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The Kappa In Japanese Folklore

  • Kappas are legendary creatures that inhabit the rivers and waterways of Japan. They have beaked noses, shells on their back and a depression on their heads that holds water. Kappa are mischievous troublemakers. Their pranks range from the relatively innocent, such as loudly passing gas or looking up women's kimonos, to the more troublesome such as drowning swimmers and eating children. They feed on their victims by sucking their liver though their anus. They love cucumbers and if you write your name on a cucumber and throw it in the river, the kappa may be appeased by your gift and allow you to swim in peace.

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June 20, 2008

Am I Shrinking?

I sincerely doubt it, because none of my other clothes have turned into tents. But this is the third time I've ripped the seams out of the dress because it's still too damn big

Shrinking

I'm so frustrated. I made a muslin, I've been trying it on as I go, I get to the point where I'm almost done and I try it on--this time the back droops funny, causing the shoulders to fall off. I've gone through almost a whole spool of thread--I'll be able to work on a little more tonight and tomorrow I'll need to make a trip to Joann's.

Part of it is my huge fear that I'll make it too small, so I cut generous seam allowances. But geez--you'd think I'd have it right by now! And I'm still worried I'm going to take it in too much. At least I haven't gotten to the level of aggravation where I just cut it up, the way I did a pair of pants I was trying to make for Miranda years ago...this linen's too expensive, it's holding my anger in check, I guess. And it's something I can wear year round, so even if it's September by the time I finish it, I'll be able to wear it.

Linen continues to be 60% off at Joann's, until June 28th. If I really screw it up, replacing the fabric won't be so bad.

Posted at 04:48 PM in Sewing Projects |

Comments

Joanna

HaHa!! Okay, I feel better now- it does help that I'm not the only one. I have thought of doing the whole duct tape dummy thing, but I don't know if i have the know-how to alter anything other than taking in the sides. I think I am going to find a class. maybe I'll start making my own patterns a la' Wiksten. Good luck on the dress!

Posted by: Joanna | June 21, 2008 at 12:11 PM

Michelle

I was wondering if you had any advice for someone who really WANTS to make something from a Japanese pattern, but does not know a lick of Japanese. Say this same person is also plus-sized. I would hate to spend $22 on a book to find out that I am not capable of piecing a garment together or capable of making it the right size. I have a duct tape dress form and I would consider myself an intermediate seamstress. Do you have a post where you have talked about Japanese patterns? I have not tried sizing up any american patterns... maybe I should start there?

Posted by: Michelle | May 06, 2009 at 03:56 PM

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