1. History of YokoDana's "C" Package Cottons:

[Most of this section (No. 1) was originally published July 2009, yl .]

We believe that the reason for this scarcity (of C package grade cottons) has much to do with demand -- world-wide-- for all kinds of kimono and kimono fabrics, particularly cotton. Also, since around 2006 it was our observation that Japanese quilters, artists and crafters are re-discovering these traditional cotton fabrics. As a result we see our "C" supplies from most of our sources in Japan decreasing in amount and quality or have become prohibitively expensive.

While we can probably get the inferior low-grade cottons, they are simply not good enough for what our customers use them for, so we will not even attempt to bring them in.

We have been dealing in vintage clothing since 1989. We have seen these cycles come and go. It is just the nature of recycling. We like to compare 'vintage hunting' to going mushroom picking: Sometimes you get enough to feed the neighborhood, other days you get a handful -- and they're all poisonous! We hope you understand.

2. Wait-List History & Status:

We first had these in 20lb minimums starting around 2000. By 2009 we noticed the changes described above, and often had back-orders and maintained a list. By July of 2009 we stopped taking back-orders for this product from the public, as for some time we had not been getting it in the volume and quality we once had. At that time (Summer 2009) there were still a good number of long-time customers, repeat buyers and opt-in members who asked us to still keep a wait list, so we relented and had a private wait list.

In early August 2010 we contacted everyone on the list to confirm interest and again in the fall of 2010. We filled most back-orders and others either did not respond or dropped themselves from the list. So, as of now (February 22, 2011) we are not maintaining a wait list for C Packages, mainly because it was impractical and the wait unreasonable.

What we will do is this: On those rare occasions when we have accumulated acceptable packages of cottons we will post word of availability on our Facebook Page as well as send a message to our opt-in members. We will fill orders on a first-come first-served basis in each case. And for the reasons we explained above we will not maintain a wait list.

Of course, if our supply of cottons were to return to what it was in the past, we will resume offering the cottons -- but given the trend of the vintage kimono supply market we feel that is unlikely. Sorry to disappoint some of you, who've been getting these for years from us. We wish we had better news.

PS: Any questions or comments, write us please.