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!

Inspirtion...Long Sleeve Floral Shirt

Who can resist a floral shirt?  Especially when the colors fit right into the color theme of your wardrobe.  Check out this shirt:

This is the Eileen Floral Long Sleeve Shirt by Frank and Eileen.  Price tag: $228.00.  Details: spread collar, button front, chest patch pockets, long sleeves, button cuffs, oversized silhouette, shirt-tail hem, cotton.  Be sure to head over to Neiman Marcus to check out the details and "how to wear it".

There are lots of shirt patterns out there.  This one is in my stash:

This is the Grainline Studio Archer Button Up pattern.  You can find it here.  Another option might be this pattern:

This is the Classic Shirt pattrn by Liesel & Co.  You can find it here.

Both of these patterns get good reviews at Pattern Review.  If you a shirt pattern that works for you, use it.  Save the pattern dollars and apply to the fabric.

Hope you're inspired to sew something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe Week 4...

The Weekly Timeless Wardrobe marches on.  It's already Week 4.  On the introduction chart, this was to be a dark accent top.  It's not mentioned in the week 4 information.  I would say do what works best in your wardrobe.

My choice of color for this will be a teal.  This happens to be a t-shirt color that needs replacement in the wardrobe.  I do have a knit fabric in the stash that was original earmarked for a twin set or something along those lines.  I will double check that it is appropriate for a t-shirt and it may end up being used for that.

It will be a couple of weeks before you see this item appear as I will be too busy to machine stitch over the next 2 or 3 weeks.  Yes, this will also put me behind on weeks 5 and 6 as well.  We'll discuss them as we get to them.

So, I will do an update on Week 4 in about a month.  Are you following along with the Vivienne Files on the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe?  Can you plan your stitching so that you are ready for the next season?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Geometric Silk Blouse

Fall will be here before we know it.  Here's a beautiful long-sleeve blouse to consider:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Scottie Printed Silk Long-Sleeved Silk Blouse.  Price tag: $498.00.  It has a spread collar, concealed placket, yoke seamed back with box pleat, and a relaxed fit.  For a closer look go to the Neiman Marcus website.

For a similar look, try this pattern:

This is the Grainline Studio Archer pattern.  It is a little different than the inspiration photo but I already have this is my stash.  You will need a concealed placket instructions.  Here are some from Threads.  Obviously if you have a shirt pattern already fitted,  use it!  Use those dollars on fabric.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Wardrobe Caughtup....

Did you read through last week's post?  If not, go check it here.   I try to stick with the following color families - black, gray, pink, navy/blue, teal.

So this is my promise catchup post on the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe:

Week 1 - Light Neutral Top   - I choice to purchase this top.  It is the Lands' End Women's Shaped Cotton Crewneck T-shirt.  I purchased it in classic gray heather:

It's a pretty boring basic but it should be fairly versatile.

Week 2 - Dark Neutral Top -  I chose to shop the wardrobe for this one.  I really don't have a shortage of black short sleeved tops.  It's a Christopher and Banks Essential Tee in black:

Again, this is another boring basic but it will be very versatile.

Week 3 - An Accent Top - I chose to shop the wardrobe for this one again.  My top is similar to this Christopher and Banks top:

Another very basic top.


Are you following along with this series from Vivenne Files?  I know some folks are trying to sew along with this series.  I don't think I could keep up with the amount of sewing to be done.  Any thoughts on the series?  Which group do you belong to?

Happy Stitching!