Lately I have been working on developing a pattern for a 40's style kimono shirt. You will probably be wondering, "why is that called kimono style? I don't see her with a big boxy piece of brocade bowing reverently!" It's actually a very short sleeved kimono. The effect is a cute sleeve that is one with the bodice. It has a nice drape over the shoulder, almost like a mock sleeve. I haven't officially read this anywhere, but my guess is that part of the reason for their popularity in the 40's was that they didn't require cutting a separate pattern piece for the sleeve. Before the extravagant fashions of the New Look, which required yards upon yards, this style might have made sense in harder economic times. But that's just a guess.
Anyway I think it's a slick look. Above is my first muslin draft. As you can see it's being tested in a hideous cotton poly blend taken from an old sheet purchased at Salvation Army. Don't you just love that against the also-floral backdrop of my sewing room? It feels VERY Darkness on the Edge of Town to me, what with my somber expression and Springsteen-ian gaze. Also, I know you're jealous of my Cocoa Beach OFFICIAL LIFEGUARD short-shorts--but they're NOT for sale! I call them my diaper shorts because they ride up and I look like Baby Huey.
Anyway I think it's a slick look. Above is my first muslin draft. As you can see it's being tested in a hideous cotton poly blend taken from an old sheet purchased at Salvation Army. Don't you just love that against the also-floral backdrop of my sewing room? It feels VERY Darkness on the Edge of Town to me, what with my somber expression and Springsteen-ian gaze. Also, I know you're jealous of my Cocoa Beach OFFICIAL LIFEGUARD short-shorts--but they're NOT for sale! I call them my diaper shorts because they ride up and I look like Baby Huey.
If you can bear to look any closer you'll see that my kimono-shirt-in-progress has pleated darts at the shoulder and I've marked where I need to take in excess at the front neck. The crude line just under my muffin top marks where I want the shirt to end. I made this longer than a typical vintage pattern (which would end right at the true waist) but shorter than tunic length.
Just in case you haven't had enough, check out what I caught with my ghost camera last night--it's the phantom of sewing nerd!!!! Ooooooo
