Skip to main content

Wisteria Fox: Kimono Days 8 + 9

Day 8: 

I quickly sewed the lining pieces together. I still have to attach the lining to the kimono and add the collar. Then...the sleeves. 😬

Day 9: 

Collar and Lining added.

 The body of the kimono is constructed. Woo-hoo! 

I constructed the sleeves so they have a lining in them. Now I have to figure out how to attach the sleeves. 😭

After this point, the Kimono is constructed and will need to be painted by hand. But I may start working on the Obi belt next. 

Reflection on Commercial Kimono Patterns

So I have two patterns but of the two I think the Simplicity one is a bit better in terms of pieces and body construction. However, the instructions for the sleeves are so awkward. However, the McCalls pattern instructions have been a bit clearer and the sleeve construction easier to understand. It also includes good tips on making applique and when to apply it. 

In my opinion, it would not have hurt to also check the Folkwear pattern and a few free independent patterns before diving in. (I am a fan of Folkwear personally. The patterns are also full of history lessons, very deep insights into fabric types, colors, and old vs new methods of construction.)

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Hakama Series - Side Opening Covers/Pockets

The side openings on hakama can feel a bit exposing if you're not wearing a full kimono underneath or perhaps you just can't stand to be without pockets! While these things are not necessarily historically accurate for the area, you can make it work.  Modesty Panels These will be panels of fabric that hang from your waist at your sides where the openings of the hakama are. You can choose to attach these to the belts (himo) of your hakama or to make your own waistband.  You can use any kind of cloth but the idea is to use any left over clothe from making your hakama. But if you want different colors or prints go for it.  You will cut a rectangle with rounded corners that is 16" tall and about an inch wider than your side openings (sasahida). To keep it from fraying, either use a serger or overlock machine to finish the edges except at the top. Alternatively, use a zig-zag stitch on your regular sewing machine all around the edges except the top..  Make a waistband fro...

Becoming a Kitsune: Tail Design Considerations

The key element of a kitsune character is the tail (or tails in most cases). You'll need to determine what you want the tail to look like so you can determine the best method of attachment. The primary consideration for attachment is weight . The things that affect weight are size and materials. So let's get into it! Tail Shapes These are the common shape profiles I see for making kitsune-style tails whether it's a fur tail or crystal or unnatural.  A: Tube Sock - a uniform girth and rounded end. Close to reality.  B: Pointed Tube - a uniform girth that tapers at the tip.  C: Squirrel Style - wider in the middle rounded tip. Very much like an oval shape.  D: Pointed Barrel/Paintbrush  - the tail gets wider in the middle and tapers at the tip and at the top.  Tail Poses Another aspect of tail shape is how you want it to pose or hold in place.  Limp - a relaxed tail that hangs down loosely. It doesn't hold any pose.  C Curve - the tail is arche...

Kimono Series: Measure & Cutting the Kimono

This is the primary benefit to making your own kimono, having it tailored to you! In this post, I will go over the following:  Body Measurements you need Names of the Panels and their dimensions Calculating Fabric needs Tailoring points And a few tips and resources With measurements there are major and minor measurements. Focus on the major measurements for calculating fabric amount and the size and shape of the panel pieces. The minor measurements are mostly for construction so you put the pieces together correctly and they fall in the right place for your body. Lets start with the measurements you need to take on the body.  Body Measurements There are only 3 body measurements for kimono, although they will differ slightly between a masculine and feminine kimono. You need:  Yuki  - a measurement taken from the spine at the base of the neck to the shoulder joint, then to the wrist while holding the arm at a 45° angle. (You CAN T-Pose it but it is a little less accura...