Sunday, March 15, 2015

Sunday Sew-Day: Kimono-esque Dress

When I decided to make a kimono a few weeks ago, this floral skirt from the last clothes swap was a strong candidate, but I ended up going with a different skirt instead. I couldn't help but get an Asian vibe from this print though, so I wanted to do something reminiscent of a kimono, but with a twist.

Kimono-esque Dress - Before

I chopped off the bottom foot or so, salvaged those two buttons, and rehemmed the skirt. Now, I could have stopped there and had a perfectly serviceable skirt, but I wanted to take it a step further.

Kimono-esque Dress - In Progress

I put the shortened skirt on my dress form and started playing with the fabric trimmed from the bottom of the skirt. I cut it in half along the back seam and draped each piece over the shoulders of the dress form. A few pins later, I had a plan. I overlapped about 8 inches of the bottom hem of one piece with the bottom hem of the other piece and sewed them together. This will be the center back of my new dress.

Kimono-esque Dress - In Progress

Then I flipped it inside-out and sewed about 8 inches up the raw edges where this fabric was cut from the skirt (what will become my side seams). The un-sewn section above this seam will be an armhole.

Kimono-esque Dress - In Progress

Next, I finished the edges of the armholes.

Kimono-esque Dress - In Progress

I attached my bodice to my skirt, using a zigzag along the elastic waistband in the back to maintain stretchability.

Kimono-esque Dress - In Progress

Each shoulder got a few pleats to gather the extra fabric. This will make the sleeves not be so droopy.

Kimono-esque Dress - In Progress

And finally, I added a few snaps to close up the front of the bodice. I also reattached one of the salvaged buttons as a decorative touch over the stitching from the snap.

Kimono-esque Dress - In Progress

I love how it turned out!

Kimono-esque Dress - After

The Asian influence is there, but not in an overwhelming way.

Kimono-esque Dress - After

To bring out the red in the center of the flowers, I paired my new dress with a pair of laser-cut acrylic earrings I got on Etsy and my red polka dot flats, thrifted a million years ago.

Kimono-esque Dress - After

The looser, flowier top makes this dress really easy to wear. It's so comfy!

Kimono-esque Dress - After

I'm so glad I didn't just stop with a shorter skirt. I mean, I could always just wear a sweater over the dress to make it look like a skirt, if I'm in the mood.

Kimono-esque Dress - After

I feel like the slight high-waisted-ness makes this dress quite flattering also. If not, well, just let me keep thinking that, please.

Kimono-esque Dress - After

Kimono-esque Dress - Before & After

14 comments:

  1. Wow! It looks so nice! I will try that if I can find the right skirt.

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    1. I see these long button-up 90s skirts at thrift shops all the time. Hope you can find one in a print you like!

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  2. I am impressed! What an awesome refashion - it looks great with those shoes too!

    Miche from Buttons and Birdcages

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    1. Thanks, Miche! I know you're no stranger to floral dress refashions. ;)

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  3. Carissa --- Another Winner ! Very flattering to your figure !

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  4. wow indeed! Very smart upcycling, great result!

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    1. Thanks! I'm rather pleased with it too! :)

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  5. I prefer after ! So nice !

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  6. Oh it IS flattering! That seaming across the chest makes for such an interesting design detail! I'm getting a retro vibe. :o)

    JJ
    www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

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    1. Those at the original vertical seams from the skirt. It was made from eight flared panels, so one of those seams ended up strtaight across my chest. I wasn't sure how/if I'd like it, but in the end, I think it turned out great!

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  7. Lovely design - and it looks great on you!

    And not for the first time, I'm thinking how convenient a dress form would be :)

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    1. Oh man, I seriously *love* my dress form. I don't know how I got by without it for so long!

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