There’s so much softness in this kimono using light-weight cotton voile – I wanted to swan around in it all day long. The sleeves are such fun to wear.

Originally, “kimono” was the Japanese word for clothing. They used the straight-line-cut method – cutting pieces of fabric in straight lines and sewing them together.

Today Kimono is used to refer specifically to traditional Japanese clothing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This version designed by Named Patterns has a unique wide-cut sleeves with a deep vent.

Below is the internal view of the finished seam vent. It sits nicely and this cotton silk voile is lovely to work with.

The long belt wraps twice around the waist. I wrapped it around me once so the tail ends would also float.

Because this gorgeous voile floats so nicely, I left the length as is. This kimono is designed for a height of 172cm. I cut the 38 size and only adjusted the shoulder points forward.

The pattern suggests you add seam allowances but I didn’t and it worked our really well. This is a roomy style and this worked out well for me.

In my case, I made this during the busiest time of the year – in the lead up to Christmas. Hence the title, slow sewing required. Most of the sewing is sewing straight lines so there’s minimal fuss.

Where I took my time was interfacing the collar and belt with silk organza. Everyday interfacing didn’t seem to flow as nicely with this cotton voile fabric. Organza was a better choice.

Actually, I shortened the belt loops by 5cm. When I originally pinned them to the fabric, I felt the belt loops would look like elephant ears, so I cut them shorter.

The belt fabric is still soft and fine so I can wrap the belt around me twice and not seem bulking in the shortened belt loops.

This kimono is so simple to sew This fabric is great for Summer.

Using a floaty, soft fabric like this cotton voile with this kimono was a perfect combination. It’s so dreamy.

This is such a lovely piece to bring in the New Year. Wishing everyone lots of health and happiness in 2019.

I could get used to floating through the year ahead.