kimono shopping

[aimeekitty]

So, I'd really like some either white, grey, or I guess even black would be ok...

but I would prefer to find some white shibori fabric (like the type that you could use for an obiage (that's the right term I hope? the part that you tuck into the obi at the top?)

The fabric style I want is that bunched up type, I believe the term is shibori, right? (or is it chirimen?)
Most I see this way, this bunched up looking fabric,... it's always colored. is it even possible to find it in white? (like this, but in white, grey, or a light colorless look.)
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also, is there any place to get a white kimono? most kimono are either really really expensive solid ones, or cheaper and have some sort of pattern. I really just want a "not too thin" white kimono. If I have to, i'll make it, but I'd rather not. Too much to do!

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Also, does anyone who lives around LA, know of a place I could get a big straw ninja-style hat? (like this?)

Comments

[phantasmrose.livejournal.com]

Have you tried the kimono store in the indoor mall area of Little Tokyo?

[aimeekitty.livejournal.com]

not yet, but I should!

[questionstar.livejournal.com]

I got this a while ago: http://www.ronjo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=C&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=72177355325&Category_Code=mkp
SEXY HAT. But I just noticed it's out of stock right now! Sheeyot. It's damn cheap and the one I ordered shipped really fast too.

Oh man!! Look at all the ones here! I want them all! http://www.asianideas.com/bamboohats.html

But obviously this is if you can't find any at stores. I like to buy so much stuff on the interenets anyway, I forget that some people don't. Meep.

[uminomamori.livejournal.com]

If yuo have any World Market around there they have some hats like that.
http://www.worldmarket.com/index.htm

[thundermew.livejournal.com]

Those cheesy tourist shops in Chinatown. Some Chinese supermarkets too.

[aimeekitty.livejournal.com]

unfortunately all the c heesey shops I've been to so far only have much sm aller ones

[refrainofdreams.livejournal.com]

Hihi : ) Mayuka13 directed me here... Kimono are my life so perhaps I can help.

Shibori (that bunched up looking "tye dye" fabric) in general is hard to find unless you're getting a remnant, or using an obiage (you had the right term) to use as fabric... They DO make shibori obiage in plain white, but those are mostly for bridal use and I'm not too sure how much luck you would have finding them.

Plain white kimono are hard to find unless you're using a Shiromuku (wedding kimono that is all white, somewhat bulky because of the hem) or kakeshita, which is similar to the Shiromuku only it's made to be worn with obi and the hem isn't as big... I know a couple people who modified these into "regular" kimono buy cutting down the hems (they are made to trail on the floor) and shortening the sleeves. The only other things plain white kimono are used for are 1. Under Kimono and 2. The Dead are dressed in white kimono before they are cremated, and occasionally Kabuki and Noh performers use them for particular roles but I don't know how much luck you would have with that either.

What you could do, depending on just how much shibori you need, and if you can alter a shiromuku or whatever to get your white kimono, is look on ebay. Shiromuku and Kakeshita are rather commonplace and you can get them for as low as $50, not including shipping... OR a friend of mine, Ichiro, runs a site www.ichiroya.com which is an online kimono seller who offers everything from remnants up to rare stage peices and antiques... He may have what you're looking for, as he carries a lot of rare items that most other kimono dealers won't have, AND he and his wife Yuka keep a huge stock of items that aren't listed on the site and can do special orders to find you what you need : )

Hope I could help!

[stereophilic.livejournal.com]

I think it's chirimen. ::shuffles:: that's what I use for making SD obi ties.

I think I've seen plain chirimen in my local fabric store Spotlight - but it's not EXACTLY chirimen [unless palace chirimen and chirimen are no different] and I'm not sure if I've seen it in white or grey. Next time I pop by I'll see. ::nodnod::

[joeybean.livejournal.com]

Hi!

1. Straw Hat -- ChinaTown does have the larger ones too. My brother bought one. I think it was in the Dynasty Center, which is the major shopping area there.

2. Kimono Fabric -- Marukai markets. I think the one with lots of cool fabric is the one in Torrance (or Glendale) by the Ranch 99 or the one near Downtown.
-- I'm not sure if they had the white..but they did have puckered ones...you might ask the shop owner. And they do have fabrics stores in the Japan center in SF. And I'm pretty sure (not 100% sure) but pretty sure they have white.

Good luck!