Sewing patterns for traditional Japanese apparel such as the yukata, furisode, hakama, haori, and jinbaori, which I designed after two full years of independent research and experimentation.
My first furisode with the final version of the pattern I designed.
The orchid patterned yukata that I made for my grandmother. Since we live in Arizona and she loves the southwest, we used a patterned cotton fabric with southwestern colors.
A furisode that I made with a dragon-pattern cotton print.
Authentic furisode are silk, not cotton. However, here in Arizona, so far from Japan, the best looking designs readily available are found on cottons in quilting supply stores. Also, traditionally, dragons appear only on men’s kimono, and furisode (kimono with very long sleeves) are only worn by young single women.
Basically, there are so many rules that adhering to them all takes all the fun out of this fashion. Just wear what keeps you covered and makes you happy. Except in front of traditionalist dignitaries. lol