Fabric Friday

Today I'd like to share with you some fabric swatches that I've been playing with. As you may know, I'm a bit of a fabric-lover and am always playing with the fabrics in my collection and thinking of new ways to use it. After living in Tokyo for four years I have a rather extensive kimono collection and I love to spend time sifting through the fabrics and drooling over their designs and colours.

When I play with the fabrics I am always thinking of what would be the best use for it and either thinking of applying it to a product I already have in my store or for devising a new one.

Sometimes I only have small amounts of fabric and these are perfect for making the cuff bracelets, button brooches and necklaces that I sell in my store. I have to make sure that the design on the fabric is small enough to show on the finished piece.

The smaller kimono fabric pieces are also great for using in my silk scarves as I tend to patchwork them together to create one long piece.

So far I have selected a few colour schemes which you can see in the photos above. I love the vibrancy of the orange and red colour ways, but the black and white, and blue and white colours are very pleasing too. Look out for some new scarves in store soon.

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Kimono jewellery

I love the idea of applying kimono fabrics to jewellery and have been playing with variations over the past few weeks to see how the beautiful fabrics could be used.

My first attempt was these kimono-covered buttons that I've made into a set of three brooches. I used complimentary colours in each one so that they work as a group of three or could be used individually. I love the idea of placing them on the lapel of a jacket or using them to decorate a bag.

I've also been working on some kimono necklace ideas and so far have one in my store. It uses a stylised chrysanthemum piece that I have cut out from a vintage Japanese kimono and then bonded onto a blue leather base.

It is hung round the neck on a silver chain and makes a lovely simple statement to any outfit. It's pretty unique too!

A new addition?

I have been wanting to make jewellery items out of kimono fabrics for a while now, but was unsure how to make them. At the weekend I got busy playing with fabrics and after a lot of fiddling, I came up with this kimono cuff idea! I have used kimono fabric on the outer side and a contrasting cotton fabric on the inner side, with strong canvas strap in between the fabric pieces to add stiffness. Each cuff has been finished off with a rose button and neon pink elastic loop closure. I'm thinking of trying more in varying widths and colours and may even add charms and tassels to some of them too! They would look great worn on their own, or in a group in a selection of widths and colours together.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.