着物


I've started studying kitsuke- how to wear kimono.
I had been wanting to and then the opportunity just fell into my lap (or perhaps I should say, showed up on my cell phone). Nate in Nantou invited me to join some kind of kimono contest, but he wasn't very clear on the details. I thought we were going to be dressed up and prance across a stage- just a one time event. However, it turns out that I'm going to compete in the foreigners division at a big kimono event.
The event I am in sounds pretty crazy to be honest. We will go on stage with our slips and straps and padding, and our kimonos fastened with a basic, velcro belt. Then once they say start, we undo the belt and start arranging our kimono and tying our obi (the decorative belt) from scratch. We are suppsed to accomplish it all in 10 minutes. Perhaps you are thinking that 10 minutes sounds reasonable? Well, then you've definitely never tried to put on a kimono and tie a complicated obi. It's insane! I will be practicing twice a week until the contest at the end of November. I'm feeling ok about the kimono right now, but I just started trying to tie the obi this week, and it's sooo hard.
These pictures are from the first night that we got dressed up by members of a kimono society. I really like the kimono I was wearing, but last week, Yukari sensei brought me another one to try. It's easier to put on, because the length is better suited to me. I'll post a picture of it in the future!



You're not supposed to see the clip and fabric hanging over the collar at the top, but they forgot to put in the collar before they dressed me. This type of obi is worn with a furisode kimono (a long-sleeved kimono worn by young, unmarried women). It is supposed to resemble a swallow's wings.


Jessica, Sarah, and I. I think that I'm the only one who will be in the contest in November, because they don't have time for all the practicing.


Nate and I trying out a cheesy, kimono pose!