Nihon Shishu

Nihon shishu is a type of Japanese embroidery that I have been studying in my textiles class. I find it interesting and beautiful.

Japanese embroidery (nihon shishu in Japanese) is an embroidery technique that goes back more than 1600 years. In its early stages, Japanese Embroidery was only used for decorating items used during religious ceremonies. Over time, as shishu developed its own unique Japanese qualities and characteristics, it took on a more artistic purpose. According to historians, from the early Heian Period Japanese embroidery was primarily used for decorating costumes of the Ladies of the Court. During these early stages shishu was only available to a select group; only the highest ranks of society could afford such costly work. However, after a thousand years' sleep, this cultural heritage is now available to a wider audience.

I think that nihon shishu is a very pretty and delicate style of embroidery, I like the intricate patterns and the neatness of the shapes. The level of care that is taken to make these patterns is evident in the finished work. Also, the style works with a number of colour combinations – contrasting, complimentary, pastel shades or harsh clashes. 

(photos from Nihon Shishu page on www.flickr.com) 

Designs (sketches)

 Some sketches I did for a couple of outfits. It took a few tries, I won't pretend I'm a spectacular artist but I quite like what I've managed to come up with. The top-left outfit features 60s style flared jeans and a "dripping paint" design on the top. I'm not sure about the colours yet but I was thinking rainbow colours. I got the idea from my friend Sophia, who has a picture she made by blasting crayons with a hairdryer on a canvas. It looks amazing. Anyway, that's the idea for this one.
 The top-right has a cropped top with a triangular design that reminds me a little of Aztec patterns and I would have those patterns in bright reds oranges and yellows on a black top and the skirt maybe a pale pink - Aztec sunset. 

I have found that the trick to designing, at this stage, is to have many concepts whirling around in your mind, maybe just colour schemes or vague shape or style, and fit a few together, creating an image in your mind before you start to draw. Also I find that it helps to give your design a purpose - casual dress, evening meal, summer, winter - just so that you have a sense of direction with your ideas. For example - office suit. You begin to think "boring" and "dull, grey" but then you think "classic" and you can explore tones within a monochromatic spectrum - charcoal, smokey, cloudy. You can break the rules of a style whilst sticking to the necessary functions of the purpose you have given your design. 

This post was written by Elli xx

Fashionising

An example of Eva's fashionising skills. She has added shape to the outfit,giving it a new style and a sense of character simply by adding a belt and slightly altering the length of the skirt. 

First Post

Hi! We are Elli, Eva and Kira-Dee, three girls from Essex with a shared love of fashion, photography and design. I'm Elli, I'm 14 and I take Textiles and Art GCSE at school plus I love photography and design. Eva is 12 and her talent is "fashionising" or upgrading old or boring clothes to make them into something way more exciting. Kira-Dee is also 12 and she loves shopping, she's great at putting together outfits and spotting unusual but perfect colour combinations. Please follow and share our blog, we are always grateful for feedback, comments and ideas!