Woven into beauty
Our Story
When my mother passed away in 2018, I brought home all of the silk fabric that she had purchased on her many trips around the world. One day in mid 2019, I suggested to my good friend Ada that she come over and we could "play" with silk. This was the start of a partnership and our business Philly High Fiber. We settled on the Infinity Scarf, made up of complementary and contrasting silk fabrics, as our primary product.
Once we started, we realized that we needed more silk, so we began to scour thrift shops, and eventually found an outlet where we could purchase vintage Saris and Kimono fabric. We loved the sustainability aspect of using previously treasured garments - and turning them into wholly new and beautiful Infinity Scarves. Over the last few years, we have migrated to only using vintage silk Kimono fabric - as its diversity and beauty is without match.
In 2019, we met the buyer from the Philadelphia Museum of Art at a small craft show, and she invited us to bring our scarves to the Museum. We are now a featured Philly Maker in the main Museum Store.
During the Pandemic we pivoted and began making and donating face masks to meet the demand from healthcare workers, shop workers, and neighbors. One day I read an article about the efficacy of fabric masks, and found that a combination of Silk and Cotton provided much better protection than 100% Cotton masks. Our beautiful vintage kimono and sari fabric became not only functional, but a beautiful fashion accessory! Thankfully these are no longer needed.
In 2022, we realized that our products are better suited to a wholesale market - specifically for Museum and Craft Stores, so have moved to a wholesale business only. We are happy to be participating as an Emerging Artist February 2023 at the American Handcrafted show.
Philly High Fiber is a partnership of Jan Watson and Ada Picco, two women with a lifelong love of fiber arts. Jan graduated with a degree in Art, but had a career in IT, and Ada had a career as an educator. We are now happily creating silk fashion accessories by recycling vintage silk kimonos into sustainable works of wearable art in our workshop in Bella Vista in downtown Philadelphia.
Philly High Fiber makes one of a kind fashion accessories that are luxurious 100% Silk - can be worn casually with a T-Shirt and jeans and can go just as well to add interest to a business suit or that little black dress.
silk Rebirth
Our Kimono sILKIES
Our 100% Silk Infinity Scarves begin as an important part of someone’s life. In some cases, they are Wedding Kimonos; in others, they are everyday articles of clothing.
When the Kimono is no longer loved or needed, we purchase Vintage Kimonos / Fabric, from Kyoto, Japan – the home of the Geisha - to give it a new life.
Kimono Silkie 232
Kimono Silkie 218
Kimono Silkie 234
Examples of our Kimono Silkie Collection
Each of our Kimono Silkies is a one of a kind creation. Here is a sampling of some of our beautiful Infinity Scarves - each made with 2 or more different pieces of vintage silk Kimono. We select fabrics that contract or complement each other - making a stunning scarf to enhance any outfit.
Most of these beauties have been SOLD - but they give you a good idea of the quality and diversity of colors available. Use Contact Us if you are looking for specific colors - as we always have a nice inventory of finished 100% vintage Kimono Silk Infinity Scarves.
Philly High Fiber Products
Philly High Fiber makes more than just Kimono Silkies - here is a gallery of some of our current available products. Most items are one of a kind. If you see something of interest - please use our Contact Us and let us know what we can make for you!
Our Primary Products - Kimono Silkies - handcrafted from 100% Silk Vintage Kimonos - Each Silkie is One of a Kind - Fabrics are matched with complementary or contrasting fabrics to make unique combinations. Check out our current selection on Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/PhillyHighFiber
Kimono Fabric Embellished Denim Jean Jackets - Bring your own jacket or we’ll provide. This is one example - we have approximately 20 different options for the Kimono Panel - Coming Soon to Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PhillyHighFiber
Home Goods - Kimono Obi Pillow Covers - We use beautiful Vintage Kimono Obi’s to create one of a kind Pillow Covers. We are also beginning to explore making Quilts from 100% vintage Kimono Silk
Bags - Japanese Knot Bags - made from Vintage Kimono Fabric scraps. We use all available fabric from these exquisite silk fabrics. We are also working on other Bag types - Shopping bags & Tote Bags
location locations
Shops
& Shows
Upcoming Shows: Philly High Fiber is participating in a Wholesale show - American Handcrafted starting on Feb 25, 2022.
https://americanhandcraftedshow.com/show/dates-hours/
You can now also find our scarves hanging in the Philadelphia Art Museum’s gift shop.. Art attracts Art ; )
hometown
Philadelphia
We all live and create in this wonderful city. If you ever want to make an appointment to speak more with us about who we are and what we do, please drop us a line.
“But what I could see out of the corner of my eye made me think of two lovely bundles of silk floating along a stream. In a moment they were hovering on the walkway in front of me, where they sank down and smoothed their kimono across their knees. ”
