Just released! Limited series of eight kimono silk wrist bags

Eight wrist bags made from a beautiful vintage ori (meaning 'weave') kimono are now complete. The silk strands of this kimono were dyed a deep indigo and red before they were woven together into fabric. The actual colours are a tad deeper than the photo below shows, but in order to show detail, I went for a slightly brighter image. I prefer the fabric of the ori kimonos for this style of bag as it gives more structure and texture than the softer, finer silks of the some kimonos, that are dyed after they are made. 

Kimonos are constructed out of several long narrow lengths of fabric, deftly connected by a perfect concealed long stitch which allows for very generous seams. It is, therefore, necessary to dismantle and re-join lengths together to be able to cut pieces for my pattern. The stone coloured sashiko style stitching that you see runs along each of these joins and reflects the linen used inside. Each bag is, by necessity, unique in the direction of the weave, and presence and placement of contrasting stitching. 

The base of each bag is in a heavier warm wool which is hand stitched to the sides, separated by silk or linen piping. 

Inside each is a pocket, just the right size for your keys, so they don't get lost in the bottom of your bag, or business card if you need to put your hands on one quickly. 

The lining of this kimono was a very fine cream silk. It will make an appearance soon as the lining of my next series of bags of quite a different style and shape. I'm busily working on some small handles hewn in local recycled hardwood that will be a part of this series in the making. 

Sashiko style stitching distinguishes each pocket - perfect for keys or cards.