Do you ever feel guilty about breaking up a kimono?
Before I buy a kimono there are several things I consider.
I respect the skill, commitment and tradition that has gone into the creation of a kimono before I buy it. I want to show respect to the silk makers, the weavers and the kimono artisans who print, paint and dye the fabric into beautiful designs by breathing new life into these forgotten fabrics.
- Is this kimono damaged enough so that it should be broken down?
- Is the kimono at a point where it needs to be given new life, or can be used for its original purpose?
- Can I actually use it (not too damaged or stained)?
- Is this the type of fabric I enjoy working with?
- How will this fabric feel against the skin?
- Are these the types of colours and patterns my customers like?
I respect the skill, commitment and tradition that has gone into the creation of a kimono before I buy it. I want to show respect to the silk makers, the weavers and the kimono artisans who print, paint and dye the fabric into beautiful designs by breathing new life into these forgotten fabrics.
Where do you get your kimono from?
Everywhere! I personally source every piece of fabric I use in my designs, unless it is gifted to me.
I trawl the antique markets, vintage shops, kimono shops, shrine sales and source a large percentage of my stock from the Boroichi (twice yearly rag market in January and December).
I trawl the antique markets, vintage shops, kimono shops, shrine sales and source a large percentage of my stock from the Boroichi (twice yearly rag market in January and December).
How long does it take to break down a kimono?
This all depends on the age and type of kimono. If it has been hand-sewn, then the breakdown is much quicker than machine-sewn ones.
On average it takes around 45 minutes to an hour to take a kimono apart properly. Then hand washing, drying, discarding the unusable parts and finally hanging on skirt hangers before storing on a rack in my studio.
Often the kimono lining is so damaged that it has to be discarded completely.
On average it takes around 45 minutes to an hour to take a kimono apart properly. Then hand washing, drying, discarding the unusable parts and finally hanging on skirt hangers before storing on a rack in my studio.
Often the kimono lining is so damaged that it has to be discarded completely.
Do you sell kimono scraps?
At the moment I don't sell off-cuts or fabric but I'm thinking about selling some in the future as my collection is growing daily and I don't have space to store them all!
How long does it take to make a neckpiece/ bracelet/ earrings?
How long is a piece of string?!
I make my pieces in batches of 10-20 and make them as a small production line. It may take 4-5 days work to make 20 neckpieces but sometimes longer. And the kimono sourcing is all done in person, so that time needs to be added on to the final price too.
I make my pieces in batches of 10-20 and make them as a small production line. It may take 4-5 days work to make 20 neckpieces but sometimes longer. And the kimono sourcing is all done in person, so that time needs to be added on to the final price too.
Can I work for you for free?
Wow! Thanks for your kind offer but I don't offer internships at this time.
If you are interested in working for me and have relevant sewing skills including using a sewing machine, please do get in contact with me to see if we might be a good fit.
If you are interested in working for me and have relevant sewing skills including using a sewing machine, please do get in contact with me to see if we might be a good fit.
Can I recreate one of your designs for myself?
I can't stop you from making my designs at home, but your morals might!
Every time you make a piece using my design, that is a potential loss of earning for me. And each design I make is part of a long process of testing prototypes and materials. So if you're OK with that....
Please don't copy my designs for financial gain. That's actually illegal.
Every time you make a piece using my design, that is a potential loss of earning for me. And each design I make is part of a long process of testing prototypes and materials. So if you're OK with that....
Please don't copy my designs for financial gain. That's actually illegal.
Do you ever teach workshops?
I used to teach a lot of creative workshops but have since stopped as I wanted to focus on my jewellery business.
There may be some Craft-along sessions coming up in the near future. Subscribe to the mailing list to get the alerts about upcoming classes.
There may be some Craft-along sessions coming up in the near future. Subscribe to the mailing list to get the alerts about upcoming classes.
When will my item ship?
For regular website orders, items ship on Tuesday and Fridays on the regular schedule, but this is subject to change.
Check out the shipping info here.
Check out the shipping info here.
If I place a custom order with you, how long does it take?
There are usually lots of back and forth emails before a customer places an actual order. But once the style and the fabric is decided and the order is placed, it takes around 2-3 weeks until it is shipped depending on the waiting list.
Please contact me to start the process.
Please contact me to start the process.
Do you do wholesale orders?
Yes, I do.
Wholesale is available to legitimate businesses, not to individuals for resale or gifting.
Please contact me for a line sheet.
Wholesale is available to legitimate businesses, not to individuals for resale or gifting.
Please contact me for a line sheet.