The Kimono Dresser: A Restoration Journey
The kimono dresser project is coming along beautifully! I’m so excited to see it nearing completion. We’ve finished about 95% of the sanding—hours of hard work, probably around 20 to 30 total. Now, only a few small drawers and two little doors remain. I can almost picture it in use, holding my growing collection of kimono.
It’s amazing how things seem to find their way into our lives at just the right time. This dresser has probably been sitting here unused for at least 70 years, waiting for someone to breathe new life into it.
How I Got Into Kimono
For the first ten years of living in Japan, I had no interest in kimono. Occasionally, I’d see elderly women wearing them while shopping, but it wasn’t common. These days, it’s even rarer.
Everything changed when I inherited a kimono from my grandmother-in-law. It was stunning—a beautiful gray with shades of black, dark green, red, and hints of yellow. At first, I didn’t know what to do with it. I didn’t even have a proper place to store it! Then I found this dresser, and it felt like a sign.
At that moment, I decided to give kimono a try.
Building My Collection
Naively, I thought I could be satisfied with just one kimono. But kimono are like Pringles—you can’t stop at one! Soon, I wanted different colors and patterns to match the seasons, along with accessories like obi (sashes) and obi-jime (decorative cords).
My first purchase was a green-striped kimono paired with a cheerful yellow nagoya obi. Perfect for spring! I quickly realized, though, that I needed something lighter and washable for warmer days. That led me to order a custom kimono made from vintage kasuri, a durable and breathable fabric with a unique woven design.
What’s Next?
Now that the dresser is almost complete, I’m dreaming about adding another kimono to my collection. It feels like the perfect way to celebrate both the restoration project and my growing love for kimono.
How about you? Do you have a special project or collection that inspires you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!