More vests please!

That is the I kept hearing after selling out on the four vests made of vintage kimono & michiyuki.  So, Les came over with a big box of assorted kimono etc.  We weeded through them and I threw out more than I kept.  Then, the fun part--cutting away all the stuff I don't want.  Most people are afraid of scissors, well, mine especially.  These shears are made in Japan and are worth the cost.  I put the fear of death in anyone who asks to use my tools.  These are not to be used for anything but fabric.  Upon pain of death!  Keeps unprofessional hands off my scissors!
Step one:
jumble of assorted kimono....

Step two:  cut away all the parts I don't want...

Step three:  Finish the neckline, armholes and hem.  Then figure out what it needs...

(to be continued...)

Tenugui…not just a piece of cotton cloth

The history of tenugui dates back to the Heian (794 to 1185) period. It was originally undyed linen used as a head covering for rituals.  However, at the beginning of the Edo (1603 to 1868) period, bleached cotton tenugui gradually began taking the place of linen. 

Today, tenugui, a rectangular cotton hand towel, are sometimes distributed by shops as gifts for their openings or other occasions.  It can be used for anything – a washcloth, headband, souvenir or decoration.  They are found all over Japan in shops that specialize in the cotton hand towel or in department stores that sell them as souvenirs. 

My thoughts on the tenugui are that they are “too pretty to use” so I use it as “art” to decorate my home.  The collection consists of artwork for the season - New Year’s, Boy’s Day; food themes – sushi, fish, rice grains; flowers – cherry blossoms, lotus; hobbies - sake, baseball and many other delightful designs to display during the year.  And on top of all this, it’s so easy to store – in a few folds it takes very little space in a box.

You can find your own tenugui design and create a work of art to enjoy!

By: guest blogger Susan, my friend and fellow explorer.

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!