Tricia
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I am my kid's mom!
Posts: 6
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Post by Tricia on May 13, 2002 12:14:49 GMT -5
I am still cutting up kimono that I own that are 'cutters'. They are of different fabrics, or so I think. Has anyone heard of the 'burn technique' of taking a small scrap of the material and burning it to deciper what it is? Any help would be appreciated, as I would like to stick to silk for my project.
The textile artist who collects fabrics (kimono) for projects is someone who can stare at their collection for hours on end, dreaming up new ways to use this and that. There is a deep love of color and texture in these type of people, and they approach each project with an eye for creation, not distruction. Knowing that damaged and stained kimonos can have a 2nd life as a well thought-out, artistic piece of work should please the original kimono artist.
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Post by Kiyoaki on May 13, 2002 14:00:30 GMT -5
Tricia,
My very first posting on this message board was on this very subject. I refer you to my January 31st reply to AndyZ under the heading Types of Fabric. It's currently listed on page 3 of the subject headings.
Kiyoaki
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Tricia
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I am my kid's mom!
Posts: 6
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Post by Tricia on May 13, 2002 16:06:51 GMT -5
Thank you, Kiyoaki. That was a very thorough description of the process. I have coppied it permanently for reference. Wish me luck! (fire extinguisher at the ready!)
--Tricia
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Post by Kiyoaki on May 13, 2002 17:02:04 GMT -5
Tricia,
Since you like using silk in quilts, here are some practical facts you should know about silk that may be useful in your work.
First, silk is not susceptible to moth damage. The protein that silk is spun from seems to repel other insects, so it's not likely to be eaten.
Many of the colors used in Japanese kimono are derived from vegetable dyes. Some are very fugitive (especially the safflower ones).
The black in silk is usually derived from acorn galls, but it is set with an iron mordant, which greatly reduces the life of the silk. Instead of lasting several generations, it might start to shred in 50 years.
The exception to this is Oshima tsumugi, which is dyed with iron-rich mud. For some reason this special process does not ruin the protein of the silk so that such garments can easily last several generations. However, these silk yarns are most often woven as 'kasuri' designs, which are not always suitable for quilt work. Predominantly black Oshima tsumugi is almost never available.
You probably also know that white (undyed) silk will darken with exposure to sunlight. So pristine white will eventually become a pale tan if left out in a normal home environment.
Also, silk items should not be hung up for prolonged periods of time. The weight of item will create a strain at the hanging points and either separate the weave or stretch and thin the threads until they break.
You probably have encountered these problems before and no doubt have learned how to solve them. I only wanted to mention some special features of silk, which may help you to make the best color choices for your projects.
Kiyoaki
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Tricia
New Member
I am my kid's mom!
Posts: 6
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Post by Tricia on May 14, 2002 13:32:02 GMT -5
Thanks for the information! I really didn't know any of that info about how long silk lasts, etc. The only silk I have worked with is the kind you get from new fabric stores (mixed with synthetics).
I will probably make my quilt much smaller now, and have it displayed lying down instead of hanging. I have been cutting strips for two years trying to get the correct colors for a water color quilt. I'm almost there, and if I make it a smaller one, I should be able to start soon.
--Tricia
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Post by whiteorchid on Jun 28, 2002 12:27:10 GMT -5
Oh dear - talk about a storm in a tea cup!
Even as a Japanophile associated with the country for over 22 years (including living there for over 8 years), I have no qualms about cutting up kimono - old or new. As a matter of fact, I purchase many kimonos for the sole purpose of cutting them up to use in artwork.
I guess now is a good time for me to take cover!
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Post by Kiyoaki on Jun 28, 2002 13:00:11 GMT -5
Hello Whiteorchid, It amazes me still, how small differences can lead to such big disagreements. More often, than not, these 'minor' diagreements reflect an individual's world view that would be very difficult to reconcile with any other. To run with your metaphor, it could be argued that the 13 American colonies rebelled because of a small, but new tax on tea. In that instance, the entire Boston harbor became a teacup. That's an overstatement, but it may have been the catalyst that emboldened others to consider further rebellion. Welcome to the fray. I hope you enjoy your time here. Like the first "Indians" at that tea party, you are officially in the Genji/Minamoto camp. Kiyoaki
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Post by whiteorchid on Jun 28, 2002 13:40:11 GMT -5
Kiyoaki
Indeed! I had no idea that such a furore could be had over the fate of fabric. And, further to my bewilderment, I confess that I do not feel strongly one way the other about the ways in which others use the kimonos. The vintage kimonos have served their purpose for the original owners and are now in the hands of a new owner to be used as they wish, whether it be worn, displayed, quilted, etc.
I do find myself, however, on many an occasion, wishing the kimono could talk - what a story it could tell I am sure - of its original owner; the occasions it attended; the household it belonged to; the feelings of its original owner in relegating it to the scrap heap; etc. Perhaps that is why I have no guilt cutting it up for use in artwork - because at least part of that untold story is being preserved.
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Himiko
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Post by Himiko on Jul 3, 2002 22:08:44 GMT -5
I would only cut up kimono if it absolutely cannot be saved as a wearable garment due to stains/tears etc.. But so far, I haven't "murdered" any kimono yet. I am not sure if shortening the sleeves of the furisode and using the material to make bags and other stuff makes me a member of the opposite camp. ;-)
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Post by Kiyoaki on Sept 24, 2002 19:01:46 GMT -5
Himko,
If nothing else, you are folowing traditional Japanese practice. So how could you be anti-tradition if you re-cycle old fabric?
These are clothes we are discussing, and in the course of time, all clothing eventually wears out or becomes damaged. Albeit, because clothing is a cultural invention, it can become highly charged with associations that can be divorced from their rational origins. When that occurs, logic goes out the window, and only emotion rules.
Yes, it can be a pity when something excellent has become too fargone to be worn again, but if those that feel everything should be preserved should have it all 'conserved' by a professional (at perhaps greater cost than the original might ever have seen).
Kiyoaki
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sg715
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^_^
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Post by sg715 on Dec 10, 2003 20:04:28 GMT -5
Save them! I love kimono and wearing them traditionally. I think that many of them are far to beautiful works of art to ever be "westernized" or chopped into kimono fodder. While I recognize that there are definitely some that have gone to "kimono heaven" and creative people can make great things from their remains, the artful pieces (especially furisode...) in fine condition should remain as they are
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