Kimono Trial

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Kimono Trial

I have to admit, I wasn't sure how this kimono...or any kimono or duster...would look on me. And of course I wasn't fully dressed when I tried it on after I finished making it.

But I went with it and I love, love, love it!  

There will definitely be more duster styles to come, including this one! I think I will make this one again in a lightweight scuba or a ponte knit.


I used Simplicity 1108 - View A. I actually made this in December, so my excuse for not wearing it was that it was too cold and it would not work under a coat.  So I stuck it in the closet and actually forgot about it!

Then last week I wanted to wear black and white and I remembered it!  

I decided to wear it with black cropped pants and a black knit peplum top. 

Yep! I added a peplum under it!

I got so many compliments that I was quite taken aback!

I purchased this peach skin fabric from Hancock fabrics several years ago to make scarves. But each time I pulled it out, I knew it would not work well for scarves...so back it went into my stash again and again.

Then I saw this pattern and decided to just go for it!  

 I'm sure most of you know that I love print matching, but I wasn't sure how it would work with the band.  I'm very happy with the end result.

  The pattern and instructions were easy, but my brain had some trouble placing the circular band. LOL! But once I got past that, it was easy going! The sleeves are cut-sleeves, so there are only two main pattern pieces, plus the bands.

 Some parts of the band are interfaced and others are not.  If you make this, be sure to follow those instructions carefully as you don't want the weight of interfacing pulling your kimono. I used a very lightweight knit interfacing and am very happy with the results.

 I finished the seams with french seams.

The center back is slightly gathered and is a detail that I like for this garment.  It gives it even more draping.  After stitching the band on, I top stitched it down around the entire garment.  You can hand stitch it or stitch in the ditch.

 I finished the sleeves with a narrow hem, as I didn't want to lose any of the print there.  I spent too much time print matching to lose it to a hem! LOL!

Thanks for visiting and reading my blog! I look forward to your comments and feedback!

P.S.

 I finally figured out how to use some of the photo editing features on my phone, thus the black and white photo!  😄

What's On Top?

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TOPS, TOPS and More TOPS!

Many of you may have seen my Facebook and/or Instagram post about this beautiful Kente print.  I had used it for so many other people and projects, that I think I became a bit envious and decided to make something for myself!  

It's 100% cotton Ankara fabric from LeeLou Designs 720 and was perfect for this peplum top.

I used McCall's 6896 as my base.  I chose this pattern because the bodice and peplum are all one piece.  I really don't like the look of peplums that are attached to the bottom of the bodice...that seam line just does not look good on me.

Of course I hacked it! There is just no fun in using patterns or in sewing if you don't hack something.  So this was the hack of the day! 😄

I wanted the look of view E, because I loved the slight open V front. Sorry, I did not get a great picture of that part.

I definitely had to do some print matching, which was fun, but oh so tedious!  I usually use as few pins as possible in my projects, but for print matching those tiny diagonal white lines, I needed pins.  I then used my walking foot to help keep them in place.  I've seen this print in RTW and it was not matched at all and looked horrible.  I was determined that my top would not look that!  LOL!

I didn't want just any sleeve, so I drafted a sort of butterfly sleeve. I wasn't sure I'd like it, but after much thought about other sleeve options, I committed to it.  In the end, not only did I like it, I loved it!  

Per the instructions I inserted a back zipper, but I chose to use an invisible zipper. I finished all the edges with black .25" purchased bias binding.

And...if you haven't guessed it already, this black top is the same pattern! I used a lightweight stable knit from my stash.  My hacks for this top was to eliminate the back seam and zipper, make the sleeves elbow length (my favorite sleeve length) and lower the front and back neckline about 1.5 inches.  The hems are narrow hems.

I paired it with a self drafted maxi skirt that I think I'm still working on. I'm just not sure I like it.
I purchased this ITY print last summer from Vogue Fabrics. 

I also paired it with black cropped pants.  Don't you just love versatile pieces in your wardrobe? 

Why are all my necklaces crooked in all of these pics?  LOL!

And for this final top...final for this post...there will never be a "final" top! Hahaha!

My sewing sisters are kinda on this Walmart hunt for fabric, as it seems that Walmart has upped it's fabric selection game...at least in the South.  Even though I'm not in the South, I was not to be outdone!  So I went to my local Walmart (which doesn't sell fabric) and kinda demanded that they find out which store nearest me sold fabric.  I was nice, but insistent!  LOL!

It turned out to be only about 15 minutes from the local store. So I went there and found this fabric, which was perfect because I'd been hankering for some camo fabric. This is a very lightweight knit...who knows what it really is...there was no "content" listed on the bolt.  

But not to be defeated, I prewashed it and treated it as an ITY knit and used one of my self drafted patterns.  I added stretch lace from my stash to the upper bodice and sleeves to make this "hard/soft" top.

Walmart fabric or not, I love this top and have worn it at least 5 times since I made it. It has held up quite well to machine washings.

Yes, I made my cork tote bag.  It is getting a lot of use as well. So much so, that I'm going to make it again with upholstery fabric!

In fact, I love all of these tops sew much that I'm going to make some variation of each of them again.

Don't be surprised if you see one in pink...I've committed to a PINK CHALLEGE.

And you know how much I like challenges!

And last, but definitely not least:
I am excited to announce that I will be starting my ONLINE SEWING CLASSES in the very near future...maybe a month or so from now. 

:-)Classes will be pre-recorded with a few FaceBook live tutorials. There will also be some content on You Tube. Of course my blog and tips will continue here.

I have a ton of ideas swirling around in my head, but I need your feedback regarding what types of sewing classes and/or techniques you are interested in.

Please comment below on your class ideas, needs and wants. If you are not comfortable with commenting below, please feel free to send me a PM.

Thanks for all of your support thus far! Can't wait to see your ideas!