Friday, June 13, 2014

Friday Quick 'Fix': DIY Kimono

I've got a quick post today highlighting an easy DIY tutorial care of Merrick of Merrick's Art. Her super simple DIY was featured on Babble here. I followed her instructions and finished in under 30 minutes! I call that a win...and a quick 'fix'. :)
Image c/o Merrick's Art
I started with this thrifted piece of vintage polyester fabric:
I cut it to the correct dimensions, folded it in half widthwise, cut, then sewed halfway down right sides together. Next I folded it in half lengthwise, sewed down the two sides leaving approximately 10 inches for the sleeve openings, and cut the front corners in a curve. I decided not to finish off the edges, though a baby/rolled hem would give it a more professional look.
And there you have it! A fun kimono-style jacket perfect for a cool, rainy day :). I got immediate compliments when I decided to wear it just after finishing it...another reason I decided not to hem ;). I couldn't wait to put it on! Seriously, go check out Merrick's version, as the fabric she used is amazing and her styling is impeccable.
I'll explain the exceptionally poor photography by simply saying this: rain.rain.gray.gloomy.rain. Five days worth!!! Yup...but we're supposed to have sunny days this weekend, which makes me all kinds of happy. Oh, and my son took the pictures of me, and let's just say that my five-year-old is totally over taking pictures of his mother. (See how I blamed my preschooler? Yeah, better than explaining that I was too lazy to set up my tripod, iPhone and remote to take them myself...I won't be winning any mom-of-the-year awards, eh?) I'll do better next time ;).

Peace,
Andrea

10 comments:

  1. Oh! Thanks for sharing - I have some fabric that would be perfect.

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    1. So glad you found this helpful :) Would love to see yours!

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  2. This is cute, I am looking to get hold of some fabric to make one, maybe a scarf?

    Hannah.
    http://surfjewels.tumblr.com/

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    1. Definitely, Surf Jewels, a large enough scarf should work well!

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  3. I keep thinking I need to make a Kimono...and then I make something else instead...and then I see this...and I'm reminded AGAIN! haha...So many fashion distractions :)

    Natasha ~ TashaDelrae

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    1. I totally understand, and I'm glad I jumped right up and made that very second when I saw Merrick's tutorial because otherwise, I would be in the same boat ;) Just do it!

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  4. Elegant! And yet it looks just right with casual clothes. I'd never think to mix those, but it works well.

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    1. This is exactly why I love it, Jenny :) My life is casual so elegant pieces only work if I can wear them on a daily basis!

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  5. I just made this in wool from your instructions, and linked to you. and Merrick. Have a squiz : http://naturalmedley.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/architectural-clothing.html
    Thanks so much for your inspiration!

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    1. I checked it out! Definitely need to make my own...it'd be like having a wearable blanket! Perfect for the freezing winter days when even the heat isn't enough in our apartment :).

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