I already had a pair of pants to fit the theme, but wanted something more. So I pulled out this dated (and super wrinkled) wrap skirt I got at the clothes swap last autumn. The carnation print will make a fantastic kimono-style jacket, don't you think?
I began by salvaging the buttons, elastic, hanger straps, and laundering tags, as well as giving the whole thing a good press. Then I folded the front panels inward, leaving about 4 inches between the edge and the center back seam. I pinned the bottom hems together, which will become my shoulder seams.
Before I could sew the shoulder seams though, I had to cut my armholes straight down the folds about 12 inches from the edge. I unpinned the shoulder seams and hemmed the armholes.
Then I was able to repin and sew the shoulder seams.
I reattached the hanger straps at the shoulders and the laundering tag in the side seam.
At this point, I thought I was finished, but when I tried it on, the way the skirt tapered to the waist made the bottom of the kimono hang funny. I also wasn't keen on the sleeve length (or lack thereof). So I chopped off the bottom 8 inches and cut that in half at the center back seam. I pinned these two pieces to the armholes to become sleeves.
Once the sleeves were sewn on, I sewed the bottom seam of the sleeves, right-side-out. Then I flipped it inside out and seamed the bottom of the sleeves again to create that French seam I so terribly fond of.
Finally, I hemmed the bottom edge of my kimono.
Then it was off to do a little photo shoot with my marsala skinny cords and my new kimono!








Pants: clothes swap and skinnified // Cami: $1 thrifted // Boots: Target clearance
Necklace: me-made // Earrings: Target clearance // Chopsticks: kitchen utensil drawer


How do you think the other ladies incorporated marsala into their wardrobes this week? Click their pics to find out!
I love the refashion Carissa! It's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Zhenya!
DeleteWOW! You did amazing job on this refashion - I'm very impressed. You've got some mad sewing skills!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! This one actually wasn't that difficult since there's not a lot of shaping that goes into a kimono. But I've done some refashions before of the total reconstruction variety - now those are a challenge!
DeleteThis refashion is epic! You did a great job, Carissa!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brittany!
DeleteOmg Carissa, you have done an amazing job with that kimono refashion! It looks beautiful, especially with those fanatic skinny cords! Seriously great job this week - I love Thursdays!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm really happy with how the kimono turned out. And those cords are maybe my favorite pair of pants at the moment. I love 'em!
DeleteWell, Carissa ---- Everyone agrees that this project was a WIN ! I love the fabric and the kimono jacket is the perfect garment choice. Adding a narrow fabric tie/belt to close it and black slacks would give the jacket a new role for a dressy evening look. Your "think tank" just makes us beg for more.
ReplyDeleteI did try it on with a wide white belt, going for an obi feel, but ultimately I decided to let it hang free this time. For such a unique, statement garment though, I'm thinking it's gonna be super versatile!
DeleteI want a top like this. the sleeve bands are the bomb!
ReplyDeleteThe sleeves bands are really just the original waistband of the skirt. I didn't even have to do any extra work to get those!
DeleteBeautiful fabric and you made a lovely garment from it. Now I'm mourning the maxi-wrap skirt I gave away awhile back :(
ReplyDeleteOh well, a good reason to go looking, which seems to be my most favourite part as yet :)
Oh I know! Rummaging around thrift shops might be my favorite part too, even better than the sewing and wearing my refashions!
DeleteI made a kimono top last Summer that I just wasn't happy with. Now that I've seen the adjustments you did, I think I'll apply them to mine and see if that fixes it. I love how you went all out and styled yours with chopstix! :o)
ReplyDeletePS: I've been unofficially following you for who knows how long. I just added you to my Bloglovin feed, so now I'm an official follower. :o)
JJ
www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
Sometimes a little tweak makes all the difference. I hope you can make your kimono more to your liking.
DeleteThanks for the follow!