21st July 2012: Maten Sutra complete! :) The sutra is complete now. I did a fabric layer underneath and then double folded it over and fabric glued it to the edges. I've varnished it with a matt finish varnish to prevent accidents involving rain or drinks. It lies nicely on the shoulders... I think the wallpaper was a good idea in the end, it gives it the right kind of weight and consistency, I think, but we'll see how it works with the finished outfit!

14th July 2012: Making the sutra I have finished making the central portion of the Maten Sutra. I decided to go with white wallpaper. The sutra's supposed to be paper (I think), and I would like it to have that kind of density (hopefully it won't rain!). The script I've written on it doesn't mean anything, it's really a collection of symbols that I made up as I went along, but it does the trick. I did have a good look at what was written in various official art, but it's mostly illegible sadly, so I've opted for this. with a dark green fabric overlay. I have yet to purchase the fabric, but I think that cotton or something a little heavier will do nicely. I'm still trying to work out how that's going to attach - I don't want it to end up with corners, but if I cut it as one long piece I run the risk of it not looking particularly neat. Hmmm. I'll buy the fabric first, I think, and then try a few things out.