Inspiration...Long Kimono Jacket

Looking for a light weight coat?  This one would definitely fit that description:

This is the Eileen Fisher Boiled Wool Long Kimono Jacket.  Price:  $448.00.  I really like the color of this one.  In the right color, this would be a go with everything jacket.

The Indygo Junction Contemporary Kimono would be a great pattern to recreate the Eileen Fisher jacket.  Changes would be lengthen both the sleeve length and jacket length, add pockets, and create a shawl collar.  You might also consider reducing the width of the sleeve and that may take a little playing.

As far as the boiled wool, just do and internet search.  It's available at many fabric stores.

Happy Stitching!

Contemporary Kimono...It's Done!

This jacket took longer than I thought that it would.  Life kinda got in the way of any sewing.  Just so you can keep you with what I'm doing, here are the previous posts on this subject:

1.  Inspiration...Kimono Jacket
2.  Comtemporary Kimono...The Planning
3.  Contemporary Kimono...The Time Had Come to Start
4.  Contemporary Kimono...Stitching Complete on the Main Body

Finished Kimono:

I did make a change and it is minor.  After reading through the directions for the sleeve band, I decided to double it.  I just felt that the double layer would stitch a bit better given that I had no intention of putting interfacing on the bands.

Details:

1.  Needles used for hand stitching were Size 24 Cross Stitch Needle.
2.  Thread was DMC Size 8 Pearl Cotton.  I used 1 spool.

Advice:

1.  Pay very close attention to the layout information or you will not have enough fabric.
2.  Decide before sewing the pieces together how you want your seams finished.  In some cases, it's better to finish before stitching together.  In other cases, it's better to wait till your finished.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Contempary Kimono...Stitching Complete on the Main Body

The hand stitching for the kimono has moved along quicker than I thought and I'm very pleased.  Just so you can keep you with what I'm doing, here are the previous posts on this subject:

1.  Inspiration...Kimono Jacket
2.  Comtemporary Kimono...The Planning
3.  Contemporary Kimono...The Time Had Come to Start

Here are the finished components:

Front

Back

Sleeves

The only decision left now is the front band.  I'm really leaning toward using a blank band on the front.  Here's an approximation of what it would look like:

Black Front Band

The other choice would be is use the same fabric as the rest of the jacket.   Next post on this subject will be the completed jacket.

Happy Stitching!

Contemporary Kimono...The Time Has Come To Start...

Fall will be here before we know it.  So, that makes it time to get started on the planned kimono.  Here are the previous posts on the subject:

1.  Inspiration...Kimono Jacket
2.  Comtemporary Kimono...The Planning

As previously stated, the gray will be the main body of the jacket along with the sleeve cuffs.  The inside and pockets will be black and I may edge the seam side of the pocket in gray.  That decision doesn't have to be made until the jacket is ready to stitch.  I'm going to leave the front band as a decision for later.

Originally I was going to do a muslin but after seeing the pattern pieces, I decided that I would just go for it.  This may be a big surprise in the end.  Hopefully, it will fit and I will like it.

There were a couple of decisions that needed to be made before I can actually stitch the pattern.  The stitch length will be approximately 1/4-inch with 1/2-inch between the stitching lines.  I think this is doable.  It may take a bit to do the handwork but I can do it.  That is, unless my fingers get sore from all the stitching.  Here is a couple of samples:

This is the black thread on the gray.  I'm thinking that the stitches and the lines are too close together. 

I think this sample is a little better and a little closer to the inspiration picture.

The jacket front, back, and sleeves have been cut out.  If you haven't worked with this kimono jacket pattern before, make sure that you follow the fabric layout or you may not have enough fabric.  The layout is unique.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Kimono Jacket

This little jacket popped up in one of my Facebook group and I had to share:

This is the Neeru Kumar jacket.  It was available at Santa Fe Dry Goods.  Price tag: $335.00.  I like the idea of this jacket.  It is a kantha style garment which is more or less two layers of fabric sewn together.  Here's the pattern that I think is a good match:

This is the Contemporary Kimono Jacket by Indygo Junction. It's a very close match for the inspiration picture.  You would need to add a patch pocket.  The pattern has in-seam pockets.

As far as a fabric goes, I think a cross-dyed cotton would work perfectly.  Equilter and fabric (dot) com both carry cross-dyed cotton.  I would check a local quilt shop and see if they have any suitable cottons.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!