Inspiration for this Obi came from the simple beauty of a Peacock feather. Olive, indigo, plums a perfect work of art from nature. I wanted to replicate the forms of traditional Japanese Obis, but give the belt a modern bohemian edge while still retaining the delicacy of a feather.

I hand cut the feather shapes from a selection of Irish linen, then distressed the edge of the fabric shapes. For this piece I chose linen in a beautiful slate grey colour. After securing the feather shapes in place, I machine embroidered the wispy feather details over the top of the cuts outs using plum and taupe thread. The texture of the linen and distressed edges balance perfectly the subtlety of the oversewing. The panel is stiffened internally with a medium weight interfacing to give support. I then hand finished the panel with french knots in sage embriodery silk, added a single plum matte button to the centre of each feather, then finished with tiny Mill Hill seed beads in cadet and olive.

The Obi is then constructed in linen of the same colour, left plain to the reverse of the front panel. The front panel piece measures 56cms x 13cms at the centre and tapers gradually towards the sides. The ties measure 85cms x 6cms each side, again tapering toward a graduated finished point. I would suggest delicate hand washing and cool iron to the reverse if needed. The belt is one size and adjusts accordingly.