Aizenkobo is the name of the indigo dyer’s workshop where I bought the fabric for this dress. It is located in Kyoto in Japan, and Mr. Utsuki, the owner and only dyer there, makes the most wonderful patterns onto his fabrics, in a very time consuming process with a lot of handwork.
Making a dress with the fabric I finally chose was a bit of a challenge, though. I wanted a design that goes well with the diagonal stripes, and as this is a traditional kimono fabric, it is only 39 cm (about 13") wide. In the end, drafted a pattern myself for the bodice. The skirt is a rectangle made of four widths of the fabric. But I am quite pleased with the outcome. And according to Mr. Utsuki the indigo keeps mosquitos away in summer, so I think it was a good idea to make a summer dress of the fabric!
You can read the whole story with more photos on my blog: http://marieinthecave.blogspot.com/2012/05/aizenkobo-workshop-and-dress.html
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Jul 6, 2012, 05.41 AMby leokadia
Das Kleid ist dir sehr gut gelungen. Dass Indigo die Mücken fernhält, wusste ich noch nicht, ist aber ein guter Effekt. Färberei habe ich u.a. als Beruf gelernt, aber vor Indigo-Färben ziehe ich den Hut. Das sind wunderbare Stoffe. Aus meiner Heimat kenne ich den klassischen Blaudruck.
May 12, 2012, 11.37 PMby vianderek
Awesome!! This dress is really beautiful and well done. And you are so lucky for being in that great country.
May 10, 2012, 11.40 PMby schnui
This dress is beautiful and I can understand why you love the Japanese fabrics. On a trip to Japan, I came home with 10 pieces of the traditional width printed blue and white 13" fabric and I have made a quilt which is nearly finished. I will post it as soon as I finish. It was so hard to choose which fabric to buy as they were all beautiful. Fabric shopping in Japan is wonderful as the quality is amazing.
May 10, 2012, 10.25 PMby skeeler
I love Japanese fabric and this is beautiful! Loved how you used it also.
May 10, 2012, 09.40 PMby laracrj
What a stunning fabric! And your dress style compliments it perfectly!
May 10, 2012, 09.22 PMby janul
so beautiful! love the neckline.
May 10, 2012, 08.14 PMby sadienorway
Super! The design suits the fabric perfectly, great job!
May 10, 2012, 08.07 PMby leahfranqui
Magnificent!