If you were to spend time with me on a daily basis, you would see just how much I love and am inspired by Japanese culture. Or any Asian culture for that matter.
I have a semi-large collection of Japanese sewing books. I’m so inspired by their aesthetic. The photographs that always have a diffuse, soft quality of light. At first glance, they almost seem washed out but then you look at the people, the clothing, and even the soft colored surroundings and everything is still very rich.
I’ve tried to emulate this quality of light on my own and I can never get it quite the same. There’s just something more to it that I really don’t know how to go about and explain.
I don’t speak a lick of Japanese. Except for maybe itadakimasu which Stephen and I will say quietly to each other when we’re out eating Japanese food. I would one day love to be fluent but haven’t gotten around to it. I’ve tried starting to learn on about three occasions, but something always diverted my attention.
I’ve been told that following illustrated Japanese sewing instructions are easy enough even if you don’t speak the language. I have made one pair of pants that I used as pajama pants but I really would like to make something that I wear out of the house. I love their clothing style. Everything looks so comfortable. Even their dressy looks have a casual vibe to them.
I like a lot of different fashion styles and I definitely love a done-up, dressy look from time-to-time, but the Japanese have a style that’s very lived-in but unique and flattering at the same time.
I’ve been talking about Japanese clothing fashion this whole post so it seems like it wouldn’t be related to the bags and totes I make. But I’m finding so much inspiration in the clothes that I would like to apply to new handmade bag designs. I’m working on some new ideas this week and hope to have some muslins made up by next week. I’m excited to expand the number of styles and selections I have in my shop. Stay tuned!