After completing the Persimmon Flower background, I felt the coat needed something. Referencing vintage firemen’s coats I decided to go with a plain stitch, echoing the technique of stitching together multiple layers of cotton to make the coats very thick. Historically, the coat would be drenched in water before the firefighter went forth to battle…
Olympus Wagara cotton sashiko sampler project part 2
Here we go, on to the fun stuff. The magic of Persimmon Flower — Kaki no Hana (柿の花) — is how it evolves. Like an actual blossom, it starts off simple and innocuous, then blooms into something wonderful. And it’s all about the math; if you want the blossoms to be bigger or smaller, you adjust…
Olympus Wagara cotton sashiko sampler project part 1
Last year I stocked a single bolt of Wagara fabric. I wasn’t sure if it was worth the investment (they are pricey, even at wholesale!), but once I felt the fabric in my hands, I knew I’d made the right decision. Olympus, the Japanese company who makes all the sashiko supplies I carry in my…
Sashiko Patchwork Apron Pattern
If you’re looking for a fun little project you can make with recycled fabric, sashiko thread, and a little ingenuity, this Sashiko Patchwork Apron Pattern might tickle your fancy. I designed it for the Spring 2012 issue of Stitch and it’s now available for download. The pattern is $4.00, none of which comes to me,…
Shakespearean showstoppers
On my trip to London in November 2012, I took the tour at the new Rose Theatre in Southwark, right on the Thames. It is a beautiful tour showcasing the amazing craftsmanship and dedication that went into building this replica of the original Rose. After making a total ass of myself by throwing in several…
Another tabletop Singer? Of course I’ll take it.
Rambling around the Alameda Point Antiques Faire this winter, I found this lovely Singer standing front and center of an antiques booth. She was a bit raggedy, but the dealer insisted that she would run just fine. I took a gamble that he was an honest man, especially after I noticed the throat plate was…
Stitch Magazine Winter Gifts Issue 2012 Goldwork Fukusa
Well, hello again and Happy New Year, Stitch fans! I’m happy to announce my latest appearance with the fabulous Stitch Winter Gifts Issue 2012. This issue is crammed full of seasonal gift and craft ideas, and I’ve tossed my hat into the ring once again with a traditional Japanese textile project that you can make…
Did I mention the free stuff?
I noticed that my Facebook page followers were getting nearer to 200 (still small potatoes, but then again I haven’t exactly been posting much this year), so I devised a plan to pull in a few more and make it a nice round number. Once we reach the magic number (200!), I’ll give away a…
Octopus or Jewel?
Flipping through reference books while looking for examples of goldwork embroidery, I stumbled onto a page in Flowers, Dragons, & Pine Trees that made me pause, somewhat concerned, and turn the book upside-down. The image, plate 77 on page 234, is credited as an indigo dyed Kasuri Futonji from the 19th or 20th century. From the text,…
Winding down
We’re almost to the end of the KimonoMomo shop. When I started buying Japanese silk bolts and kimono in 2005, I had no idea how many times I would be moving house, or how many trunk shows, fashion shows, conventions, street fairs, antique shows, museum events, and classes I would be hosting, teaching, or attending…
Final month for KimonoMomo Etsy shop
This is it! I have two other businesses that have been growing quickly, and it’s time to let go of KimonoMomo. I started discounting bolts by 30% back in January, and now I’m offering you a coupon code that will give you an EXTRA 30% all items in my shop. When placing your order online,…
A love for both the common fiber and the extraordinary textile @KimonoMomo 