I guess there still is lint in my blood after all these years.  A life spent with fabric cannot be undone.  Color, texture and all things fabric still catch my eye and I have learned to enjoy the experience and even appreciate it, now...
As seen in Tokyo:
Wonderful, bold, graphic summer colors on furoshiki tote bags.  These triangular ones (hanging) are shoulder totes, made of 2 pieces sewn together.  The folded pieces below are handkerchiefs and tenugui (hand towels).  They are made of light summer weight cotton and are ubiquitous in the spring/summer.  I love how there are seasonal prints.  My eyes are happy to see changing colors with changing seasons.  Things look fresh and different and I never get tired of seeing new design motifs and textile art.
This is "Japanese Marrimekko" to me.  Flat, bold shapes of color in cheerful combinations.




For Mother's Day, these little planter jars were on display.  Filled with glass or plastic marbles, what appears to be a recycled jar makes a great little desk top or table top gift.  Japan is great with keeping things from being super-sized.  So things always look "cute".  By the way, this is a living plant. 
Other small plants.....