Show and Tell: kimonos, pencils and flowers

My first Show and Tell project was submitted by Marilyn. Check out these beautiful kimono robes she made.

And here’s her story:

“For the kimonos, I like to use a contrasting fabric for the front band and tie belt. I probably have much more fun picking out fabrics than the recipients of the kimonos have getting them as gifts.”

I would have to argue with that Marilyn… I’m sure the recipients love these.

“After searching unsuccessfully for a kimono pattern for months, I made a pattern by laying tracing paper over an old kimono.”

According to Marilyn after receiving more requests for kimonos, she knew she would have to find a pattern to accommodate sizes.

“Again I searched online and, this time, found the perfect unisex pattern - Kwik Sew Pattern 3177. It includes sizes XS through XL. This is a good pattern for experienced seamstresses and those who are new to sewing alike.”

Marilyn - thank you so much for submitting these for Show and Tell. They’re beautiful.

In keeping with the kimono theme, I was inspired to create these Asian-themed pencils. There are many tutorials currently available for paper-covered pencils. Here’s a good one using magazine paper.

For my pencils, I used a printout of a Japanese newspaper and decorated the jar with a collar in the same paper. The little hang tag is made from Japanese primary writing paper. Note the little squares go up and down - cute!

To finish off my Asian-inspired theme, I wanted to create an origami. I tried a lantern, a box and a whale. All were a complete failure. I had envisioned the last photo on this post with a shot of a perfectly crisp origami creation. I discovered that origami is not my thing. Instead I created these little flowers.

I’m rationalizing that these flowers fit with the Asian-theme since I used rice paper to make them. Here’s a tutorial on how you can make these pretty flowers.