A Whole Other Era
When I received my bolt of wool from Shinei, and subsequently the araihari silk lining fabric, neither felt like wool or silk to me. Not only are they are incredibly lightweight, the finish was very smooth, almost like paper. In fact, any piece of washi I have is thicker and heavier than these fabrics. Of course, they’re starched.…
The kimono is taken apart and then sewn back into one long bolt. After it’s washed, it’s stretched to dry, reblocking the fabric.…
When I unpacked the silk lining I ordered for $4 (plus shipping) from Shinei, I got a clearer idea of how a kimono is pieced together. The lining has two red stains (possibly where the outer fabric got wet in the rain and the color seeped). Shinei provides good photographs, so I was aware of the stains when I bought it. As this was just an experiment and I’m practicing on the polyester kimono, the stains don’t bother me. However, I also got a bonus piece. Another inner lining in perfect condition which is the correct size for the polyester kimono since it has its hakkake (lower hem lining) in good condition. So, I’ll use the bigger piece for a sheer summer kimono I bought. Summer kimono are unlined and I’m thinking of using that fabric to make a skirt. Bonus information. On the edge of one of the pieces was stamped グンゼ絹ばら(Gunze Silk Rose) . I looked that up and learned that Gunze is a famous fabric manufacturer that started as a silk factory in 1896. And “Silk Rose” was one of their trademark brands. I also found this blog post which decried the unavailability of the Silk Rose…