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...)

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.....