Amazing vintage sash and Tomesode - kimono purse & bags

When unpicked vintage sashes, I Generally knows from end of textile about where made such as Nishi-jin weaving(西陣織）This sash  case was unusual. The weaving style name was on the end of textile, On the opposite side of end, I saw 謹製Sincerely making 竹近右 person's name such as the above picture. It must be at least Meiji era.

The following purse were made with the above vintage kimono sash.

Can you see how different the outcomes!

Of course, a tiny thing makes more different with the same textile! Have a look the next picture!

The combination between textiles and colours. Simply enjoy with vintage kimono textiles

The following are patched works with same vintage kimono called TOMESODE(Lady's formal kimono).

A feature of TOMESODE is "do not have a repeating pattern". 

TOMESODE has all different pattern on a whole kimono, part by part(actually bottom part of kimono).

It looks like a picture which show a Japanese traditional landscape with celebration symbols four seasons plants and birds(crane, peacock!).

I used textile up side down. blossom and bamboo leaves, weave on the textile patched with SHIBORI(tied dye)

The last kimono bag which was made with Tomesode patched was a customised bag. The kimono had a Lot's of stains and textile self was so thin silk.But beautifully upcycling! Thanks Kristine!

- My favourite sites " Upcycling "

When I started, I was making the shirts, jackets, skirts, kid's dress, and origami objects with Vintage kimono and selling at the Southbank weekend market, Brisbane.

The concept of all works was for me and my daughter originally.

As same as you, I started upcycling naturally in my family. Using my family's unused kimono and upcycled new clothing for my family.

This year, I will be back to "the starting point" which I will focus on upcycling the kimonos.
It will be not only handbags, I will also start....(when Sample is ready, I will update)

But it should be the practical products.

The following are my favourite sites about "upcycling"

upcycling http://www.upcycling.co.uk/
Junky fashion http://www.junkystyling.co.uk/
Merci upcycling exhibition http://www.curatedmag.com/news/2010/07/06/upcycling-by-merci/

Kazuyo's collection - Christmas trading and Usagidoshi

Kazuyo's collection, Japanese art& craft, tea shop (98 Latrobe tce Paddington QLD) will reopen on the 22nd Jan 2011.

I finish my work at shop today. This year, I have had a great time with my accompany through a tiny shop(space).

Holding my hope, I will have a holiday with my daughter in Japan.

Our life is always "up and down" I am always learning how combine our ideas, how compromise betweens, how make a great harmony ..in my Brisbane life.

Usagi-doshi(Rabbit year)'s feature are;
combine our ideas for looking for the best way,
prioritises "human being right"
compromise....

I will keep trying to show some sense of value for "Japanese beauty" with my accompany.

Japanese vintage kimono beauty - why I have been making vintage kimono bags and others with vintage kimono. Because I can show Japanese beauty such as the four seasons, landscape, architectures, cultures easily on Vintage kimono textile's patterns.

Japanese vintage kimono beauty - 3R remake, recycle and revival, this challenge will keep in my mind.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year 2011!


(Illustrated by Akiko Fujii - my youngest sister)

All things has "FIRST STEP"
Let's try!
Once get your first step, it will produce some future...

Vintage kimono picture framed with Vintage timber from Grace Brothers department

Hi, the picture is "the vintage wedding gown framed with the vintage timber".

I really wanna show the detail of timber and textile, but very sorry, the quality of picture is not enough to show it.


The timber is NZ Kauri pine tree which was used at the lobby of a lift in Broadway, Grace Brothers department store, Sydney.

A builder, my friend holds the timber and I asked to frame the gown.

It is a vintage collaboration between Japanese and Australian materials.

Both age is about the 100 years old.

Now the materials have revived as a picture.

Now, the picture displays at the window of Kazuyo's collection at Paddington, if you are Brisbane people, Please have a look the real one!!

About Grace Bros, a nice article and pictures, here , in the web of Historic Houses Trust.


http://www.hht.net.au/discover/highlights/online_exhibitions/sydneys_home_furnishing_stores,_1890-1960/grace_bros_