E.M. Otani

The most beautiful woven silk in red and white pictured in a store in Osaka City’s Semba Center.

Rolls of kimono and obi fabric. Some are damaged from exposure to moisture and/or years of poor storage. It’s heartbreaking as some have never been used and have their original labels.

A pattern of vibrant red, white and turquoise woven kimono fabric unfurled

Label affixed to a roll of handwoven crimson silk fabric, and written in Japanese confirming its designation as an “intangible cultural property” of Japan.

For lovers of #textiles and #art: this is in the Semba Center, Osaka, #Japan where slightly damaged or simply old and forgotten rolls of #handmade fabric are sold for roughly $13. You’ll even find astonishing woven silk using techniques designated as an “Intangible Cultural Property.”

Tammi was taken from us way too soon. What a voice. She and Marvin and Ashford and Simpson. Absolute dream team creating the most uplifting tunes ever recorded. Thank you for the reminder!

April in the city has been cold and drab, but we’ve had a couple of sunny days recently and the flower boxes in my neighborhood are in full bloom!

Vibrant red, blue and white patterned ikat kimono fabric.

Berries and leaves abstract ikat kimono fabric in darker hues accented with green and red.

Two of my favorite kimono fabrics from my mom’s collection. Both are lightweight wool ikat, or “kasuri” as it’s known in Japanese. #kimono #japan #fabric #textile #art #sewing #weaving

Kimono detail- pink, green, white poppies against turquoise on silk.

Close up of pink poppy on silk.

Kimono detail- blue, pink and gold flowers on silk.

Kimono detail - stenciled floral and fan motif on silk in pale orange and green.

More of my mother’s kimono. Tradition dictates a fidelity to the seasons, so here are some pretty springtime motifs. 🪡 #sewing #japan #textile #fabric #kimono #spring

Spare ikat design of red and white on black.

This is considered an “everyday” kimono. You know, nothing fancy. But I find this pattern striking

Embroidered floral obi in vibrant colors, stitched on vibrant crimson satin.

Maple leaves and fruit motif embroidered on vermillion satin.

Good design is always timeless, though some of these almost look quite modern. Look at these obi.

Detail of a blue and white floral patterned cotton yukata and red/blue embroidered obi.

My mother needed to downsize and so I’m now the owner of many kimono. She says these designs are very old fashioned — these are Showa era/mid century designs. I think they’re quite chic, modern and quite beautiful. Here’s cotton yukata and complementary obi.
#kimono #textile #japan #sewing 🪡

A stunner and love how it’s styled with the eyelet blouse!

Let’s celebrate the beauty of this amazing culture, its creations, and its crafts.

Classic beauty!

Wonderful. Love lace in vibrant colors!

Whoa these are amazing!

Haha, assuming she finished her multi-year project and her grandad ended up with a precious handmade gift from his granddaughter?…

What is lace but a series of artfully arranged holes?! 😊

Open Air Wrap pattern by Purl Soho IN PURL SOHO’S LINEN QUILL

Clearly my love for Purl Soho patterns and yarns is obvious from the few posts I’ve shared! Can’t help it as they’re all so wonderful. Here are the patterns www.ravelry.com/patterns/lib... and www.ravelry.com/patterns/lib...

Bright yellow scarf folded, in simple lace pattern using a linen blend line weight yarn.

Bright yellow scarf in simple lace knit pattern showing the drape of the fabric in a table.

“Archway” lace pattern in a deep “peacock” color as it appears in a shawl using sport weight yarn.

Closeup of the “archway” lace pattern

I’ve only begun knitting lace, mostly because my mother loves it. I happen to be visiting her now, so I can share the first lace pattern I’ve ever done (“so that’s what a yarn over is for!”) and a shawl I gifted to her over the holidays. #showmeyourknits 🧶 #knitsky

This beautiful hat is beaming with kindness 🥰

Thanks!

Beautiful! Is there a link to this pattern? Or only available in the kit you got from the store? HUGE fan of Daruma patterns.

How lovely!! A cat home built from the ground up 😃

Is that his lil’ house in the background? 😊

Oooh nice little detail on the cuff. Beautiful!

All your knits are amazing. Those hoodies are fantastic!

Bravo! I hope to grow up to be just like you! 😉

Your work is so lovely. I hope this one works out :)

Trust me, I know the feeling. I seem to only get a rhythm with lace patterns after the first mistake-free repeat. If I’m especially frustrated I put it aside and start an easier/more straightforward project so I can feel accomplished again.

Thanks for this grounded perspective. Mav’s org had to have grounds for this decision— albeit it’s still a WILD one. As a lifelong Laker fan, I certainly hope Luka is the next great Laker. So, what happens to LeBron?..

Dovetail Scarf Everyone loves a one-skein project! It’s intrinsically fast, inexpensive, and most importantly, clever. So thank…

Yes, here you go! Another one of the free patterns from Purl Soho that i often go to
www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/...