I picked up a piece of pink lace last month at the thrift store. It was about 63 inches long by 38 inches wide. I think it cost $2.
I started by trimming off the ends to leave the pretty scalloped edge for the hem. Then I folded it in half and wrong sides together, sewed up each side about 2/3 from the bottom. I trimmed the seam allowance and turned it inside out, then sewed up each seam enclosing the raw edges. French seams are much cleaner and nice when you don't have a serger to finish raw edges.
Next, I folded the 'top' in half and cut out a shallow hole along the fold/top to create a neck hole.
Once I'd finished that, I then pulled the 'back' fabric out, and cut along the fold through just the 'front' layer.
And that's where I've left off. I haven't finished off my raw edges because I'd love to pose the question to you all. How would you finish off the edges of this lace kimono? Would you simply fold once and topstitch? Fold twice? Or use some sort of trim? I want to keep the relaxed edges, but am afraid that if I finish them off it will change the drape and annoy me ;). I was considering a baby hem, but same issue...so, what would you do? What would have the least impact on drape while leaving the garment looking finished? Can't wait to hear your ideas!!! Meanwhile, I love this light and airy kimono that will be great over a casual work outfit or over a dress for a date night! I'll do some more styling once I finish it off :)
Peace,
Andrea
This might make your kimono too lingerie-ish, but what about very narrow ribbon sewn onto the unfinished edges? (sewn flat onto the lace, flush with the edge) If the ribbon was very supple, the result shouldn't be too stiff. I'm picturing the kind of ribbon you would find in a hand knitted baby outfit, you know?
ReplyDeleteGood idea, Jenny! Thanks for adding that to my list of options :)
DeleteI'd be inclined to try a baby, or rolled hem - can you practise first on your scrap cut from the neck? Failing that, how about just leaving it. It presumably won't fray, and if the raw edges bother you, you could trim them to the nearest scallop, to kind of emulate the scalloped hem. Really pretty top!
ReplyDeleteI'm leaning pretty heavily towards that option, Helen. I tried out holding different trims up to it and it just was too much!
DeleteWhat a delicate look, with such a soft colour.
ReplyDeleteI went looking for ideas for hemming and found this lovely idea. Tissue paper or fusible paper underneath and hem with a fancy scallop stitch, with no turning, which you then cut away afterwards to mimic the scalloped hemline at the base. http://mellysews.com/2014/02/sew-lace.html
I also read to make sure to wash lace as it often has stiffening, but maybe that will help when you're sewing it. I don't think a kimono will have issues if the fabric drapes a little more after washing.
Can't wait to see what you choose! xo Jazzy Jack
PS or you could zigzag some lace ribbon with a nice edge onto the garment edge. But that entails finding the right colour.:-/
DeleteLoving this idea for the pretty embroidery stitch along the edge!!! I'm almost certain that is what I'll be doing, so I'll do my research and practice on the tiny scrap I have to see if it'll work :) Thanks, JJ!
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