More Vests, part II



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...)

What to do with a vintage Japanese men's kimono???

From this...a vintage Japanese men's kimono, I was challenged to 'make something'.  The kimono by itself was not selling and frankly, I knew why.  It's a lot of fabric for anyone to drape around their body, a dark brown unflattering color, and what the heck do you do with this?  Where to wear? 

So I took my trusty scissors to it and transformed it into...

 

a vest that is wearable, the stripes are a great feature, showing off the wonderful skill of the weaver. 

Took it to the bazaar at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii and it sold right away, had just put it on the mannequin and a lady snapped it up!