RE-FASHIONING THE KIMONO—Size, Shape, Embellishment ! with June Colburn

  RE-FASHIONING THE KIMONO—Size, Shape, Embellishment ! with June Colburn

June 12, 2016 Indian Rocks Beach Art Center  1-5p.m.
One of the remarkable features of Japanese kimono making is that seamstresses never cut away any of the fabric! It’s all in the garment, which means in some instances 2”-3” wide seam allowances! Think of how much larger that garment can be, when the seams are let out! Learn an easy fix for turning the original size S into an American size M-XL.

Remove or restyle the bulky hanging sleeves—then use the sleeve fabric for pockets,
scarf, or even matching camisole or shell! Change the hemline—shorten, sculpt, even lengthen it.  The real fun begins with the embellishments—a little surface design, or, to the max!

The best candidates for surface design are the quiet, even dull colored garments, either solid colors or with small woven or printed patterns. Don’t worry overmuch about the stains and holes—you can fix those! Silk screen/stencil/stamp with fabric paint or thickened dye; hand/machine embroider; add appliqués, beads, tassels. Just because the Japanese never used buttons or buckles, doesn’t mean you can’t.

Kit fee: purchase an inexpensive kimono or haori (jacket), or bring one from home.

• Sewing machine (if needed); tape measure, ruler, scissors, pins, matching thread,
• hand/machine needles. (NOTE: silk requires a fine, sharp needle!)
• Newsprint or other large paper for design line changes, pen or pencil.
• Fabric paint/thickened dye, brushes/sponges/squeegees; stencils/silk screens/stamps;
• blue painters’ tape; foam board or similar to slide between kimono front/back; shallow
• water container for washing screens.
• OPTIONAL supplies: freezer paper, brayer, gloves; fabrics for appliqués/lace, etc.,
• embellishment threads, yarns. . . . Camera!

Class includes samples trunk show.

July Workshop – Nuno Felting with Leeann Kroetsch

At Indian Rocks Beach Art Center; More details in next months newsletter.