Kyoto is a city of traditions, with its many temples, tea houses and picturesque little shops. It is THE city for buying a yukata or kimono… or the fabric to make one from scratch!
Whenever I travel to Kyoto, I always visit Nomura Tailor, on the lively street called Teramachi dori, in the Gion district. Cotton, linen, Liberty fabrics, lace, embroidered cotton… at unbeatable prices, as well as chirimen and jacquard. At the front of the ground floor, you will find large bins filled with remnants from 30 cm to 2 m, along with packaged 4 m remnants priced at 980 yen, or 8.3 euros.
This year, I could not resist the 4 m remnants. I chose 2 white ones, 1 pale pink, 1 orange and 1 rust: 20 m of fabric for less than 42 euros. I also picked out a few other remnants.
The other shop I recommend visiting is Yuzawaya. It is in the station district, in the basement of the Yodobashi shopping building. Alongside fabric and haberdashery, it sells supplies for various crafts: knitting, jewellery making, embroidery…
There is a lovely selection of cotton fabrics from Japanese brands such as Nani Iro, Kokka… as well as quilted fabric, faux leather, coated cottons… This shop has a lovely collection of sewing books. They are in Japanese but well illustrated: one for anyone who enjoys a challenge!
Finally, many small shops in Kyoto sell pieces of kimono or yukata fabric to repurpose. The best known is Chicago, where upstairs you will find plenty of second-hand kimono and yukata for women, men and children. This year, while walking along the Philosopher's Path, I bought 2 rolls of yukata fabric from a charming elderly gentleman. I have not yet decided which blouse design to make with them…
So, when in Kyoto, do step inside the small traditional antique shops: they are full of history and treasures, and often lead to lovely encounters.
