Kimonos - traditional dress of japan

The word kimono literally translates "thing to wear". Ki "thing" mono "wear".

The kimono is a full length, straight lined robe with wide sleeves.

It consists of 4 main pieces, 2 body, 1 each arm with additional for the collar, obi (wide sash that ties round the waist) and such. Traditionally made from a tan, a bolt of of fabric 36 centimeters wide and 11.5 meters long. The entire tan is used for one kimono. Nowadays kimonos are made from a 42 centimeters wide bolt. The ideal and traditional fabric for a kimono is silk or a satin weave but it is most commonly made made from cotton, polyester or rayon. 

A woman's kimono can cost around US $10,000 and with the additional parts

it can cost US $20, 000!

The kimono was traditionally worn on a daily basis, but nowadays is

only worn at weddings and other such special occasions.

How to make a FABULOUS FLOOR CUSHION!

What you need

Fabrics: works with pretty much any fabric but probably avoid stretchy stuff.

Trimmings: Depends on what you want to do! Look under "Brighten it up!" for ideas.

How to:

1. Cut out two 60cm (change size to how big you want your cushion) squared pieces of fabric.

2. Place the outside sides together and sew along 3 edges.

3. Turn the cushion the right way round and fill with stuffing.

4. Neatly sew together the remaining edge.

4 cont. NEATLY I said. Don't do it like the picture, that will look horrible!

And it's done! Easy as pie, wait, no, pie is quite difficult actually,
maybe I should be doing a 'how to' on pie not floor cushions?!

Brighten it up!:

Idea 1)  Embroider a name or word on the front in a contrasting thread

Idea 2) At step 1 use two different types of fabric.

Idea 3) Sew some felt flowers, hearts or stars on the front.

Idea 4) Attach some lace or ribbon to the outer edges.