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Monday 2 June 2014

Pro bono - Kimono

Julia Bobbin Silk Kimono

I don't know when - I don't know how - I don't know why, but I suddenly came over with the urge to own a silk kimono. 

Then I stumbled across this online tutorial over at Elle Apparel and I fell in love. Basically you could say her awesome and free tutorial is a 'pro bono - kimono'. Yes I love it because it rhymes. Sorry not sorry.

I just feel like a lady wearing this thing youknowwhatI'msayin?!!

Julia Bobbin Silk Kimono

Details

Using this tutorial I was able to create this little beauty in two hours, that inludes the time it took to cut it out. Whhhhaaaaat?!

It's a great pattern for the beginner seamstress and the perfect accessory to pretty up any outfit.

Julia Bobbin Silk Kimono
Julia Bobbin Silk Kimono

Fabric
I used about 1.15 metres of a stunning designer silk that I purchased from The Fabric Store in Melbourne. Have you seen anything as beautiful as this? I mean come on, it has gold leaves through out the pattern! My heart!

Julia Bobbin Silk Kimono
Julia Bobbin Silk Kimono

Changes
Instead of cutting the measurements out directly onto the fabric, I made pattern pieces first on paper and then used those to cut out the fabric.

I also used french seams to piece the kimono together instead of just serging the edges. It takes longer, but it makes the delicate fabric look neater on the inside. This quick to make kimono would be even faster how ever if you just serged all the edges together.

Julia Bobbin Silk Kimono
Julia Bobbin Silk Kimono

I also attached the sleeves flat onto the bodice front and back before I joined the side seams together. I then sewed the side seams of the bodice and the sleeves all together in one go. This makes it easier to work out the positioning of the sleeves.

Julia Bobbin Silk Kimono

Conclusion
I love this look, and I especially love how fast and easy it is to make! I already have ideas for more as they are the perfect way to glamorise any outfit.

Harry and I also had a great time taking photos in the park. This guy just loves being outside.

So anyone else have a craving for a kimono? You're not alone! Have a great week everyone!

Julia Bobbin Silk Kimono
Julia Bobbin Silk Kimono

37 comments:

  1. Gorgeous!!! Actually I made a kimono using the same tutorial - and also added French seams - for Project Sewn a couple of weeks ago :-). Your fabric is stunning!

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  2. Julia, I never knew I needed a kimono until I saw it on you. I need something to glamorize an outfit too, but didn't know how our what. Thank you so much. Your son, so adorable. He's going to be quite the ladies man if he isn't already!

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  3. This is lovely. What glorious fabric. I looked at that tutorial too. Who new it was so easy? Great job.

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  4. How cute this kimono! I love kimonos this summer. I made two kimonos and I want more!

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  5. I adore your usual vintage glamour... but this is a bit of a taste of the darker side of Julia Bobbin, non? I like it!! The fabric is gorgeous - and such an appropriate use for that attention-grabbing big print. Love it.

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  6. Aarghhh this is perfect! !

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  7. Stunning kimono Julia. That fabric is just lush.

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  8. i have been wanting a kimono! we're going on vacation this summer and will be staying with family and i'm realizing my bed-wear is rather unsightly... this is so glamorous, and how nice to wrap up in silk. gonna have to splurge on some gorgeous fabric now...

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  9. Absolutely stunning and so glamorous!

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  10. I love this - SO much nicer than the kimonos I've seen in stores lately.

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  11. This is so glamorous! I love the silk! And OMG, Harry! He's unbelievably cute.

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  12. Beautiful!! Such a gorgeous fabric really shines as a kimono and I love that it's a 'public' kimono that you can show off. Although it would be a lovely luxurious robe for lounging around in style too...

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  13. This is so stunning! I love this whole look on you - the bodycon dress, flowing kimono, and short boots... sigh - so freaking cool! And of course, the best accessory is Harry!! What an angel! Ugh! Little sweethearts like that make my ovaries hurt! Haha!

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  14. I have no shame and I WILL copy you!!! ;)

    One of my favorite RTW pieces is a silk kimono that my mom got in Hawaii. I always wear it with a camisole, knit skirt, and a belt. Such a comfy outfit!

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  15. Fabulous!! I've been wanting to make a kimono after seeing them EVERYWHERE this summer, and now I have the perfect starting point. Thank you!!

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  16. This is really pretty and goes so well with your black garment!

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  17. That's beautiful! I just visited The Fabric Store in Los Angeles, and they have the dreamiest collection– I was drawn to the fabrics with gold as well. Would you say the color is more yellow or green?

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  18. Simple style and simply stunning make. Wow.

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  19. Stunning! I'll look up the tutorial

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  20. LOVE a kimono...at home I live in my kimono dressing gown...it's actually quite tatty now so may have to whip myself up a new one!

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  21. Gorgeous! I love the fabric you've chosen. The gold print on the silk is so pretty.

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  22. LittleMissWhipstitch4 June 2014 at 08:20

    I love it! I felt inspired to make one in chambray. I tweaked the pattern to make it more fitted with slightly slimmer sleeves. So happy with my kimono - definitely going to make more but next time in chiffon. Thanks so much - you've really made my week :-)

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  23. You look amazing! Love the idea of putting the kimono over that black dress. Great choice indeed!

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  24. You look awesome! I actually just made a kimono using the same tutorial this past weekend. However, mine turned out pretty horrendous. It looks like a bad hawaiian shirt, but that's due to my fabric choice more than anything else. Should have used a glorious silk like this. It's beautiful!

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  25. This is so lovely from such a simple pattern. I really need to make one of these now. it's great for adding something to a basic underlayer. Very pretty choice of colour.
    http://daisycreatesinsussex.blogspot.co.uk/

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  26. Ooooo that fabric is so dreamy!! I love how it softens up the all black dress and boots. Killer outfit, Lady. xo

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  27. Ohhhh, dear Lady! This is so beautiful and elegant! I did not think kimono before seeing it on you ... now I need one .... You look stunning!

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  28. Ooooo love this, its gorgeous. I have some silk in the stash that I was going to make a blouse with but not anymore!!!!!

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  29. Your kimono is lovely! I've been wanting to make one for a while too.

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  30. It's a nice mix of modern style and beautiful fabric with a retro touch.

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  31. oh man, what are french seams??

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  32. I am a beginner sewer but think I can do this! When you do French seams on this in what order do you sew the French seams ?

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  33. I'm wondering how you managed to use French seams without the fabric on the open collar and sides folding over? I tried this on a kimono recently and found that the unfinished edges adjacent to the seamed edges rolled over.

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