tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142858312024-03-05T01:23:15.355-05:00PuchiMaikopuchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-12080342255609361412007-11-25T02:30:00.000-05:002007-11-25T02:42:32.427-05:00At long last, an update!Hi everyone!<br /><br />Due to a move to the West Coast, along with full time work and other various special projects over the last couple of years, PuchiMaiko has been retired for the time being. This is not to say we'll never work on PuchiMaiko items again. Oh, no! It just means that right now we are unfortunately far to busy with other things to devote the time and attention needed to produce high quality items. When we are ready to resume, though, you'll hear about it here first!<br /><br />In the meanwhile, if you would like to see what I've been up to, please feel free to visit either my <a href="http://www.kimonoasobi.com/">kimono website</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kimonoasobi.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsR1Ejwhk_7IYyo_MGkA0he8y39Ih6djuf4X95fxXk-DtF3aRRCJvDBY6xDFVmaYtiUmTmwCsVXVFYAlVbaSg_e3VeCCt0EojoylFYG1nP09hsMCubDXRnEA1GKXPc3tDEl_NDvA/s320/naominokimonoasobi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136679345050166930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Or the <a href="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/it_bb">Immortal Geisha Forums</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/ig_bb"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdaNOOvuZnS9VLvW0NKJh3xO9bJkkPGUGgr5v673__6kNiPjO8gHh-eiaYZKOHmYbYrLFM_L4ogKbzifSGFcEzWTiJRcKooGaNy8OWCMM1VL-C8OFciNvDtsv8QiubM6Oh5343w/s320/immortalgeisha.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136679349345134242" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thank-you for all the wonderful support over the years, and I hope to see you around on my other websites.<br /><br />Kind Regards,<br />Naomi~puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1134012083658192412005-12-07T22:20:00.000-05:002005-12-07T22:21:33.210-05:00PuchiMaiko.com Website Update!<div align="center"><b><font size="3">PuchiMaiko Store Update</font></b><br /><br />PuchiMaiko.com has been updated with over 40 new kanzashi, <br />11 new keyrings and 5 new bags. Fun!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com"><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/puchiad_120705_450.jpg" border="0"></a><br /><br /><b><font size="3"><a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com">Click Here to visit the store!</a></font></b></div>puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1132695151949095742005-11-22T16:30:00.000-05:002005-11-22T16:32:31.963-05:00Black Sheep Craft FairI am happy to announce that I will be participating in the Black Sheep Craft Fair on the 3rd and 4th of December. If you are in the South Florida area - be sure to drop by and pay PuchiMaiko a visit!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/blacksheep.gif"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ragamufyn.com/blacksheep.html">Black Sheep Website</a><br /><br /><font size="1">We are still looking for more vendors - so if you are interested in having a stall at the Black Sheep Craft Fair you can join up to the Miami Craft Mafia Yahoo Group:<br /><br />http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MiamiCraftMafia/<br /><br />Or you can email the organizer, Heather at "ragamufyn @ yahoo.com" (minus spaces). The fee is $15 for one day or $25 for both days. If you don't want to participate, but know someone who does - pass this information on to them :) The more, the merrier!</font>puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1132459930730580912005-11-19T23:11:00.000-05:002005-11-19T23:12:10.740-05:00Big Update!<a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com">PuchiMaiko</a> has just been updated with:<br /><br />Snazzy new kimonolets!<br />http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_25<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/kimonolet_a20.jpg" border="0"><br /><br /><br />Snazzy new Victorian inspired brooches!<br />http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_47<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/brooch_a03b.jpg" border="0"><br /><br />Snazzy new Koshi Himo!<br />http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_40<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/koshihimo_a20.jpg" border="0">puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1131646322258461152005-11-10T13:11:00.000-05:002005-11-10T13:16:02.043-05:00Chic Indigo KimonoThis morning I dressed up in my indigo kimono I purchased early October. I fell lin love with this kimono because the indigo was just so vibrant and the pink and turquoise hanabishi pattern completely won me over.<br /><br />I decided to pair the kimono with my rasberry red hakata obi (the first photograph gives the true colours). I also tied one of the <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_40">new PuchiMaiko koshi-himo</a> around the bottom part of the obi as an accessory to see what it would look like.<br /><br />I wore my orange juban because my other juban are currently being converted to two piece juban sets. I have to admit - I was surprised with how nice the orange went with the outfit! It was quite unexpected. I think I will make a thin orange "belt" to wear with this outfit next time.<br /><br />Last, but not least - I decided to do my hair in a Taisho-chic style. I often see similar hairstyles in shin hanga prints - and I love how it looks.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/indigokomon01.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/indigokomon02.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/indigokomon03.jpg"><br /><br />Please do pardon my kitsuke. It is still sloppy and I need more practice!puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1131581933721975232005-10-26T18:17:00.000-05:002005-11-09T19:19:59.133-05:00Victorian Cameo Brooch From Kimono FabricIn addition to my deep love of traditional Japanese clothing and textiles - I also adore Victorian era clothing and accessories. I had been wondering how I could combine my two loves into one for quite some time and I decided to give it a go:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/cameo3.jpg"><br /><br />It is made from three different fabrics - two obi brocades and the brown rinzu which dates back to late Meiji / early Taisho era. The lace is vintage and it is accented by faux pearl strings.<br /><br />I'm quite happy with the look of this - I think we'll be seeing some of these popping up on PuchiMaiko very soon!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/cameo1.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/cameo2.jpg">puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1129861998126917512005-10-20T21:31:00.000-05:002005-10-20T21:33:18.133-05:00Kimono Fabric NecklacesI made a few more kimono fabric necklaces and updated the <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com">store</a> with them. I used the same concept as before - but I experimented a little bit with the style of them. I'm very happy with these.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_003c.jpg"><br /><a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_003a.jpg">Flat View</a> <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_003b.jpg">Close Up</a><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_001c.jpg"><br /><a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_001a.jpg">Flat View</a> <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_001b.jpg">Close Up</a><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_002c.jpg"><br /><a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_002a.jpg">Flat View</a> <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_002b.jpg">Close Up</a><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_004c.jpg"><br /><a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_004a.jpg">Flat View</a> <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_004b.jpg">Close Up</a><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_005c.jpg"><br /><a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_005a.jpg">Flat View</a> <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_005b.jpg">Close Up</a><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_006c.jpg"><br /><a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_006a.jpg">Flat View</a> <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_006b.jpg">Close Up</a><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_007c.jpg"><br /><a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_007a.jpg">Flat View</a> <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/necklace_007b.jpg">Close Up</a>puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1129855879265862412005-10-20T19:50:00.000-05:002005-10-20T19:51:19.270-05:00Kimono Fabric Silk ScarvesI finally got around to taking photographs of my scarves and listing them on <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com">PuchiMaiko</a>.<br /><br />I love how these scarves came out - I need to make more!<br /><br />Pink and Red Scarf:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/scarf_001b.jpg"> <img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/scarf_001c.jpg"><br /><a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/scarf_001a.jpg">Close-up 1</a> <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/scarf_001d.jpg">Close-up 2</a><br /><br />Autumn Shibori Scarf:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/scarf_002b.jpg"><br /><a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/scarf_002c.jpg">Close-up 1</a><br /><br />Fire Orange Scarf:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/scarf_003b.jpg"><br /><a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/scarf_003a.jpg">Close-up 1</a> <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/scarf_003c.jpg">Close-up 1</a><br /><br />Smaller Blue Scarf:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/scarf_004b.jpg">puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1131597374687345392005-10-15T22:35:00.000-05:002005-11-09T23:38:35.700-05:00Uchikake!A few weeks ago I participated in a taiko concert. I only had a small walk-on appearance in the finale - but the costume was spectacular!<br /><br />I was told often during the night that I looked like a Japanese doll. Such a flattering compliment!<br /><br />I must say - wearing uchikake tires you out. It is amazingly heavy and hard to "carry" about between shows.<br /><br />In the dressing room - I have the uchikake tied up with a koshi himo so it was easier to walk in until the concert.<br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/synergy2.jpg"><br /><br />Striking a pose backstage<br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/syn003.jpg"><br /><br />With the koto player, Yoshiko-san (she purchased the uchikake for use in taiko concert). Isn't her kimono beautiful? On the front it has Murisaki Shikibu, and on the back is Prince Genji.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/oct1505_2.jpg">puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128819637080426372005-10-04T19:58:00.000-05:002005-10-08T20:03:37.696-05:00Kimono Fabric Clutch PursesI made clutch purses today. The first bag is made from vintage kimono fabric for the handle (the fabric dates back to early Taisho era!), beautiful soft juban fabric for the lining and obi fabric for the outside.<br /><br />Bag One Front:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_clutch_2a.jpg" /><br /><br />Bag One Lining<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_clutch_2b.jpg" /><br /><br />The second bag is made from a mix of new and vintage fabric - the handle, front and lining is new fabric and the back is vintage. This time my sewing machine behaved!<br /><br />Bag Two Front:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_clutch_1a.jpg" /><br /><br />Bag Two Back:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_clutch_1b.jpg" /><br /><br />Bag Two Front Pattern (cute!):<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_clutch_1c.jpg" />puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128820144082427302005-10-04T19:30:00.000-05:002005-10-08T20:09:04.083-05:00Kimono Fabric Shoulder BagsI've been on a bag making spree - which is probably obvious by now :]<br /><br /><br />Bag One Front is made from obi fabric:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_boho_1a.jpg"><br /><br /><lj-cut text="Back and Lining Photos"><br />Bag One Back is a cute deep red rinzu kimono fabric:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_boho_1b.jpg"><br /><br />Bag One Lining soft juban fabric with chrysanthemum patterns:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_boho_1c.jpg"><br /></lj-cut><br /><br /><br />Bag Two Front is made from faux woven shibori fabric with faux pearls hand stitched:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_boho_2a.jpg"><br /><br />Bag Two Back is a gorgeous blue rinzu:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_boho_2b.jpg"><br /><br />Bag Two Lining is a fantastic soft silk with wild floral patterns on it:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_boho_2c.jpg"><br /><br /><br />Bag Three Front fabric has rinzu pattern of waves and faux shibori chrysanthemum. The centre of two light chrysanthemums have been hand beaded with red seed beeds:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_boho_3a.jpg"><br /><br />Bag Three Back is a woven faux kanoko shibori fabric in an orangey-red colour:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_boho_3b.jpg"><br /><br />Bag Three Lining is stunning fabric with traditional motifs - dates back to early Taisho era:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_boho_3c.jpg"><br /><br />Bag Three Beaded Detail:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_boho_3d.jpg">puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128820323850899432005-10-04T19:15:00.000-05:002005-10-08T20:12:03.850-05:00Kimono Fabric Hobo Bags!For the first bag - I had these amazing vintage indigo kasuri pieces that I had been straining my brain trying to work out what to make with them. I never wear or use dark blues - so it was a challenge. It finally hit me that a hobo bag would be the pefect bag style to show off the fantastic fabric.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_hobo_1a.jpg"><br /><br />I used a beautiful soft vintage maroon cotton that used to be lining of a kimono as the lining. I thought the maroon complimented the indigo perfectly:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_hobo_1b.jpg"><br /><br /><br />The second one I made was from indigo yukata cotton with Japanese style butterflies:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_hobo_3a.jpg"><br /><br />The lining is a peachy-orange vintage cotton - previously the lining of a kimono:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_hobo_3b.jpg"><br /><br />The third one I made has five different juban (under-kimono) fabrics in pinks and blues:<br /><br />Front:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_hobo_2a.jpg"><br /><br />Back:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_hobo_2b.jpg"><br /><br />The lining is a vibrant vintage pink cotton:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/bag_hobo_2c.jpg">puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128825829179187152005-10-01T21:40:00.000-05:002005-10-08T21:43:49.180-05:00Birthday Present for my NieceIt was my niece's 3rd birthday today and I decided to make her a gift with PuchiMaiko flair!<br /><br />I decided not to make her an outfit using vintage kimono fabric because as we all know - 3 year old kids like to play and get dirty, so I used contempoary fabric. I wanted cute, but "adult" type fabric so I purchased some beautiful green suiting that had tuffs of yellow, pink and blue scattered through-out. Because I only had her waist measurement, I decided to make her a skirt and a matching bag. I had some lace that was in excellent condition, so I hemmed the skirt and bag with it. I did use juban fabric to line the bag though - I figured it would be safe there!<br /><br />Skirt:<br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/skirt1.jpg"><br /><br />The Bag:<br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/skirt2.jpg"><br /><br />Lining of the Bag:<br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/skirt3.jpg">puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128825620069642092005-09-21T21:39:00.000-05:002005-10-08T21:40:20.070-05:00Fun ItemsHere are some cute test items and belt/kanzashi I made today for fun. What do you think of them?<br /><br /><br />Reversible belt: black and white kanoko shibori on one side and plain black silk on the other with a kamon.<br />An owl with brown plaid silk for the back and brown kanoko shibori for the front:<br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/swap2.jpg"><br /><br />Cat toys made with scrap kimono fabric. Patterned on the front and plain black silk on the back:<br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/swap3.jpg"><br /><br />A new handbag design:<br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/swap1.jpg"><br /><br />Front is obi fabric with hand sewn faux pearls - back is brown/fawn coloured rinzu silk which dates back to either late Meiji or early Taisho era.<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/bag01.jpg"><br /><br />Lining is very cute silk juban fabric with chrysanthemums<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/bag02.jpg">puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128825562054140162005-09-20T21:38:00.000-05:002005-10-08T21:39:22.053-05:00Featured in East West Woman!<a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com"><img src="http://wwww.puchimaiko.com/images/092005_puchimaiko_small.jpg" border="0"></a><br /><br />PuchiMaiko has been updated with gorgeous new <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_24">Kanzashi</a> and <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/index.php">goodies</a>! Featured in the July/August issue of EastWest Woman - these kanzashi are the perfect accent for many fashion styles: elegant Lolita, wa-loli, goth , fruits, shabby chic, retro, sophisticated, just to name a few! Of course - PuchiMaiko kanzashi are also perfect to be work with kimono as well!<br /><br />All kanzashi and accessories are made from scrumptiously luxurious vintage kimono fabric with the utmost care and detail paid to each individual piece.puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128825502824136992005-09-17T21:37:00.000-05:002005-10-08T21:38:22.826-05:00Puchi UpdatesNow - I've successfully made a few updates to www.puchimaiko.com, namely:<br />- Updating the <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/links.php">links page</a><br />- Finally creating the <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/puchipress.php">press page</a><br />- New graphic for the <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog">homepage</a><br />_ Misc behind the scene updates<br /><br />I just need to create a customer gallery page now. I have a couple of other non-product informational pages planned also.<br /><br />Today, I finally managed to take photographs of the new tsumami kanzashi flowers I made. I also <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_24">added them to the website</a>.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/091705_kanzashi.jpg"><br /><br />I've also cut out fabric for a gazillion bags and accessories - I just need to sew them all together now!puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128825456863024052005-09-08T21:36:00.000-05:002005-10-08T21:37:36.863-05:00PuchiMaiko Updated with Fabric<a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com">Puchimaiko.com</a> has been updated with new <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=23_28">fabric scrap bags</a> and <a href="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=23_29">fabric pieces</a> for crafts!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/kimono_fabric_bag_a2.jpg">puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128825412712899682005-09-06T21:36:00.000-05:002005-10-08T21:36:52.713-05:00Yukata FunI had friends from out of town visiting for the night. We decided to have dinner at a Japanese place. For fun and for an excuse to wear kimono - we dressed in yukata!<br /><br />This was the first oportunity I had to try my rasberry red hakata obi with my yukata. At first, I was concerned it might be a bit to bright against the purple - but the colours actually went together fantastic. <br /><br />Photographs after we returned home from the resturant (I am in purple - see my cute bag/kinchaku I made to match my yukata?):<br><br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/yukata1.jpg"><br><br /><br><br />Showing off our musubi:<br><br /><img src="http://www.immortalgeisha.com/livejournal/yukata2.jpg"><br>puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128825357270844062005-08-15T21:35:00.000-05:002005-10-08T21:35:57.270-05:00Free Japanese Sewing PatternsFor all those Japanese craft fans - here is a list of links I've collected with free patterns!<br /><br />A great translator website for html text in Japanese is<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nifty.com/globalgate">nifty.com/globalgate</a><br /><br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/qt.html<br />It has lots of great and fun crafts on there for all ages, by the looks of it along with lots of bag patterns! <br /><br />The instructions are in Japanese – but, for most of the part, they are VERY easy to follow. The measurements are all in centimetres and/or metres – which is really quite easy to use if you are not used to metric. If you have trouble following centimetres you can use this website to help convert it to inches and feet: http://www.onlineconversion.com/length_common.htm.<br /><br />A few picks from the bunch:<br /><br /><b>Cute and Easy Jewelry</b><br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-4-5.jpg<br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-4-4.jpg<br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-9-2.jpg<br /><br /><b>Hand Weaving!</b><br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-5-1.jpg<br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-10-6.jpg<br /><br /><b>Bags</b><br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-6-3.jpg<br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-6-4.jpg<br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-7-4.jpg<br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-8-5.jpg<br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-10-2.jpg<br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-11-6.jpg<br /><br /><b>Clothing:</b><br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-7-1.jpg<br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-7-2.jpg<br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-10-5.jpg<br />http://www.craftheart-tokai.jp/qt/q-16-3.jpgpuchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128825299615284862005-07-07T21:34:00.000-05:002005-10-08T21:34:59.616-05:00New Kimono FabricI received a new bundle of fabric and boy, there are some fantastic pieces! Here are photographs of some of the fabric I received. So many pretty pieces that I am seriously overwhelmed - I honestly don't know what to start sewing with or what to make from them! <br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/goodies1.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/goodies2.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/goodies3.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/goodies4.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/goodies5.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/goodies6.jpg">puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128825250092597622005-07-06T21:33:00.000-05:002005-10-08T21:34:10.093-05:00Chidori Obi!Yesterday I received my chidori obi in the package from Japan. I was thrilled with it. <br /><br />I dressed up rather roughly tonight just to see what it looks like. Please pardon my kitsuke, it is lazy and bad - I just did a very quick half job. Also - I need to press the kimono. In addition to trying on my new obi - I also tried on one of the new juban I received. It is -almost- the perfect length for me - short by about 5-10cm. I will be creating a two-piece out of it. Anyhow - photos (pardon the off colours - the lighting is terrible in here at night oh and - I took the photos in a mirror so I didn't dress with my collar overlapping the wrong way - don't panic!).<br /><br />Full View:<br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/chidoriobi1.jpg"><br /><br />Close-up:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/chidoriobi2.jpg"><br /><br />Notes: Of course, I'd never wear a heavy shibori obi-age with this outside the house! I would probably wear a bright pink/red coloured obi-age with this. I do have to say that I particularly like the red and white obi-jime contrasting the blue though.puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128825184824421602005-06-26T21:32:00.000-05:002005-10-08T21:33:04.826-05:00New Kanzashi and other goodies!With my 2 week trip to Australia coming up terribly fast (13th July I leave - argh!) I've been crafting up a storm trying to get a bunch of stuff finished before I go. <br /><br />I decided to challenge myself to make cute, bright and summery kanzashi flowers rather than the subtle ones I tend to make. Let me tell you - I'm glad I did that, because I am totally happy with this batch of flowers. I really needed a bright candy coloured infusion!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/new_kanzashi.jpg"><br /><br />I also made these two spring clip barrettes:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/kamikazari_001.jpg"><br><br><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/kamikazari_002.jpg"><br /><br />And last, but not least - my new favourite project! One of my absolute favourite traditional Japanese motif is the Chidori (or, plover, in English). It is the crest of the Pontocho geisha district in Kyoto - along with being a very popular pattern on kimono. I normally don't like bird motifs much - but, the chidori is so happy and plump- I cannot help it! So, I decided to make a line of chidori goodies - starting with a brooch:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/accessories_chidori_001.jpg"><br /><br />It is made from super sculpy and hand-painted. Isn't it cute? I cannot wait to make more!puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128825110621425502005-06-18T21:31:00.000-05:002005-10-08T21:31:50.623-05:00Kanoko Shibori DearTonight, I made a deer! <br /><br />I wanted to make something fun...I figured that deers are fun, so why not?<br /><br />He is made from teal/green coloured kanoko shibori silk and purple kimono fabric.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/images/kanoko_deer.jpg"><br /><br />Now I have a question for you: Would you like to see cute little stuffies like this on PuchiMaiko? They are lots of fun to make, but I am not sure of what the stuffies market is like.puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128825052120703202005-06-16T21:29:00.000-05:002005-10-08T21:30:52.120-05:00Featured on CraftRevolution!Wow. PuchiMaiko kanzashi are featured on CraftRevolution today! <3<br /><br /><a href="http://www.craftrevolution.com/main/">CraftRevolution.com</a><br /><br />[Edit: Visit Puchi Press Page! http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/puchipress.php]puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14285831.post-1128824945443367972005-06-13T21:28:00.000-05:002005-10-08T21:29:05.443-05:00Kimono Fabric "Patchwork" Belts!Today I made a bunch of D-Ring belts using vintage kimono cottons and silks. I must say, this was an awful lot of fun! Some of the belts are constructed in a patchwork sort of way, because I only had thin strips of fabric left. Personally, I think it added to the character of each. I also made each reversible. Yay!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/dringbelt_001.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/beltview.jpg"><br /><br />The rest are these amazing vintage cottons - such fantastic patterns and colours :]<br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/dringbelt_002.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/dringbelt_003.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/dringbelt_004.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/dringbelt_005.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/images/dringbelt_006.jpg">puchimaikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01605486992058387962noreply@blogger.com0