Commence hanfu project.

Finally I have got round to making a hanfu!

Really after rediscovering them 4 years ago, I have been pondering how to make one and since I am still looking for a job what better way to keep myself sane then to actually make one!

My plan is to make something like this.

So I got my thinking hat on and drafted a pattern.

It took me a couple of days to figure out the curves and then how to cut the pattern on the fabric because there is no way I was going to find fabric wide enough to cut the bottom part of the shirt in one piece.

However it was only now that I realised I made a tad mistake!

The top part is not too bad because I used the hanfu that I brought 4 years ago as my pattern but the wraparound skirt is wrong.  

It doesn't wrap around enough times.  In my reference picture it appears to wrap around three and half times whereas my one is only two and half times.  But I have looked at other pictures since and it might not be as wrong as I thought so PHEW!

Since then I have sewed it all together but I still need to buy some more fabric that will be used as a border for the hems and collar.  I am thinking of emerald green but I'm up for suggestions!

Finished Kimono - Part Two

Day Six - 24th December

After yesterdays challenge, I was confident I could get the collar done quickly.  Opps!

First step was attaching the first layer of collar to the kimono body.  In the DVD, the seamstress was able to lie her kimono flat but I had real trouble here.  Then there was the markings that I was suppose to follow, they didn't go as according to plan.  For example, the hemmed edge of the okumi panel was not high enough to be covered by the collar so there is some raw edge poking out.  Not that you will see it because it is on the inside but something to remember!

There was a lot of small things that make attaching the collar tricky but now I have done it, I know how to improve.

First the positioning of the reinforcements needed for the collar.  I sewed them too far away from the seam which means you can see a line of stitching on the outside.

I going to blame this on the book because in the DVD the lady didn't sew them on like the book show me!  

Second more dodgy stitching but this time blind stitch.

Day Seven - 25 December

Nothing!  It was Christmas Day and I wanted to spend the day eating, drinking and watching my husband play games.

Day Eight - 26 December

Finally the sleeves are being attached.  I am not sure if I have followed the markings that I made but did follow the method of sewing so it is accurate enough with construction.

And here is the result.

Fortunately from a distance you can not see the mistakes I made.

And from this distance, the collar looks quite good.

Now I need to buy more fabric and wear this one.

Finished Kimono - Part One

What have I been doing since my last post since 15th December?  Well the fabric that I brought arrived on 19th December and since then I have been busy making my kimono.

This was how the week progressed for me.

Day One - 19th December

Received fabric only to find that they sent me 5 yds rather then 5 ms of fabric.  Lucky I only needed 4.4 metres but it was annoying to receive goods that were not what you paid for.  Anyway there was no point in complaining but the next time I order from them which I might I will mention it.

All I did that day was go through the measurements, cut the fabric into 36 cms wide pieces and marked the body panels ready for sewing.

Day Two - 20th December

Got up a bit late and since I had a Christmas lunch to attend I only managed to sew the two rows of stitching for the back seam.

I said I was going to part machine and part hand sew this kimono but in the end I choose to sew it all by hand because I need the practice and to see how long it would take.

I tell you something, it is not easy sewing long straight and even running stitches.  I tried my method but it takes a long time to sew.  However when I tried the Japanese method it was quicker but harder to create even stitches.  I suppose with a bit more practice I will get the hang of it.

Day Three - 21th December

Taking things slowly, I sewed the horizontal back seams and for some reason I decided to make the sleeves.

The sleeves themselves were easy to make and the only thing that is complicated is the armhole.  I made a template for the kimono curve which was just the curve of a 8cm in diameter circle.  Not the correct curve but I had a used cardboard cylinder that was at hand so I thought why not use this cylinder to create the curve.  Later I will make proper card templates.

Again the problem of sewing straight and even running stitch is still troubling me and it is a running theme.

Day Four - 22th December

Now to tackle the side seams and arm holes on body panel.  

The challenge here was the arm holes because they needed to be as flat as possible to prevent any bulk fabric from showing.  

Also that night I cut out the okumi and collar panels and marked up the okumi panel ready for tomorrow works.

Day Five - 23rd December

I have heard attaching the okumi panels was tricky and although the first part of sewing the hem wasn't too bad, the rest of it was a bit of a pain.

There was a lot of fudging here because I wasn't sure what the diagrams were trying to say and how the markings I made earlier were used.  All I knew was the overall look that needed to be achieved so I went with my intuition here.

I hope it was good though.

Here is some dodgy sewing!

DIY kimono time!

You may have guessed that I am a kimono fan/addict but I have reached a stalling point in my collection.

In the past I would go onto ebay and find many kimono that I would love to wear however now it is completely different.  Although I am still finding kimono that I would like to own, none of them are ones that I would like to wear.  I do not know what has brought this on but it is for the best because it was a huge drain on my finance.

So how am I am going to resolve this?  Well it is time to complete one of my things on my To-Do list, make a kimono!

I have been talking about this for ages and I have reached the point that I am tired of hearing myself saying it so when my friend went to Japan I asked her to buy me a kimono making book and some kimono making tools.  

This is the book that she got for me.

I have already had the chance to look at this book so I know it contains detailed instructions in constructing a kimono if you can decipher the Japanese measurements.  Which is what I did for the last two days!

I literally I spent the 2 days studying the pictures and re-drawing some of the diagrams so I understood what the markings and measurements are needed.  It appears that there is a lot of preparation in making a kimono because when I watched the DVD, the lady didn't do a lot of measurements once she began to put the kimono together.

However now I am confident that I have all the measurements in my head and I have brought my fabric.  Nothing exciting, just some green polycotton which will make a perfect summer kimono.

Although I think I can wear it if I make a nice warm juban.

Well wish me luck and I will keep you posted!

Today's kanzashi - Ivy Love

“I never thought I'd cry for the love of Ivy”

Green is not the most obvious kanzashi colour you would choose but green is actually a lovely colour. These tiny plum flowers are made from a dark green cotton fabric and have a short fall on each flower to give them the cute factor.

Ivy Love is a one of a kind pair of hairclips as I no longer have any more of this lovely fabric. Each hairclip measures 3 cm wide by 6 cm height by 1 cm depth and the clips are alligator style so will be suitable for all hairtypes and hairstyles.

The little red box in the picture is for display purpose only and not for sale. If you would like the little red box with your purchase then convo me and I will give you my prices.

Although I do not have the fabric anymore, I have many other fabrics available for you to choose from so if you found a kanzashi that you like but would like to customise it to your needs, taste or occasion then let me know. I am sure I will be able to create a kanzashi that will meet your expectation.

Merino Needle felt kokeshi doll - Mimi

Hello my name is Mimi the kokeshi doll and I am pleased to see you!

Made from merino wool, I am wearing a gorgeous blue kimono with a purple and black obi.

My hair is styled into casual chignon as I am out for the evening with some friends. I also have a little white obi-dome on my obi-jime for decoration.

I am only 6.5cm tall but I am a feisty doll. I hope you enjoyed my description and see you soon!

The waiting game!

So the kokeshi doll are waiting for their owners to contact them so what are they doing in the mean time?

Of course play a little bit of computer games.

They discovered that they were rubbish at playing games because they couldn't co-ordinate themselves quickly enough, nevermind.

After the failure of the game playing they decided to meet their neighbours that live down the hallway.

They may look scary at first but the robots where quite nice and they got on very well!

Fun with Felt Kokeshi Doll

Lately I have been absorbed in making kokeshi doll via the needle felting and now I have a small army of them it is time to start posing them!

Here are three of them trying their best type an email.

They are having a little trouble because they are only small and they have to jump really hard to push one of the keyboard letters.

Then there is the problem with the mouse!

They are only small and this mouse is somewhat big for them.

And after all this hard work sending an email it was time for a well earned break.

These three kokeshi dolls were trying to contact their new owners. I wonder if they were successful?

Lily Love Kanzashi Haircomb

New kanzashi design with a new flower design!

This delicately constructed kanzashi is made from 3 lilies and 2 ume flower using white polyester habutae and is perfect for a vegan bride who wants an accessory that does not compromise her beliefs.

Lily Love measuries 11cms wide by 7cm high and is attached to a plastic haircomb.

This is a vegan friendly kanzashi and I can make in the following colours:

• Ivory
• Baby Pink
• Pale Blue
• Lilac
• Pale Yellow
• Red
• Royal Blue
• Green
• Orange

If there is another colour you would like me to make the flowers from then let me know!

And for those of you who are interested, this kanzashi can also be made using vintage kimono silk. Again just drop me a convo to discuss details as this option will be more expensive.

Golden Ume-Japanese Bridal Tiara Kanzashi

A bride should always be the centre of attention and this kanzashi certainly make it so.

Made from ivory colour habutae, these delicate ume (plum) blossom have been hand-folded and then decorated with gold bead cap and silver pearl beads. Enhancing the flowers arrangement are 2 decorative strands made from silver wire, gold bead caps and more pearls.

Golden Ume measures 13.5 cm(wide) by 5.5 cm(height) by 4cm (depth) with the metal comb being 4cm (wide) by 3.5cm (height).

This tiara will be truly unique as it is made to order for you and therefore if you have any special request to make regarding this tiara such as colour or fitting then do not hesitate to contact me. Once I have received your order, it will take me 5 working days to be ship your order.

If this one doesn’t quite tickle your fancy then why not browses though my etsy shop or my flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/kittykanzashi_designs. All of my designs can be customisable to your wishes and needs so do not hesitate to contact me and I will do my best to fulfil your expectations.

Mellow Pink-Japanese inspired Kanzashi

A nice and mellow kanzashi brooch for you to purchase!

Perfect to wear everyday to add a little bit of summer to your wardrobe. Made from vintage kimono fabric, the petals have been hand-folded and delicately arranged on a felt base to create these pretty flowers and momiji-style leaf.

They are then finished off with a lilac pearl and a small piece of mizuhiki cord for the leaf. The flowers and momiji have been arranged so that the momiji swings freely which will add a little movement when you wear it.

The arrangement measures 8cm (wide) by 9cm (height) by 3cm (depth) (3 1/8in x 3 1/2in x 1 1/8in) and is attached to a 2.5 cm (1in) brooch pin.

Have you found a kanzashi that you like but would like it on a hairband? Or you have seen something that you like but would like to customise it to your personality, style or occasion then do not hesitate to contact me and I will do my best to fulfil your expectations.

Ume Embrace- Japanese Bridal Kanzashi Tiara

This kanzashi just shouts glamour and why shouldn’t every bride feel the same way.

This tiara consists of 5 hand-folded ivory ume (plum) flowers which have been arranged so the tiara will circle your hair bun. Each flower has been decorated with a silver bead cap and ivory pearl bead and 4 decorative strands have been included to provide just a little bit more sparkle to the piece.

Ume Embrace measures 14cm (wide) by 6cm (height) by 6cm (depth) with the metal comb being 4cm (wide) by 3.5cm (height). This tiara is made to order for you and therefore if you have any special request to make regarding this tiara such as colour or fitting then do not hesitate to contact me. Once I have received your order, it will take me 5 working days to be ship your order.

If this one doesn’t quite tickle your fancy then why not browses though my etsy shop or my flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/kittykanzashi_designs. All of my designs can be customisable to your wishes and needs so do not hesitate to contact me and I will do my best to fulfil your expectations.

Starlight-Japanese Bridal Kanzashi Tiara

This is a unique kanzashi for brides who are looking for something out of the ordinary.

Made from three layers of fabric, these petals are formed using “tsumami” technique and have been carefully attached to a felt base. The star has then been finished with a gold bead cap and ivory coloured pearl.

Adorning the star are 5 decorative strands made from hand-twisted wire, pearl and yellow cracked glass bead. These complement the colour co-ordination of the star.

Starlight measures 8cm in diameter and is attached to a metal comb that measures 3.5cm (height) by 4cm (wide).

This tiara is made to order for you and therefore if you would like to customize this hairpiece (such as the colour or fitting) then do not hesitate to contact me or just drop a note into “message for seller” at checkout with your choices.

Colours that you can choose from are as follows
• Ivory
• White
• Lilac
• Purple
• Royal Blue
• Pale Blue
• Red
• Black
• Baby pink
• Pale Yellow
• Green
• Orange

Fittings choices
• Metal comb
• Plastic clear comb
• Metal hairband
• Hairpin (4 in in length)

Once I have received your order, it will take me 5 working days to be ship your order.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

If this one doesn’t quite tickle your fancy then why not browses though my etsy shop or my flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/kittykanzashi_designs. All of my designs can be customisable to your wishes and needs so do not hesitate to contact me and I will do my best to fulfil your expectations.

Midnight Beauty-Japanese inspired Kanzashi

There is something of the night in these kanzashi.

These handmade flowers are crafted from a black cotton fabric with a subtle pattern printed on them. Simply but very striking, ideal for someone who is looking to own something feminine rather then girly.

Midnight Beauty is a one of a kind pair of hairclips as I no longer have any more of this lovely fabric. Each hairclip measures 3 cm wide by 3.5 cm height by 1 cm depth and the clips are alligator style so will be suitable for all hairtypes and hairstyles.

The little red box in the picture is for display purpose only and not for sale. If you would like the little red box with your purchase then convo me and I will give you my prices.

Although I do not have the fabric anymore, I have many other fabrics available for you to choose from so if you found a kanzashi that you like but would like to customise it to your needs, taste or occasion then let me know. I am sure I will be able to create a kanzashi that will meet your expectation.