My chaotic wanderings through creation and restoration.
Pictured: OHMIGOD OHMIGOD OHMIGOD OHMIGOD Or at least I think it's an uchikake. I'm actually not fully sure. I rarely get to handle uchikake this old to begin with, and this will be the first that I own if that's what it is. I know that older ones tend to be structurally different than the … Continue reading Restoration In Progress–Meiji Takarabune Uchikake
Soft Blue Green Crepe Silk With Blooming Spider Mums And Fans Over Flowing Water. This is a restoration that I totally failed to keep any tabs on whatsoever. I bought it, cleaned it, sewed a few panels back together, and then hung it up here to take pictures without so much as documenting a single … Continue reading Taisho Irotomesode–
I didn't plan this post, but because I've been unexpectedly popular when it comes to the restoration details, here I am! I started this blog 31 days ago, and I've already had 1500 some-odd people come and check it out. I'm floored. Thank you. I can't believe people think this is that interesting, especially considering … Continue reading A Chat About Restoration Requests
Cranes In Flight Over Soft Glowing Pine And Ivy On Black Silk. This is a rather recent addition to my collection. It was meant to be another potential project, as I had purchased it domestically and the seller photos were a bit vague. So I was prepared for weirdness, but actually she's in really good … Continue reading Taisho Furisode–Cranes & Pine
Vinegar Edition. If you're reading this, you might have come here from the Global Kimono Facebook group, at which point: Hi! If not, I have been posting little pictures and updates here and there about my stain removal process. Just last night (Hahaha, who are we kidding, it was 5 in the morning for me, … Continue reading Tutorial–Vintage Kimono Stain Removal
Bright Summer Flowers And Books On Sheer Black Silk. This one is a rare bird, also covered in adorable little plover birds. I believe it to be late Taisho to early Showa Era, probably not any younger than the 1950's. That's an inspired guess based on the feel of the fabric, the themes, and the … Continue reading Vintage Furisode–Summer Reading
Dusky Black Woven Silk With Sweet Blooming Roses And Climbing Ivy Leaves Pictured: Restoration Complete If you have been following along, then you might recognize this haori from this post. The restoration is complete! While she is not perfect, the fading is under control, the goddamn Sharpie has been removed, and she has been completely … Continue reading Antique Haori–Warm Roses & Ivy
I'm posting about this delightful vintage furisode early because it arrived to me early and I simply cannot contain myself. Pictured: CANNOT. BE. CONTAINED. I picked this kimono up knowing damn well that it was going to be a restoration, but I gotta admit, guys, I was just smitten when I saw her. SMITTEN. Her … Continue reading Restoration In Progress–Velcro Dreams & Kinsai Wishes
Gentle Irises On Deep Purple Textured Silk 100 Years Old The finished piece. I actually very recently finished this old girl, considering how long I've had her. It came to me with a lot of damage--as a lot of kimonos that I buy domestically do. In fact, I bought it as an "oriental bathrobe." What … Continue reading Meiji Furisode–Soft Ayame & …shaving?
A Proud Peacock In Flight Over Crashing Waves & Snowy Mountains The finished piece. I often refer to this piece as my "crown jewel." And that's actually not because of its classy-AF colours and themes, it's because it took me two years to restore it. I also refer to this furisode as the piece that … Continue reading Taisho/Showa Furisode–The “Crown Jewel”
Silk & Bones 