Rest in peace, Striped Kosode Of Unknown Fiber Content.

[gurdymonkey]

It was so perfect - horizontal stripes in two shades of rusty brown, navy and white. Except it wasn't, being a find on an unmarked bolt. It felt like it could be rayon, but who knows. It has not worn well. It keeps tearing on the weft, most notably under the arms, usually because the amount of "tension" caused by me raising an arm while the fabric is trapped by my obi is too much for it.

I had some scraps left. I patched it. Each time I patched it and wore it out to an event, it would just tear in a new spot. It happened again Saturday.

I really liked this kosode: it was comfortable and easy to wear - aside from the tearing bit - and very 16th c. townie.

Sigh.

Bonus random driveby tanka. (I don't know why I'm in the mood to write 'em, I just am.)

There will be no glimpse
Of a sake cup moon in
The sky tonight.
The fading light is cool, grey
And soft rain drips from the eaves.

Comments

[reynardine.livejournal.com]

The strokes of a brush
Gently glide across the page
Effortless motion
The poems seem to write themselves
When the autumn moon rises

[karisu-sama.livejournal.com]

This fabric embraced
A historic appearance
And offered comfort.
Now cheap modern weave betrays
The once-perfect kosode.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

The Japanese didn't have flax, but they did have hemp and linen is a reasonable analogue, having similar qualities. There was some cotton in use in the 16th c., but there aren't a lot of extant examples.

[xrian.livejournal.com]

I don't know why it always seems to be a favorite garment that turns out like this. Perversity of the universe, I suppose.