I collect haori and obi and rotate them often on my walls for decoration. I also wear most of my haori to the ballet and opera, usually getting outright praise or looks of admiration. But to get to the point, I have been steaming all of my haori and some obi (I use a standard "Jiffy" steamer) and so far, no problem. Just don't put the nozzle right on the fabric, as this can cause water spots. I do store each folded and separated by acid-free tissue paper.

Not recommended. there are several reasons. They are expensive to purchase or rent, and often difficult to find. Our new Safe and Simple remover solutions work just as well. In addition, if you are careless or inexperienced, you can be severely burned.

We give our best and most thorough answer to this in an audio interview conducted by ePubliceye.com. To hear it click HERE. Also, for thorough information on vintage kimono please see the links section of our site. In brief, vintage is defined differently by different people. For our use, used and recycled kimono from the 1970's or earlier are vintage. Our kimonos and fabrics are generally from the 1930's-1960's. Things earlier than that we classify as antique.

We responded to this issue following a survey of our membership and made changes to the bulk products, which now only require a ten pound mininum. If you are still in need of even smaller lots,we have found several other small businesses which can meet your needs in this. Please look at our e-neighbors page for their names. We hope you can understand our situation.

Stephanie Masae Kimura has published 2 lovely books, her latest May of 2004: Bags With Style; Prior to this (Septemer, 2001) she published Art to Wear with Asian Flair. Stephanie is a visitor to our site and a customer of ours. We first heard of her work with vintage kimono fabric at our 2001 fall Quilt show from a number of quilters who recommended her book of that year.

Yes on both counts. Electric steamers are perhaps the best means for blanching because it helps retain water soluble nutrients that are normally lost in water immersion blanching. Steam blanching brings out the foods vivid colors and enhances their natural flavor. electric steamer is one of the most efficient and successful means of rehydrating foods. The food is placed in the rice bowl, and covered with a liquid.

If you find your steamer has run dry during use immediately turn off the unit. Allow 10 minutes for your steamer to cool before adding more water.

INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS: We STRONGLY urge you to check your local postal, customs and import process and fees and read our terms for overseas customers. We know from customers that at least Italy and UK can be assessed high duties and VAT etc. if your shipment is selected for close screening upon entry through customs.

Downy Wrinkle Releaser is safe for "hand wash" and most "dry clean only garments" (excepting silk and rayon that may water spot). If there is any doubt about fabric safety, we recommend consumers to test Downy Wrinkle Releaser by applying it to a hidden area of fabric.

No. The developer chemistry oxidizes fairly rapidly whether in an automatic processor or in hand tanks. Again monthly cleaning along with a chemistry change is in order.

Yes. You always use your hand as a pacer, that is what forces your eyes to be attracted to the print on the page and stay focused. This helps your concentration which gives you better comprehension.

Susan Fatemi may have added some patterns for antique Japanese garments. To learn more about Susan's offerings you can find more about her site on our links page. Updated August 2006:Also, in the last year or so (since 2005) a number of patterns for making kimono (and other Japanese garments) have become available. A search on google for kimono patterns turns up quite a few we didn't know existed.(You can go to that google search page by clicking HERE).

First, you should always use distilled water with your facial steamer. Every 1-2 weeks, it is recommended that you let the machine run with 1/4 cup of vinegar mixed with 3/4 cup of water to clean your steamer and prevent the water from turning yellow.

In Japan, the word "nostalgic" is applied to items of various age that evoke the feel of eras past, from Astro Boy manga to wind-up tin toys. To a lesser extent, in official Concours d'Elegance circles such as the Classic Car Club or America, the word "classic car" has a very strict definition that includes only cars built during a certain period of time and only cars that originate from Europe or America.

Before we say anything: our standard disclaimer is that we’re not responsible for anything that happens to your Pyrex or glassware, vintage or not. We have heard instances and seen pictures of Pyrex items new AND old that have broken, shattered, cracked, or even “exploded”. We’re not going to pass judgement on anything, but you assume all the risk on your own. Now… a lot of vintage Pyrex was developed expressly for the purpose of cooking in the oven.

This is another case where it may not actually be the Pyrex that is at fault … it’s more the effect of what you do with the container after it’s been heated (or cooled). Many modern Pyrex items will denote whether they are safe for the microwave on the bottom of the item. But we have used vintage Pyrex in the microwave many times (I can’t count the number of times I’ve microwaved a Diagonal Handle Pyrex cup filled with coffee).

The kimono is colorful, artistic and dramatic--everything needed to create a unique and beautiful display in your home. A large wedding kimono is perfect to fill an expansive wall or provide a focal point in a large room or hall. Children's kimono or haori give the same effect when less space is available. Try using a children's kimono in a play room or nursery to complete a "children of the world" theme.

Kimono were traditionally taken apart, laundered and sewn back together. Because the fabric content is not always known, we do not suggest home washing for your kimono. You can use a dry cloth to brush off surface dirt or dust, but water may cause the colors to run and the fabric to shrink. We have some success with professional cleaners, but dry cleaning destroys metallic painting and sometimes embroidery. The chemicals may weaken silk.

We combine visits to family in Japan with our buying trips, arranging to visit markets and shops while there. We choose things from the vendors that catch our eye--things we would enjoy owning and using ourselves. Some accessory pieces are purchased from retail shops, as they are not available any other way. Our clothing items are all previously owned and were found in the greater Tokyo area.