Unsolicited Testimonials about Yoko Trading -- yokodana.com -- suppliers of bulk vintage kimonos, fabric supplies for fiber artists,designers, decorators since 1998

Dear Yoko,

My 10 lbs "A" Package arrived yesterday and I was most upset... with MYSELF for not ordering the 20 lbs package!

The first thing I pulled out was a lovely bright red and gold silk girl's kimono and my heart soared! There were 6 kimonos, 3 coats and some lovely chimiren remnants. 4 of the kimonos and all the 3 coats are in excellent condition except for some staining on the linings. I have given the shortest of the adult kimonos to my 95-year old grandmother to use a robe as she is really little at 5 feet - she loves the soft feel of the silk! I have already worn one of the jackets to work today (it's in THAT good condition!) and all my colleagues were Oohing and Aahing over it! I have NO idea how I'm going to have the heart to cut the other kimonos up for my craft work!

Thank you so much for this opportunity to work with lovely kimono fabrics at a fraction of the cost! I will be starting on my craft work this weekend (starting with the lovely remnants made into drawsting bags...) and I think my family and friends are going to be very happy with their Christmas presents this year!

Warmest regards from sunny Singapore

Amy Jinai Cheong

Dear Yoko & Dana,

I am THRILLED with my purchases. And I wish to thank you for the gift piece. We are hopefully moving into a condo as soon as we can sell our house which has a very high ceiling with skylights and I hope to hang the Sumurai banner fom the highest level and where I can keep it away from too much light. My husband complained that I was spending money again but when he saw the banner especially he was very pleased. The roll of fabric is fantastic and I finally got some real shuiro! The wrapping cloths brought back many memories for my husband about how everything was wrapped when he was there. He really is a softie about Japan--he liked the people very much and enjoyed his 3 years or so there.

I most likely will not be purchasing much more although I would love to have the uchikake(bad spelling) but out of my range. I shall keep checking your new store regularly and may find something else I just cannot resist. Thank you so much for your fine service and beautiful goods.

Thank you so much,
Venita in Indiana

When an "A" package arrives in our house it's like Christmas. Each item gets pulled out and inspected for interesting patterns and ideas begin to form in our minds of what we'd like to do with each piece. A new sword bag for my boyfriend? A wall hanging for my son? (he picked out a BRIGHT red panel from the last box!) A kimono for my daughter to wear? More projects for me? All possibilities are considered.

I received the package (bulk cottons) that I had waited for with such high anticipations. I was amazed that it was even more wonderful than I imagined. I thought I might find one or two out of the lot to keep and wear with jeans. Every single one of them is almost perfect, you have to search to find any imperfections and I only found a few. I now have to decide which ones to keep and which ones to take apart. There were several little girls kimono which I cannot bear to take apart and will give as gifts. I have taken 2 apart already, a very easy task while watching TV and must decide soon which ones I will be making into jackets. The fun part is I will still have the bottom portion of the kimino to use in quilts. Thank you for the wonderful selection.

Since your customer service was so excellent during the ordering process, I thought you would appreciate knowing that your shipment (Imari plate) reached me safely. What a beautiful packing job! I'm very happy with the item I ordered. Many thanks.

I ordered several fabric pieces and all of them were exactly as pictured. Much care was put into their packaging. And, I even received a BEAUTIFUL free gift fabric piece. It is so pretty!!! I'm going to make a neck roll pillow out of it. Also, I knew from reading their site that they were out of town at a show. And, they even emailed me to tell me of a short delay. Yet, though I placed 2 orders at other places that day, this site's order arrived 1st, and it arrived in 2-3 days. WOW!!! Thanks!

Elizabeth Olsen
Chicago, IL.

Hi Dana,
I just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful piece of striped indigo I recently purchased from you.
I have never sewn on such fine, inherently straight fabric. I was amazed at the quality and craftsmanship of it in this respect. I will definitely keep my eye on your website for new finds.This piece will be the standard against which Icompare others! Thanks again, Dana, for everything: great fabrics and wonderful, personable service.

Yes, you presumed right!( that a second order indicated she liked her first order of bulk kimonos,dl) I especially loved the textured navy kimono and textured purple fabric piece,the blue + white floral kimono,the blue + white 2 fabric pieces, + the 2 kimonos with navy with floral etc. motifs. I was Amazed at the cool things in my cottons package!

All I can say is WOW!!! Very , very Exciting!!! I float around wearing various items every day!!

(Also in a few weeks I´ll be ordering your Silks package!!)

Thanks,

Kathy Fietz
Luxembourg (Europe)

Oh, I loved it so. I am so happy!! I even wrote on gather.com:
(You can read it by clicking HERE. )

(Anyway)...I love it!! I AM enthusiastic about it (bulk kimono order) - i am so pleased i found you guys, and i think that it is such a good value. yahoo!!! ....You're right - i opened the box and the SMELLS came back. i was so happy (as you can tell). yep, just wait til i order *another* box. heh heh!!!

PS:....( So, I am) glad to help spread the word. i knew you'd be happy(reading the gather.com piece), knowing how VERY happy i am today. thank you again!! cheers, jessie

I received my kimono today and just wanted to thank you for the prompt and quality service (received within 3 days). The kimono looks exactly as it was pictured and described on your website. It is really beautiful. I look forward to doing business again with you in the near future. Emily
-------
I received the (second) package today. It was a lot of fun opening the surprise package (bulk kimono)--there are several great pieces including the child's kimono that is especially cute on my two year old. She enjoyed trying it on and looking at herself in the mirror.

Thanks again,

Emily M.
Tennessee, USA

Dear Yokodana,
I just want to thank you for the lovely fabrics and for the small pieces that you gave me. You must be able to see what I'm making-- the pieces will go so well in my quilt! I'm really happy with my order.
Sincerely,
Renee
Suwanee, Georgia USA

I just wanted you to know how pleased I was with my recent order. Unpacking the box was like Christmas morning! As I took out each piece, I was floored at how beautiful they were. I have been on your mailing list for awhile and didn't really know what to expect. I ordered thinking I would be able to use the fabric for various sewing projects, however, 4 or 5 of the pieces are so lovely, I have added them to my closet. Even one that had slight damage, I have repaired and now use everyday as my robe. It will actually be hard for me to cut up the ones that I will use in other projects. I just wanted to say thanks and let you know grateful I am to have found a source such as yourselves.

...It's a pleasure, as always, to be in touch with you, and your focus on esthetics in Japanese culture and design certainly requires no apology in the context of doing business. Anyone can sell me something...but you and your Web site offer so much more. That's why people like me are likely to keep coming back to you. I hope you never, ever change.

Your website YokoDana.com has earned a coveted spot in Thepurplebook: The Definitive Guide to Exceptional Online Shopping....We have combed through thousands of e-commerce sites , and have handpicked only those that best meet the wants and needs of the modern shopper. Not one site has been paid to be listed, nor been shown any undue perference, as we believe objectivity is the key to earning consumer confidence. Hillary Mendelsohn, Publisher

News from the Blogosphere -- to see a recent blog report with pictures from the UK about our D packages click here . Dana

Just wanted to send a thank-you for the lovely selection of kimonos and fabric that I recently bought(20 pounds silks, 20 lbs. cottons). I split the package with a friend. Lovely kimonos, lovely fabric. Thank you!

Just wanted to write and say that I got to see my great nieces wearing the kimonos(Bulk Kimonos) that were part of a bundle I ordered from you earlier in the spring. We were in Southern Illinois last weekend and they all modeled them for me. The five year was so funny as she said hers was too long, but at the rate she grows, that won't be true for very long! I found the choices the other two had made interesting --- I had sent 4, one for each of the girls and one for their mom. I also showed them what they could do if they decided they wanted to display them on their walls.
Thank you again for the great products you have!

Mary Castle
Ambridge, Pennsylvania USA

Gidday Yoko,

Wooo thank you. Bulk package(D package, 20lbs) arrived today. Kimonos are perfect for pulling apart and making crafts.

Will be making another order in the future.

Betty Lui
Umina, New South Wales
Australia

Thank you.
My fabric (A package & kasuri) arrived in time for me to sew this weekend.
Very interesting gauze-like weave.
Have not seen that before... but it was perfect for a curtain.
Allows in light and air, but offers some privacy when the window is open.
The stiffness was perfect for this project.
The curtain has hems at bottom and top.
Both the bottom and top have tension rods holding them firm -creating a flat panel.
Best wishes

Joyce P.
New Mexico USA

Dana and Yoko- The silk kimono are wonderful. I was so excited to receive my grab bag and am SO happy with the contents- thank you! (purchased: A package silks, kasuri & runner made from vintage obi.)

I am so pleased with my package!(D package, synthetics) It was like opening a present- I didn't want the box to end! The bolt of fabric that came is beautiful, I can't wait to use it all. Thank you so much!
(Feel free to use on your testimonials page!) Kate

Hi Dana & Yoko

Thanks for the great box of cottons. The shipping was really quick (7 days)!!!
There are some really great items in the box and although the yukatas are a tad short for me (since I am 5' 9" which is tall for a sansei female), they will make great long jackets/big tops. I am really glad that you set up this business. You make is so easy to get great items/fabrics & your prices are so reasonable.

Thanks again,
Paula Tsuruoka
Ontario, Canada

I have just received my first order (20lbs A package) from your company. All I have to say is WOW AND MORE WOW!! I can not believe my luck. I awoke with a migraine this morning. I think you just cured it. Thank you so much. I am sure I will be ordering again in the near future.

I just want you to know how thrilled I am with my bulk kimono purchase from you. It is beyond wonderful. I opened my box with a friend,...who was so impressed she plans to order some as well. I plan on ordering more. Thank you so very much,....also I really love the beautiful duvet type cover you included - its gorgeous. A thousand thanks to you for offering such beautiful, quality kimonos at quite a reasonable price.

My wonderful order (20lbs A package) arrived yesterday and my whole family was
excited (my husband and 2 cats) all gathering around as I opened
the box. I was really delighted with what you sent me and I'm
already imagining what I will make. Thanks very much and I'm sure
you will hear from me again. It was a very happy experience.

Barbara Ford
State College, Pennsylvania (Home of Penn State!)

I received my package last night (20lbs A package)! Wow! I am so impressed with everything. The speed at which my order was filled is amazing. The most amazing thing was the quality of the kimonos. I was totally blown away! Thank you, thank you, thank you. They are so beautiful and breathtaking....

Wait, I have more! As a quilter and one who sews, I couldn't help but
admire the fact that the kimonos were handstitched. I am going to ask my quilting and sewing buddies if they would be interested in sharing a bundle. I thought long and hard before ordering, but what I really got was a bargain beyond compare. Again, thank you.

Ann
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

(From Dana & Yoko:)We were featured in the Good News Rag, a paid subscriber-based print publication for designers, seamstresses, couturiers and anyone interested in sewing-based crafts. The Rag, as it is affectionately called, is published by Lois Ericson of Reno, Nevada. In her Jan/Feb. 2005 (Issue #84) she talked about us in a column titled, "My Favorite Fabric Store", which started, "I enjoy using kimono fabric in my work and have recently connected with a great source. Maybe you would like to check out their website...." She had many nice things to say and we thank her for her unsolicited praise. To learn more about her newsletter and her work, please visit her site,
www.designandsew.com .

I received my order yesterday and I love everything. I'm going to have to
order more because I feel bad cutting some of the fabric I received. You
sent me a very small jacket (don't know the name in Japanese){haori} and I thought
that it was so beautiful that I don't think I'm going to give it to my
daughters, like I told Yoko, but I don't know what I could do with it. It
doesn't look like it was ever used.

Thank you again.

Dulce C.
Maryland, USA

I just wanted to let you know that the package arrived yesterday. The
gosho ningyo fabric is even more beautiful than I was expecting...a tall
order to fill.

I appreciate the the quick, thorough responses to my questions, the rapid
shipping of my order and, especially, the care with which the fabric I
bought was packaged for shipping. I was also very impressed by your
willingness to recommend another vendor for mixed fabric packages of a
size more suitable to my needs than the large packages you offer. I look
forward to the possibility of purchasing from you again in the near future
and would not hesitate to recommend you as an ideal seller!

I just got my 20 lb box of cotton kimono cloth. I am so happy!! I took one apart and I could not believe how much fabric there was. I love the selection you sent. It was exactly what I wanted. Thank you so much. And, I found a nice suprise in the box....a bolt of the most delicious cotton for kimono. I didn't expect that. You've won me over and I can't wait to work with these fabrics and to order more. I wish I could get 100 pounds!!! (hmmmmm maybe) There is one kimono in the box that is in such great condition that I think I'll give to my dad for father's day. I think he will like it very much. I will make a sash with some of the other kimono cloth to keep it closed. Again thank you and I'm so happy I decided to order. Domo arigatou!!!

Marguerite Cordice
Flushing, New York

Dear Dana,

Wow!
I got the package this afternoon.How should I describe after I went through all of them.It is too good to be true. Don`t know how to express my satisfaction. Am I lucky! thank you.

Best regards
Jane Liu
Toronto, Canada

The kimono with the cranes is a very big hit (commensurate with the hit to my visa card) (for unexpected customs charges).

Hello

Just a quick note saying the goods arrived this morning and the Kimono is wonderful!
Had to pay £97 ($160) customs and excise duty!! Ouch!
But it was worth it!
Thanks again!!
Alan White
Birmingham, United Kingdom

Yesterday my 20 lb. shipment of kimonos etc. arrived. I am overwhelmed, I bought them to use in sewing/quilting projects but many I can not bring myself to cut and will simply use and admire. My 11 year old daughter and I unpacked the box and it was like a treasure chest. Thank you!

This is Suzanne Ebbels. My kimono's (20lbs) arrived and they are wonderful, thanks heaps for all your help, l will be ordering more in the future.

Dear Dana & Yoko,

I received my 20 pound box of kimono the other day as promised. I have to tell you, it was the best box I've received in a long time! My friend and I were absolutely amazed by the contents of the box. It almost sounded like the Fourth of July, as we "oohed" and "aahed" over each one as it came out of the box. The only problem is that I don't know if I can cut them up!

Dear Yoko,

My bulk kimono shipment arrived today and the contents far surpassed my expectations. I was hoping for at least one haori in wearable condition but got far more than that! I am in my glory. The kimonos are wonderful, as well. My sister is already hinting that two of them would be ideal for her birthday gifts. And the extra textile pieces will be wonderful for belts and sashes.

Your service and professionalism can't be beat and the product is ichiban. Domo Arrigatou.

Kathryn
Escondido, CA

Dear Dana,

Thank you so much for the zori and purse; I received them yesterday and
they are fabulous. I am a candidate for the San Francisco Cherry
Blossom Queen Pageant and now know that even if I don't win, I will look
great. Thanks so much!

Thank you for the order. It arrived yesterday. The kimonos and fabric are beautiful. I was like a little kid with a surprise package opening them. I will put them to good use. Thanks again. C.P.

Hi, I just got the 40# box of kimonos I ordered. WOW! they are incredible, better than I could have hoped for. WOW! I look forward to buying from you in the future. WOW!

The box (20lbs of "A Package") arrived today just as expected. The kimono are beautiful! Thank you for such a lovely array of sizes and colors. Of course my two daughters immediately claimed one each to wear for their very own. The others will complement my quilting beautifully if I ever dare take them apart! Thanks again, Carol McD, North Carolina

We received the kimono today. It is very beautiful and in very good condition as described on the website. Thank you so much for working with us, so we were able to purchase it.

See Epinions.com's lengthy review of our site -- we're blushing...Dana & Yoko--

BottomLine is an international publication which advises subscribers on consumer and other issues. This well-respected newsletter has over 1 million subscribers. They called to inform us that we had been selected and that they recommended our site to their readers in a recent issue. We of course are most grateful.

(re: 20lb "A Package)
(We) received our bundle yesterday and just enjoyed every one. Each one has its own beauty and style! thank you so very much!

I just wanted to let you know that the two kimono arrived safely and quickly! Both are exactly as described and we're extremely pleased. Everything about this transaction, from your well-designed website, to your prompt emails, was a real pleasure. ...

I must say that this has been the fastest transaction I've ever experienced via the internet, and I've done my share of e-shopping! My wife is still talking about the beautiful packaging and plans to save it for storage. Most of the garments we receive from other e-sellers come in flimsy plastic bags (that frequently arrive full of holes); your shipping methods are fit for an art museum....

We will definitely recommend you to our friends and frequently check your site toward future purchases.

A customer sent this link to us. We were featured in the print publication SEWNEWS in 2000 but hadn't seen this.. Here is a net summary: 2000 SEWNEWS Article about us

Thank you. The shipment arrived yesterday. I'm extremely pleased with it!
Wonderful service. I'd recommend you to anyone!

...I have to say, most of them arrived in such good condition it's a shame to even think of taking them apart. I'm going to have to work myself up to it.

Thank you so much! I am happy, happy, happy with my new shipment. The color selection is so nice, and the quality is all that I hoped for and more. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your wonderful service... I wish all businesses were run with such consideration. Now, my only problem is, I can't bear to set scissors to some of the kimonos, they are so nice! Oh well, I guess that just means I'll be ordering a little sooner than expected! Thanks again!

Regards & sunshine from Asmara! I'm sitting in my garden wearing my georgeous kimono!Once again thank you for prompt, perfect delivery. Keep up the great work!

During the summer of 2001, my husband and I had the unexpected pleasure of visiting Japan so that he could practice kendo. We had only six weeks to prepare for our trip. How I wish I had studied Japanese clothing before leaving the States! While I was in Japan, I had the great fortune of buying a kimono, juban, obi, michiyuki, and several accessories. I was hooked!!!!!!

Thanks to Yoko Trading, I've been able to affordably increase my collection of wearable art without the expensive airfare to Japan. Yokodana's products and services can't be beat, either on the web or via on-line auction. I hope to buy from Yoko for years to come....

Thank you for the speedy service! These kimono(for community theatre production) are as wonderful as the first (30)! We will be printing your card in our program and I will spread the others among the other costumers I know. My cast is so excited about their wonderful costumes and very impressed with how far ahead of schedule I am. Costumes don't usually appear until a week or two before opening night. We sing your praises!

Hi, received the shipment of (20lbs) kimonos today. They were in much nicer condition
than I had expected! Thanks for the great purchase! I will be back for
more!

I've ordered 1 Kimono and 2 Haori in the past month. Two as gifts and 1 for myself. These are the most beautiful items with the most beautiful material I've seen. I expect to be wearing my Haori everywhere so I'm sure I'll be getting many complements and maybe starting a fad! I look forward to falling inlove with my next haori.

My experience with Yokodana was above my expectations and I appreciate their speediness to get my items to me. Thank you Dana and Yoko.

Can't tell you how much I love the kimonos (20 lbs "A Package, kr110-1). They are way better condition than I ever expected. A weaver friend and I will be splitting the order. I planned to use the fabric for crazy quilts, and Patty in weaving. At the moment, I'm not sure I can bring myself to cut them apart.... Feel free to quote me. I will be glad to tell anybody how pleased we are with the shipment...Thank you again for a fantastic product.

I got the box today, and I wanted to tell you that I am, first of all, ecstatic about having gotten the two striped fabrics, and second, I was also really happy with the contents of the 20 pound box. You folks are running a top notch operation and can include me in your list of satisfied customers.

Dear Yoko ,

Your merchandise, shipping and quality service are first rate. You can't do better than Yokodana!

Besides their wonderful, high quality products and reasonable prices, the thing I like most about Yokodana is their service. When I accidentally made a few mistakes on my order, Yokodana immediately remedied the problem. The fact that there is an actual person behind the computer, personally taking care of my order, always makes me feel at ease.

Dear Yoko -- In looking back over my records, I realize I first wrote to you in Aug. 1998, can't believe it's been two years!

Since then, I've purchased several by-the-pound bundles from you as well as several individual garments from your website and e-bay.

You have been nothing but courteous, kind, and generous. Yoko has always sent fantastic assortments in the "bundles" -- worth way more than every penny (shhhh!) You've also been generous with information -- I've learned more from you than from all the books!

I've referred several people telling them how great you guys are and how glad I am to have found you!

Susan Fatemi
Oh Noh! Kimonos!
California

For the past many years, I've attended the September Quilt Show in Fort Washington, PA.In addition to the quilts and garments on display, there are the most interesting vendors from all over the country showing fabrics that you may not see in your local shops.

I make pillows, table runners and scarves using imported fabrics - wonderful cottons that come from the countries on the Western Coast of Africa, batiks from the Polynesian islands and Java - and now exquisite exquisite silks from Yoko Trading.

Last September, I discovered Yoko Trading in the first aisle at the Exhibition Hall. I spent an hour (or was it two!) in your booth and selected 10 silk kimono & haori jackets. Although it was Sunday, the last day of a 4 day show, I was thrilled with what was available for me to look thru.

Not only did I choose from garments on a rack and stacked on tables, I also admired and bought a pink brocade (with silver threads) that your lovely daughter was wearing. Many of the kimono were so fine that I could not consider cutting them to use the fabric* and have been wearing and enjoying them. And, I always (guaranteed, it's a sure thing) receive compliments when wearing one of your garments.

Now I'm going to take the plunge and buy a bundle.

I gave that pink brocade to a special friend - someone had to be very special to be worthy of sharing these treasures. When her gift arrived, she called saying that . . . "I shouldn't have been so extravagant - we don't exchange such luxurious gifts" She thought I had spent a fortune! which actually, I did not.

Since meeting you last September, although I enjoy viewing your internet site and your items on e-bay - I intend to shop with you next month in person at the show. Those who are not able to shop in person are lucky to have access to fine silks on-line.

Jane Rosner
Bridgewater, NJ