Emerson’s 着物 (Kimono)

“家族は大切なものなんかじゃない。家族こそすべてだ。

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.”~Unknown

With the new edition to the family, another baby sew was in order! You see, our little Emerson is part Japanese. This comes from Kiauna’s side of the family. I wanted to honor all of the parts that make her who she is. I got to work on a baby kimono!

For everything you would ever want to know about kimonos, click here;

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimono

As I read about the kimono I discovered that most of them are tied on the side and are folded left over right. The pattern I had has the closure in the front. Reading more about kimonos I found that western influence had changed the kimono after WWII. Perhaps this is why this particular pattern is opened in the front.

The pattern was simple enough with only two pieces.

Yes, I did just have this Asian influenced, pink fabric in my stash! I pinned the shoulders together.

I finished the shoulder seam with a zig zag stitch to keep it from fraying. I then did the hem on the sleeves.

After that you sew up the sides.

For the front ties I measured, cut, and sewed two pieces of bias tape together.

You then pin them to the front and add the bias tape binding.

Sewing the bias tape on the neck and front edges. All it needed was the bottom hem and it would be done.

This sew was so much more than just making something cute. Some sews are just for fun, but some have a deeper meaning. This sew was all about paying tribute to the Emerson’s Grandmothers who are no longer here, but will always have an impact and part of making her who she is.

For the family history on Emerson’s side of the family, Kiauna turned to her Aunt Kathi. Kiauna was only 3 months old when her grandmother passed away, and she has lost her mother as well. Her Aunt Kathi beautifully wrote the following little history for Kiauna;

“Your Grandma Kitty, was born Ikuko Masubuchi, in Tokyo, Japan. She came to the United States in 1954. Your Gramma Kitty was an amazing woman. She married an American serviceman during the American occupation of Japan. She came to the US with their first child. She had to learn the language, monetary system, and customs here. She did this at a time when Pearl Harbor was still fresh in everyone’s mind, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Some were very prejudice towards her. Through her kindness and determination to learn, people soon began to accept her for who she was and how she treated them, rather than her race. Your Gramma Kitty loved her family. She baby sat most of her grandchildren, and she would help others too. It wasn’t unusual for us to have other kids stay with us. She would take in kids and care for them. She was an excellent seamstress and made clothes for her grandchildren. She loved gardening and would help Japanese people who would come here to work at Kagome. She would help them get settled and grow some vegetables and herbs that they liked from Japan. You have aunts and several cousins who live in Japan. They live in Yokohama and some in Tokoyo as well.”

So here she is, the beautiful Ikuko “Kitty” Masuuchi! Grandmother to Kiauna, and Great Grandmother to Emerson.

Emerson’s Great Grandmother Kitty, and Grandmother Christine, in their beautiful kimonos.

Emerson’s kimono was finished, and just needed to be delivered.

Perfect Emerson in her little kimono!

Loved my so many on earth and in heaven!

Since little Emerson is both American with some Japanese, maybe this was the right pattern for her. Tradition with some western influence, just like her! So many people came before us, and make us uniquely who we are. I think it’s important to recognize and honor all of the parts of yourself, and celebrate them.

During this post I couldn’t help but think that Emerson is the descendant of two war brides! Her Great Grandmother Kitty from Japan, and her Great-Great Grandmother Joyce from England.

One thing is for sure, we all do love every little part of our sweet girl Emerson! I’m privileged to have you as a part of my family now, and I can’t wait to watch you grow!

As for me, onto the next!

P.S. For curious readers who might not know what “Kagome” is, it’s a Japanese owned factory. For more information click here; https://kagomeusa.com/kagome-history/.