Cut and sew

The large waterfall of silk (see posting below) was not enough fabric for a kimono but I did have enough for a long vest. This would be a good starting place anyway since it has been a long time since I used the techniques from "Make Your Own Japanese Clothes" by John Marshall. It is a wonderful book. I do not believe it is still in print.

The Japanese way to take measurements and then create the patterns is fascinating. Putting the thing together is a mental fete at first. Quite a bit like origami actually. One wonders how the heck this thing is ever going to come together and then all of a sudden- bam!- there it is.

Above is a picture of the paper laid out to start drawing the pattern.

One other reason for making the smaller, less complicated vest is that most kimono have a seam up the back. Japanese fabrics in days of old were 36" wide or less, necessitating the seam. Also- it was thought that if there wasn't a seam, evil spirits could come "get" you. With this intermediate vest making step, I hope to see if there is a way to side step the back seam when I get to the bigger and more ambitious kimono. I see that I can do it now without a seam so that answers that question....Plus...I learned about Semori which literally means "back protectors". They keep the wearer from evil influences, not that I would need one, right? I like the thought that they would "have my back" but I have a Higher Power already doing that for me- can I get an amen, anybody?

All the pieces plus lining fabric cut. Now the sewing begins. It went fast and smoothly with only one seam needing ripping out and redoing. Not bad.

Last thing to do is sew on the collar and I'm done. More pictures later.

Until then- I got your semori!