The latest issue of Bead and Button arrived today, and I swear, someone put the idea of beaded Kimono in the water or something. I was casually browsing through the issue and the first Kimono surprised me: It was in the "show off the reader's work" area, and was simply a finished version of the small beaded kimono whose pattern is available at bead-paterns.com (Note: Kath does not feel threatened in any way by that kimono)
But later in the issue: Ay Carumba! There is a "Chinese Robe" (with accompanying pattern) made of delicas that's incredible. The form of the robe isn't so spectacular, but the design has so many elements that it's amazing. The artist made a silk underdress to set between the dislay stand and the beaded piece, and it adds a lot to the final presentation.
Then, the same artist has her version of a Kimono, and Oh Boy! Again, the form isn't totally spectacular (although it's very nice), but the intracacy of the design is spectacular. I was feeling rather untalented while holding the magazine photo next to my own crystal Kimono, which is on display in the living room.
But hurrah for Bob. He came in and saw me comparing my piece with the magazine, and snatched the magazine away from me. He studied the photo in the magazine and compared it to my piece. Then he turned to me and said, "I know you're feeling intimidated. You shouldn't be. This person obviously worked from a pattern, while you did the whole thing in your head. The kimono aren't culturally accurate either, and yours are,. They did the whole thing in one stitch and a bunch of colors, while you used a harder stitch and let the form tell the story. I think it takes more talent to make a Kimono like yours than a "fantasy Kimono" that could never really exist.
What a good guy! I guess he really has been paying attention while I work. He noticed that I used the right colors for a married woman, used a sash, and fashioned my kimono as an actual garment. He also challenged me to make the robe whose pattern came in the magazine - assuming I would agree to follow the theme at all. He claims that I'd finish it in no time (duh, it's simple peyote), and would improve the design to make it historically correct. Made me feel very, very nice. Using that many Delicas would probably cause me to commit any number of crimes, though.
Oh yes: My crystal Kimono is photographed in my picturetrail account:
Kathy N-V