What's New

New Stock from China!

Here is a preview of some of the fantastic new items we have unpacked from the most recent Chinese shipment. An eclectic mix of fabrics and haberdashery. Aug 2010

New Stock Now Available!!

We are now bursting with beautiful kimono, obi and many fabulous fabrics. This shipment includes an extensive range of yukata, men’s garments and vintage indigo items. Aug 2010

FAQ Page

Due to popular demand we have created a new web page on our site the FAQ - frequently asked questions page. Take a look to get a quick overview of the queries we receive on a regular basis from customers browsing our site. 

Chinese Bone Beads

In stock - A recent buying trip to China has once again supplied us with these popular skull beads. Made in three different sizes 2cm, 1.2cm and 8mm the skulls are all hand carved with distinct facial differences.  

Also back in stock are the smiling Buddha Head beads. By popular demand. 

Tenugui - Japanese Cotton Hand Towels

These versatile cotton rectangles measuring approximately 33 x 85cm come in a huge range of designs and colours and are printed with various motifs from landscapes and flowers, through to abstract food designs.

Often utilised as a type of business card (printed with shop name and telephone numbers), these pieces are a unique historical snapshot of everyday Japanese advertising.

Great as a feature panel in quilts, handbag linings or to make small carry bags, book covers or use in their original form as hand towels or sweat bands. 

Vintage Kimono Fabric - Coordinated Bundles

These bundles are perfect for quilters, doll makers or anyone wanting to add a piece of authentic Japanese fabric to a craft project. Fabrics vary within the bundle and are a mix of wools, silks, cottons, synthetics and some blends. * Some fabric pieces may contain imperfections due to age.

Consisting of 10 pieces of coordinating Kimono fabric, each 50cm x 36cm (a fat 8th), they are exceptional value for money at $38 each.

Currently available in bundles of Blue, Green, Purple, Brown, Red or Black coordinated fabrics

* Blue bundle

* Beige bundle

* Red bundle

Chinese Hemp Fabrics In Stock Now!!

Newly arrived from China, we now have in stock some beautiful plain woven hemp fabrics. Due to customer demand we have ensured a wide range of colours are now available.

Fabulous for use as table runners, place mats, noren curtains or for embroidery and other needlecraft applications.

These fabrics are 45cm wide and come in many different colours.

 * Charcoal

 * Pale Celadon Green

 * Olive Green 

 * Burnished Old Gold 

 * Chocolate Brown

 * Yellow Gold

 * Orange Red

 * Oatmeal -heavier weave, limited stock  

Also available are a selection of slub weave cotton/hemp fabrics. Once again perfect for decorative or upholstery uses within the home.

These fabrics are 55cm wide and come in 3 different colours.

 * Gold 

 * Cream/Steel Grey (bi colour)  

 * Dark Chocolate

Furoshiki

Gift wrapping the traditional way using furoshiki - is environmentally sustainable and the beautiful fabrics can be collected and re-cycled - given with the special gift.

We have a selection of furoshiki or you can make them from our kimono textiles. The book illustrated is on of several on the subject - we are now stocking.

Recommended Books

Kimono   Liza Dalby    Random House publication

Liza Dalby's definitive guide for all those fascinated with the Japanese kimono, its cultural, social and historical significance. A beautiful book with many illustrations throughout, the reader is taken on a journey that is both educational and thoroughly enjoyable.

“…Japanese regard kimono as the most beautiful native dress in the world. In its fabric is expressed the Japanese aesthetic sensibility to season and color, in its folds is layered the soul of Japan.”

Also by the same author :

The Tale of Murasaki (fiction)

Geisha (non-fiction)

Silk Kimono Wrap Skirts

Created exclusively by Ziguzagu

A limited number of exquisite silk wrap skirts are now available for purchase. Having begun life as formal kimono (tomesode) more than 40 years ago, these pieces have been reinvented as stylish, tailored skirts, perfect for the 21st century.

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