Kimono Remake

Japanese pattern books by Takahashi Emiko and Matsushita Junko.

Recently I unexpectedly found 2 Japanese kimono remake pattern books: Massugu Tenui de Kantan Kimono Rimeiku「まっすぐ手ぬいでかんたんきものリメイク」¹ and Katagami Irazu no Kimono Rimeiku Chunikku & Wanpīsu「型紙いらずの着物リメイク チュニック&ワンピース」.²

The third book Te Nuide Tsukuru Sawayakana Otona Fuku「手ぬいで作るさわやかな大人服」³ is an adult clothing pattern book but I bought it as well, because it seems like many of the patterns can be adapted for kimono remake.

The thought of remaking some of my kimono and yukata is both an exciting and intimidating prospect. (Intimidating for an amateur craft hobbyist like me.)

Kimono remake is not a new concept. There are so many kimono remake pattern books out there. These days, people re-purpose kimono into so many items to suit modern-day purposes. Covers, quilts, ornaments, hair accessories, bags and clothes, just to name some. I think the reason for re-purposing kimono has been adequately discussed and explained. Some boutiques in Japan, such as Yorozu and Morie Tokyo (IG/blog.), remake beautiful kimono into very lovely (and wearable) clothes, and also offer custom kimono remake services. Kimono remake has also made some waves here. For instance, kokontozai set up stores on our shores around 2006, selling handbags and hair accessories made with kimono fabric. In the recent past (2014) was Kimono Kollab - see write-ups about them by Daniel Boey and Style on the Dot.

It's sad that the few secondhand kimono I have do not get any use. So I've thought of remaking them into dresses. And perhaps the same designs and patterns can be applied to yukata as well.... If so, I would love to remake the wisteria yukata and the pale blue yukata with white asagao from Tokyo.

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¹ Full title:「まっすぐ手ぬいでかんたんきものリメイク (レディブティックシリーズ No. 3665)」高橋 恵美子(著). Romaji: Massugu Tenui de Kantan Kimono Rimeiku (Redi Butikku Shirīzu No. 3665), loosely translates to "Kimono Remake with Simple Straight Hand-stitches (Lady Boutique Series No. 3665)". Author: Takahashi Emiko. Published in Japanese in 2013 by Boutique Co.

² Full title:「型紙いらずの着物リメイク チュニック&ワンピース」松下 純子(著). Romaji: Katagami Irazu no Kimono Rimeiku Chunikku & Wanpīsu, loosely translates to "Without Pattern Paper Kimono Remake Tunic & One-Piece". Author: Matsushita Junko. Published in Japanese in 2015 by Kawade Shobo Shinsha.

³ Full title:「手ぬいで作るさわやかな大人服 (レディブティックシリーズ No. 3564)」高橋 恵美子(著). Romaji: Te Nuide Tsukuru Sawayakana Otona Fuku (Redi Butikku Shirīzu No. 3564), loosely translates to "Hand-sewn Refreshing Adult Clothing (Lady Boutique Series No. 3564)". Author: Takahashi Emiko. Published in Japanese in 2013 by Boutique Co.