In the spirit of summer, let’s have a look at some really “cool” fabrics, especially the fabrics used in Japan for making Yukatas and Jinbeis !
There are no strict rules for the type of fabrics that can be used for yukatas and jibeis, but most of the fabrics recommended in the magazines are 100% cotton and are usually lightweight, in a great variety of prints and almost always brightly colored. For Spring/Summer releases, there will always be this particular fabric called “リップル サッカー” which translates directly from the English words Ripple Sucker (as in Seersucker) fabric. Lightweight and cooling, with a rippled texture that means it’s rather crease resistant (or rather you can’t really see the creases thanks to the ripples :P).
Here are some I’ve come across, many of them by Mico Ogura (designer of Puti de pome and Ecrulat)
I know an Elephant lover who will squeal over this one!
Image from http://item.rakuten.co.jp/nakanotetsu/ecb-12/
Triangles? look carefully for the foxes and rabbits hiding in the fabric.
Image from http://item.rakuten.co.jp/nakanotetsu/ecb-14/
My kids are really into watching Running Man (a Korean variety show) and one of their favorite funny characters is nicknamed Giraffe. So they get really tickled even seeing pictures of Giraffes. And these are so cute! Especially the one on pink fabric. I love that shade of pink. Not too pastel or gaudy. Just a nice sweet pink.
Image from http://item.rakuten.co.jp/nakanotetsu/ecb-11/
From far it looks like a traditional Japanese wave pattern print, but look closely and you can see cute little Starfishes and fishes scattered among the waves.
Image from http://item.rakuten.co.jp/nakanotetsu/ecb-15/
Here’s a sweet cherry fabric for sweet little girls!
Image from http://item.rakuten.co.jp/nakanotetsu/ecb-13/
Hello Kitty Seersucker fabric! This will be so cute on not just a yukata but also a summer dress.
http://item.rakuten.co.jp/nakanotetsu/5921x/?s-id=pc_srecommend_01
Another traditional looking Japanese fabric but with Hello Kitty heads scattered all around. Lol.
Image from http://item.rakuten.co.jp/nakanotetsu/asanoha/
Snoopy enjoying the Summer fireworks!
Image from http://item.rakuten.co.jp/nakanotetsu/5921y/
If you need a pattern for a kids jinbei, check out my previous magazine review on Cotton Friend Summer 2013. There was even a Men’s pattern included so that you can make it for the whole family!
