Kimono Wearing Workshop
You are invited to a kimono wearing (also known as “kitsuke”) workshop at Anime North headed by Erica (AKA Eleryth), who studied the art of kimono wearing when she was in Japan.
The workshop will discuss the rhyme and reason of the beauty of the kimono, a few integral pieces for wearing it, and then participants will learn how to tie butterfly (chouchou/chocho) obi and learn how to put on a yukata (the same basic steps are used for kimono). We’ll also review some poses for kimono as well as proper kimono posture. The workshop will close with learning how to fold the kimono or yukata for proper storage.
Although I am female and most people who wear kimono are female, males are welcome to participate, and I (or an assistant) will teach you how to wear men’s kimono and hakama. Women who are interested in wearing hakama (either for men’s or women’s style) may bring theirs as well; if there’s time at the end we can review how to wear them. If you are male and want to learn men’s kimono wearing, please mention that in your email. I want to try and get all the males together at the same session.
There are many websites and books that show how to wear kimono, but there are things that are explained much better in person than in a book. Participants are encouraged to ask questions at any time during the workshop about anything related to kimono wearing and we will do our best to answer.
There will be two workshops, each about 1.5-2 hours long (times not yet decided).
Participation is free with your Anime North pass. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. If you are not registered, I cannot guarantee a space. Space is limited, and therefore participation has to be limited; each workshop can handle about 25 people, for a total of 50 people. You cannot participate in both workshops.
All emails sent in by midnight, Monday, May 21st will be put into a random draw for participation spaces. I will reply to your email with the panel session time you’ve been assigned. If you do not receive a placement, you are welcome to come and watch the demo. People may not show up for their assigned slots, so you are welcome to bring your supplies just in case. If you are a panelist or convention staff/volunteer and may have panels or duties during either of the workshops, please include that information in your email so that can be worked around should your name be chosen.
Please pre-register by emailing your name and other essential information to kimonomono@gmail.com with “Pre-registration” in the subject line.
NOTE: Participants are required to have their own materials. I do not have enough kimono or obi for 25 people. Yukata, kimono, or costume kimono are acceptable. See below for a list of materials required. If unsure about what an item is, try searching google images to see what it looks like. If you are still unsure, feel free to ask. Essentials are marked with a *.
Materials:
Yukata/kimono*
Hanhaba obi* (half-width obi, about 6” wide and ~3.6m long)
Koshihimo* (hip sash)
1+ Himo/small sash* (or)
Datejime*
Kohrin belt (elastic with clips on the ends)
Padding (if wanted or required, things like tea towels, smaller towels, cotton batting in cotton fabric, etc.)
You can make some of the kimono items. Here are a few websites that show the different materials and suggestions on how to make them:
- Sailor_Mo’s website http://www.sailormo.net/kimono/kimono_index.html
- http://kimonodecheap.hippy.jp/hajimenienglish.htm
- Make your own korin belt: http://www.immortalgeisha.com/ig_bb/viewtopic.php?t=3616&highlight=korin+belt+make
If you have one or the other (either a kimono or yukata or the obi, but not both), and wish to participate in the panel, please include that information in your email. I may be able to find a spare one of whichever you need.
If you have any questions about the materials required or the panel, please don’t hesitate to email me at kimonomono@gmail.com.
Disclaimer: Due to the time constraints and the interest, we will only be covering chocho/butterfly musubi. I do not have time to instruct a class for more than one type of obi musubi.
*Costuming Panels***
As always, Anime North will have a variety of fascinating panels for every
skill level.
contact: masquerade@animenorth.com