My dragon top!

I know the title of this looks very random, but it stems from my husband’s seeming inability to use the word “kimono” instead of “komodo”.  He’s now given in and started referring to my latest make as a dragon top and it’s stuck!
I mentioned previously that I’d joined the Sew Over It pdf club when it launched.  A couple of months since, the pattern of the month was the Kimono, and I loved it.  I don’t know why, it’s not my usual style, but I really liked the short version of this so clicked on the Buy Now link (as usual!) and downloaded my pdf.

I then got an email from Stoff Stil advertising their summer ranges and saw this absolutely glorious viscose.  And I couldn’t see it as anything else apart from this kimono so I bought the required amount.  One of the nice things about their site is you can buy increments of a metre rather than having to stick to whole numbers.

The fabric feels amazing but I would say that I wouldn’t order from them if you’re working to a deadline; delivery is NOT speedy.  I think this was worth the wait though.

I printed the pattern out and then the two sat there for some time until I suddenly realised I was going to have to spend the week before my birthday weekend in Edinburgh for work.  Which means no sewing time.

What’s a girl to do?

Thankfully my neighbours invited my children over to their house for an afternoon after their daughter had been at our house for hours the weekend before (I’m a big fan of this trading idea!) and I suddenly had a few hours to kill.  The kimono was suddenly right there at the top of the queue!

I chose to cut a size S as my measurements are to the top end of that size.  I also went for the shorter jacket, although there is a much longer version.  All the seams are overlocked (for speed! I think if you were using a really nice fabric though, french seams would be justified)

There’s nothing that exciting about the process other than to say it was a really satisfying, quick sew.  The instructions were as always really clear and the fabric behaved itself, albeit with a high pin to fabric ratio.
I chose to hand slip stitch the neckband for a really smooth finish but machine sewed the hem and sleeves; with the pattern on the fabric, it doesn’t really show very much at all.

The finished item is possibly slightly shorter than I expected on the hip but I actually really like it.  I can see it being really wearable for the office or on holiday, but more importantly, it’s definitely OK with skinny jeans and glam jewellery for a birthday meal out with the girls!
Isn’t it amazing what you can achieve with a spare 3 hours?

Becca x

Details

Pattern: Sew Over It Kimono Jacket

Fabric: woven viscose from Stof Still

My measurements: Bust 36″; waist 30″, hip 41″

Size cut: S

Adjustments made: none

Make again? Yes; probably even for gifts for others, it’s such a quick sew