I met Becky at a fair in March. She was selling some amazing vintage fabrics and items which she collects from markets in Japan. After a very marginal exchange of about our work and interests, we parted ways and I left feeling really good and happy to have found her.
I find a few weeks later,a very excited email about finding an old plain cream kimono and if I would be interested in Eco-dyeing it. Of course I did. Next thing I know, it's on its way to London from Tokyo!
Not knowing much about kimonos and their wrapping techniques, I took some time trying out ways to fold. This one is dyed with plum cherry leaves, blueberries, some old keys and a few random leaves too. No mordant was used, although I now wish I had.
It was on display in Made in Clerkenwell Summer 2013 and is on sale for those interested. one of the most memorable moments for me was when a lady said that it's like an imprinted memory of a summer picnic; of looking up at the leafy foliage of trees and eating blueberries. Another said it looks like velvet.
I thoroughly enjoyed working on the Kimono and admire Becky's leap of trust in sending the Kimono to me. It seems to be the beginning of collaborative journey and friendship which I look forward to with a happy heart. I hope I have done justice to this kimono.
