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Work-in-Progress Wednesday: Sewing

Posted on by Laura Kate

One of the many fiber projects on my to-do list is the replacement of my kimono.

Many years ago, my mom made matching kimono robes for Bill and me. They were sewn in an Asian cotton print of cranes (his) and cherry blossoms (mine) on a black background. We wore them frequently in hot summers, and packed them to travel all the time. Now both are threadbare. I managed to sew a replacement for Bill’s about six years ago. Mine finally gave out this year.

Last winter my mom let me browse her fabric stash. There I found a light blue textured cotton piece with enough yardage for a kimono. I snagged it and smuggled it home in a box.

Recently I found a kimono pattern offered for free on Connection Threads.

Kimono Robe Small-Medium Pattern Download | ConnectingThreads.com

So I chose to get this project started yesterday. To line the kimono I bought this butterfly print at Hobby Lobby. At $3.00 per yard, it was hard to resist.

Ready, set, cut!

I made two modifications to the pattern. The first was a no-brainer, I just shortened the robe to knee length. That quick change saved me two yards of fabric. The second change was the addition of a side seam pocket. This type pocket was part of my first kimono. I just loved it for carrying around a set of eyeglasses and a tissue. It was so handy and yet so invisible. I couldn’t imagine my morning routine without it. (See my earlier post Who Needs Pockets? ‹ Daily Fiber ‹ Reader — WordPress.com )

The only difficulty is that I had no idea how to make a side-seam pocket.

Hah!, you say – This is a job for U-Tube. And you would be right. I found the perfect tutorial. Let me introduce you to Catherine Sews:

Sew a Topstitched Side Seam Pocket – YouTube

Having got that task out of the way, I moved on to sewing the robe fronts to the back.

……..and then the lining fronts to back.

Today I spent a good hour or so zig-zagging all the seam allowances to minimize the problem of fraying. Then I attached the neck band. It is sandwiched in between the outer fabric and the lining, which very neatly gets the lining sewn in to place.

Here is how the kimono looks at the end of today’s efforts.

I like how it looks so far. With any luck I will have the kimono finished by Friday.

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One of six children, I was raised by a busy mom, who instilled in me a love of fabric. Though I learned to sew and knit at a young age, it was the arrival of my first grandchild that pushed me into action. A long-time knitter, I am now ready to explore all things fiber.

14 thoughts on “Work-in-Progress Wednesday: Sewing”

    1. I hesitated a bit before buying the butterfly fabric. It seemed a bit juvenile. But I quickly decided that I am currently in my second childhood and butterflies are good.

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  5. I like kimono. I have been thinking off a “summer robe” pattern in plain cotton or linen. I have been considering an 18th century bed gown, but now I am considering this kimono!!

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      1. Thanks – I did follow the link, and while asked to sign up for an account, not required to D/L it. I’ll have to decide . . . may decide on a short haori style- same as kimono, but more of a jacket length.

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  7. I don’t remember if I lined the kimono I made for you. The one I made for myself is not lined. It is very lightweight and easy to pack.  I don’t remember that blue fabric from my stash but if you found it there I must have purchased it at sometime.  I do not usually purchase that color of blue fabric.  Your kimono looks good so far. I’m glad you found directions for sewing a set in pocket.  I have some butterfly fabric here that I used to sew masks last year when I was on a mask sewing binge.  Our governor lifted the mask bann on June 2 but some places require masks so I carry one with me at all times.   

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