grey and gray

These two pieces add up to the amount of fabric needed to make one kimono. I have no explanation as to why there are two. They are vintage cottons, from the Showa era, and in good shape. Once I receive the fabrics, I’ll roll them up on wooden cores—like my other Japanese bolts.

e-RY

summer stripes

Indigo blue and white stripes are always popular. Whether a neutral pattern in a quilt or used on the bias for a binding, the graphic pattern adds a crisp detail. This simple vintage bolt is for a very traditional men’s yukata.

SH

exotic roses

Three in one. This woven cotton kimono bolt includes three different patterns—roses on a striped tan background, orange swirls, and green swirls. If cut apart and pieced, the fabric would create a coordinated but intriguing composition.

e-KP

bold geo

This men’s yukata bolt delivers a optical punch with its high contrast and bulls-eye squares. Made by JCC and rolled on a core, it’s a top quality cotton.   KE

calligraphic stripes

Vertical columns of Japanese characters and white lines create a unique striped pattern along the whole length of this yukata bolt. The crackled batik-style background contributes a second level of indigo blue to this monochromatic design.

This is a useful cotton for a quilt design that needs a neutral fabric with a collection of more rambunctious ones.   KE

golden roses

I love the little hit of bright blue in the buds and the pink in the center of the roses in this retro-style pattern. The brush-stroke design is lively and the 60s-era gold background make this a fun bolt.  

KE

classic japanese

Deep indigo with a grass-like stroke and blossom, this chusen dyed bolt was made for a young woman, forty or fifty years ago. In excellent condition, the cotton is rich and soft.  KE

 

banker stripes

This woven cotton bolt is indigo with red pinstripes. Not really for a banker, it was produced in the Showa period for a man’s summer yukata. It’s medium weight cotton with a soft hand.

e-KP

good fortune hexagons

This woven bolt is all cotton. The blue and browns create a rich pattern for a man’s yukata.

The elongated six-sided pattern emulates a tortoise shell. In Japan, the tortoise is a symbol of longevity, good luck and support.

e-KP

very green + very modern

An exciting bolt of cotton with two tones of green and a butter yellow, the abstract pattern is a wild departure from any of the yukata cottons I’ve seen.

e-RY

sublime indigo

This bolt is just indigo blue cotton. In excellent condition, it’s got huge potential for mixing with traditional yukata patterns. Regretfully it is not a full 12 yards—just over half that length.

SH

going “woven”

I have just bought two more bolts of woven cotton. The Japanese use this cotton for kimonos that are worn as everyday wear. The cottons are beautifully woven, tight and straight.

e-PK

white plaid

Classic. Graphic. Masculine. This indigo and white yukata cotton reminds me of a monochromatic precision plaid.

e-ja

woven leaves

This woven cotton bolt includes two very different looks—a leaf pattern with autumnal colors and a pumpkin/gold solid. I can not imagine what a kimono made with this fabric would look like—very dramatic.

e-RY

fireworks flowers

The ruby line work of this bolt of vintage yukata cotton is wild and lively. The center of each “flower” is spattered with golden yellow and accented with pale blue-grey brushstrokes.

navy tsunami

This men’s yukata bolt is a reminder that Japan is an island country. The classic white on indigo combination represents a fishing net and a big wave.

lacey chrysanthemums

The indigo line work on white of this yukata bolt comes together to make a continuous pattern of chrysanthemums. The shapes mimic both petals and hearts.

more muslim

A vintage Japanese muslim is not only wider than a yukata bolt, it is much shorter. Typically 30" wide, the bolts are 4 yards long.

This pattern is a bright combination of pink and turquoise star-blossoms

modern and primary

This bold bolt is full of motion. Made by JCC, it promises to be a high quality and with a soft hand. I wonder if the motif is supposed to be books?

tuxedo packaging

Can I assume that this 6-yard bolt of vintage cotton is exceptional due to its packaging—tassle with the fancy label, tissue wrap and custom box? It is a muted indigo color and a fine cotton weight.

electric sakura

This translucent bolt of juban cotton is bright with its neon pink and turquoise cherry blossoms. This fabric is used to make an undergarment for a formal kimono.

morning glory madness

This bolt is an excellent example of gorgeous vintage yukata cotton. It's a classic combination of indigo and white cotton, printed via the chusen process.

I love the motif—morning glories open to the sun, buds and tendrils flowing along the yardage.

When I first got to Seattle, I actually bought a package of morning glory seeds. Twenty-five years later, morning glories are a menace in my yard. They grow anywhere and everywhere. Yet they are still undeniably a lovely plant.