Interweave SKU: EP9749

Finished Size: About 42½ (49½, 56½)“ (108 [125.5, 143.5] cm) bust circumference, 39¾ (46¾, 53¾)” garment plus a 2¾“ (7 cm) gap at center front-and about 27 (28, 29)” (68.5 [71, 73.5] cm) in length. Kimono shown measures 49½“ (125.5 cm).

Yarn Weight: #3 - Light

Needles: Body and sleeves: size U.S. 6 (4 mm): 24” (60 cm) circular (cir). Garter ridges: size U.S. 5 (3.75 mm): 24” (60 cm) cir.

Notions: Markers (m); waste yarn or stitch holders; tapestry needle.

Gauge: 23 stitches and 30 rows = 4” (10 cm) in fan stitch on larger needle.

Glossy rayon fiber winks like city lights on a dark mohair ground in the yarn I chose for this dressy kimono. Historically, black was not often used in the Japanese color palette, except to symbolize sorrow and bereavement. In contemporary life, both Eastern and Western, black is a wardrobe staple and is a bold expression of sophistication. The sparks of color in this black kimono visually lighten the aura and exponentially expand ensemble possibilities. Wear it over richly saturated colors such as the brilliant teal Ao (page 38) to magnify the rich bits of color in the yarn.

Fans are widely used in Japanese life, from small personal ones to large exquisitely painted works of art for interior walls. I used a pattern with a stylized fan motif to add a subtle overall texture to this garment. Lace openwork at the hem and sleeve cuff s aff ords a lovely counterpoint. Light as air, this gossamer kimono is magical.