Saturday 5 September 2015

"I Could Make You One of Those ..."


So many times when I am out shopping with my daughter we see something nice, and I hear myself saying "Yes, but I could make you one of those ....". 

OK, so most of the time I don't actually get round to the making, but I found myself saying this when she wanted one of the kimono style robe/jackets that have been all over the shops this year.
  

The thing that often puts me off sewing is that I know that by the time I have bought pattern, thread, material etc. it would really be cheaper just to buy the garment. But for this simple garment I thought I could make my own pattern. So out my old copy of Winifred Aldrich Metric Pattern Cutting, the bible for pattern cutting, and I had a go at blocking out the pattern properly. I used the basic bodice block, which is then adapted into a basic kimono block. It is quite a while since I have done this, but so long as you take careful measurement and follow the instructions step by step it is not too difficult.





 
The material was from Fabricland. It was very fine, which was quite tricky to sew and cut as it was quite slippery. I couldn't save time by just pinning, but had to tack all the seams. I used French seams, which is great as all the raw edges are safely sealed away. It turned out so well, and I now have a pattern, so I may have a go at another version of this kimono. Or even make one for myself.

Here are a few more photos of my daughter wearing the kimono in Bruges, where we had a short break last week. A beautiful city - which has museums of chocolate, beer and chips. Something for everyone.




... and with slightly more camera shy big brother.


24 comments:

  1. I am such a big FabricLand fan and this kimono is just lovely. Well done! x

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  2. Great Job! I am not doing much garment sewing these days. In fact, I was going to make a superhero cape for my great grandson, but maybe next year! Haha!!

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  3. What a lovely kimono, and your daughter models it perfectly. I am impressed by anyone who can create their own patterns...my mother used to do that after we saw something I wanted in a window. Thanks for sharing...and here's MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOT POST

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  4. The kimono top looks great! I've only created a pattern from scratch one time (a peasant blouse for my granddaughter from an Etsy tutorial) and was surprised that it turned out okay. I'm glad you mentioned French seams. I think I'll use those on the satiny fabric for my granddaughter's princess costume. It's a good way to prevent fraying.
    By the way, we visited Bruges once and loved the town and the chocolate. But mayonnaise on fries (chips) just didn't seem right!
    Sandy @ TEXAS TWANG

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  5. How clever you are. The kimono looks beautiful. I'm like you in the shops. I can't bring myself to buy any knitwear because I know I could knit it myself. We had a visit to Bruges a few years ago. It really is a beautiful place.

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  6. Your daughter looks so pleased with her new outfit - well done!

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  7. Very beautiful. I wish I was talented like you!

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  8. I can't sew at all, and always admire those who can. Your daughter looks rightly thrilled with her kimono top- and a break in Bruges too!

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  9. Beautiful! My husband about me my first kimono this summer. They're soft and lovely to wear.

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  10. It looks fantastic, and your daughter looks like she loves it! I know what you mean about sewing being more expensive than buying clothes from the shop - it always puts me off making too. Especially when a few of the things I have tried to make have turned out terribly!

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  11. Lovely, all that hard work has definitely paid off. (French seams though - fancy!)
    I do the same with my kids - "I could make you one of those". The worst was the Harry Potter scarf which was £40 at the Studio tour day out place gift shop. After 3 false starts to get the size right it took best part of a year to make it! That was nearly 2 years ago though and she still loves it/wears it all the time when it's cold. I've told her she has to keep it forever!

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  12. Gorgeous kimono and your daughter looks fabulous in it!

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  13. This is my type of jacket, loose and comfy. Love the kimono shape and the fabric is beautiful

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  14. I've loved these kimono tops that have been around, your version looks amazing. I admire people that are able to make their own garments, but such a shame it's more expensive to make your own x

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  15. Well done you for creating your own pattern! The top looks beautiful on your daughter :) x

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  16. Wowee well done you, it's a beautiful pattern (and daughter) and it's clearly passing the 'wear outside the house' test in spades!

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  17. Clever you designing your own pattern. It looks very nice on your daughter, the colours really suit her

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  18. That is lovely and your daughter looks like she loves it, well done.

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  19. how wonderful !!! your kimono turned out beautiful and it looks lovely on your daughter...I also love the fabric that you chose..

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  20. What a great job you did. She looks so happy!!

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  21. It looks great! Lucky daughter :)

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  22. It is stunning, I absolutely adore the fabric you've used.

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