The Sewing Place

The Emporia => In the wardrobe => Topic started by: dafyddcoch on May 25, 2020, 18:54:56 PM

Title: advice for novice re kimono coat
Post by: dafyddcoch on May 25, 2020, 18:54:56 PM
HI, I'm new to this sewing shenanigans and the forum (see post in 'HI, I'm new') but have managed to make a pair of curtains from an old duvet cover that came out rather well for a first attempt, I've also made a large shopping bag, a vest, reclaimed a few frayed towels and stitched elastic into the cuffs of my wife's fleece as they kept falling down.

I'd like to make my wife an article of clothing and thought that a simple Kimono coat seemed like a simple pattern and there are tutorials available as well to help me make it. Is this about the most simple of patterns as I think or am I missing something. This will be the first thing I've made where I've laid out for material so I don't want to get it wrong.

Thanks or "Diolch" as we say here in Wales   
Title: Re: advice for novice re kimono coat
Post by: Renegade Sewist on May 25, 2020, 19:19:31 PM
Should be fairly straightforward. Pick a pattern or use online instructions that have rectangular pieces except for the back neck. Don't over fit, this type of garment should flow. Speaking of which, use a fabric with drape that will move when she does. Nothing heavy or stiff.

As a tip, especially seeing as you've worked with sheet metal,  when I get pattern pieces that are true rectangles I measure the pattern and go by the measurements. I use quilting rulers with a rotary cutter and cutting mat now. Before I used a drafting ruler- I have a four foot steel rule- and either tailor chalk, special pens or a  #2 pencil. Worked well for me.

Pop back with other questions as you go. And welcome!  :toast:
Title: Re: advice for novice re kimono coat
Post by: Acorn on May 25, 2020, 19:55:44 PM
That is an excellent idea for a starting garment - simple, but big enough to feel as though you're doing something!

The only advice I would give is that slippery fabric might be lovely to wear but would be murder to sew - cotton is likely to be your best friend (as well as being nice and cool for the summer).
Title: Re: advice for novice re kimono coat
Post by: Iminei on May 25, 2020, 20:29:27 PM
I made a kimono jackety thing for the Japanese sewalong (https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/topic,1033.0.html) .... and if I can do it  (https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/topic,1953.0.html).......


(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3cW67rnIrTKwekBaY4QhpAntuzxmweWLMXchnvw8YDglMfYjBJ3PsBZ7NRc0RUAPESiu9MNJlPEhL3mIQ7bLMMBUoUx57AsC9OZpVNqW-Bj361TPtmZmhsJxkcte6A-dsWal7aZoxz5LBljTue5-ab8=w955-h713-no?authuser=0)

Google Zepher jacket ...

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3eQ7vD1QHOn475akYk0HHC1YT0CikKVSkvtcLW0eKd8ur6-kFHzxGzMHyenY2u7_n3iU1iy9N9rL-OXv37dHlLhkF34__LQHeCWwsQkiv_YzGgLVv7_NRXy8Wo0QLj3waR8UnWAaDGm6hGusle0djwS=w527-h713-no?authuser=0)

Title: Re: advice for novice re kimono coat
Post by: UttaRetch on May 26, 2020, 08:07:15 AM
I made a kimono jackety thing for the Japanese sewalong (https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/topic,1033.0.html) .... and if I can do it  (https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/topic,1953.0.html).......


(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3cW67rnIrTKwekBaY4QhpAntuzxmweWLMXchnvw8YDglMfYjBJ3PsBZ7NRc0RUAPESiu9MNJlPEhL3mIQ7bLMMBUoUx57AsC9OZpVNqW-Bj361TPtmZmhsJxkcte6A-dsWal7aZoxz5LBljTue5-ab8=w955-h713-no?authuser=0)

Google Zepher jacket ...

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3eQ7vD1QHOn475akYk0HHC1YT0CikKVSkvtcLW0eKd8ur6-kFHzxGzMHyenY2u7_n3iU1iy9N9rL-OXv37dHlLhkF34__LQHeCWwsQkiv_YzGgLVv7_NRXy8Wo0QLj3waR8UnWAaDGm6hGusle0djwS=w527-h713-no?authuser=0)

Says the woman who used to make and sell waistcoats.  You under-estimate your skills.
Title: Re: advice for novice re kimono coat
Post by: wrenkins on May 26, 2020, 10:00:00 AM
That mask always creeps me out!  0_0
I think I might have a rattle at something like that. I'm looking for replacement overshirts and that would be fine if I lengthened it maybe.
Title: Re: advice for novice re kimono coat
Post by: Flobear on May 26, 2020, 11:44:50 AM
If you want a practice run in an easy fabric, a kimono bathrobe / dressing gown is a useful addition to the back of the bedroom door. My cotton flowery one is ancient but well used in hot weather. Mind you, if you're in Wales, 'hot weather' doesn't come along so often  ;)
Title: Re: advice for novice re kimono coat
Post by: dafyddcoch on May 26, 2020, 11:46:47 AM
It looks like I've made a commitment then. OOOOO exciting! I was thinking of using a very light synthetic blanket-type material with a nice lining. The sort of material that gets used for a thin-ish picnic blanket but wondering if even that may be too slippery for a beginner. Cotton sounds good but I would like it to be thick-ish if so but not tarpaulin like. Choices choices. thanks for the advice
Title: Re: advice for novice re kimono coat
Post by: dafyddcoch on May 28, 2020, 00:07:20 AM
I made a kimono jackety thing for the Japanese sewalong (https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/topic,1033.0.html) .... and if I can do it  (https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/topic,1953.0.html).......


(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3cW67rnIrTKwekBaY4QhpAntuzxmweWLMXchnvw8YDglMfYjBJ3PsBZ7NRc0RUAPESiu9MNJlPEhL3mIQ7bLMMBUoUx57AsC9OZpVNqW-Bj361TPtmZmhsJxkcte6A-dsWal7aZoxz5LBljTue5-ab8=w955-h713-no?authuser=0)

Google Zepher jacket ...

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3eQ7vD1QHOn475akYk0HHC1YT0CikKVSkvtcLW0eKd8ur6-kFHzxGzMHyenY2u7_n3iU1iy9N9rL-OXv37dHlLhkF34__LQHeCWwsQkiv_YzGgLVv7_NRXy8Wo0QLj3waR8UnWAaDGm6hGusle0djwS=w527-h713-no?authuser=0)
Thanks, I will do. I love the finished article, especially the blue diagonal bits sorry, (not that au fait with sewing terminology yet) at the front. They work really well with the patterned material and set it off well. Mind you, I'm no expert and my wife and son despair sometimes when I'm 'colour planning' or choosing a shirt/tie combination for work.
Title: Re: advice for novice re kimono coat
Post by: Missie on May 28, 2020, 10:36:14 AM
@dafyddcoch  can I just say that I love that you want to make something for your wife.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: advice for novice re kimono coat
Post by: Catllar on May 28, 2020, 10:51:24 AM
Love your enthusiasm but I really wouldn't try anything lined or thick  just yet. Play safe and keep it light. Once you've got the hang of it then consider moving on to a fleece or a flannel.
Title: Re: advice for novice re kimono coat
Post by: dafyddcoch on May 28, 2020, 11:17:21 AM
Love your enthusiasm but I really wouldn't try anything lined or thick  just yet. Play safe and keep it light. Once you've got the hang of it then consider moving on to a fleece or a flannel.

Thanks for the advice as it countered my instinct which is easier and less 'flighty';  this is why I joined this forum to have access to knowledge rather than my instinct