I won a prize in the 2017 Designin’ December challenge for this Dior knockoff, the prize being two PDFs from the Vintage Pattern Lending Library. I chose the 1920s hat (made here ) and also this rather fabulous kimono pattern.
I had some silk that I bought in India picked out to make this kimono, but when I laid it out for cutting I grew suspicious and did a burn test. Yep, pure, unadulterated polyester! I was rather miffed as when I bought it I insisted that the shop owner do a burn test in front of me, but through some sleight of hand I finished up with polyester. Go figure! Anyway, that went to the back of the stash and I was thrilled to use this bold, loud cotton lawn that I got at Woven Stories Textiles. I’ve previously made a top from this fabric, but for that I used the fabric on the bias which gives it a completely different look.
The fabric was quite narrow so I had to cut this whole thing on the crossgrain, but decided I liked the way the pattern ran, so didn’t mind too much.
This was such an easy make. I used French seams throughout and bound the front band with purple bias binding. I didn’t put the tassels on the sleeves as I knew I’d catch them on things and possibly dangle them in the dishwater. 
There are ties inside the kimono to hold it all together and a large button (vintage of course) at the side. 
I have worn this kimono every morning this summer and it has brought me enormous pleasure. It combines some of my favourite colours, and although I had no idea what I was going to use it for when I bought it, I think the kimono was the perfect thing. I did have to be careful with my pattern placement though!
I was going to model the kimono myself, but I always seem to have bed hair and a crumpled face, so the dummy is a much more acceptable stand in!
In the last Designin’ December I also won a prize for my Marimekko dress with painted feather, which has spawned a whole new pattern from Pattern Union. I want to thank Linda from Nice dress, thanks I made it for organising the challenge, as I have now made two designer outfits which would not have happened otherwise.
Congratulations, Sue,
I remember the Dior copy! It was red and gorgeous!!! . You deserve your prize. The kimono is lovely – great fabric and cut. Cheers!
Thank you Rachel, and yes, the Dior copy was gorgeous red silk. I wasn’t sure why I had bought this pattern until I made it up, but am very grateful now!
Striking fabric Sue. Very fitting for the kimono style. The cotton lawn sounds very cool!
thank you so much Roma! The quality o this fabric is amazing and it only cost me $5 a metre!
Spectacular!!
Thank you so much!
It’s a shame about your intended ‘silk’ but it’s given this fabric it’s chance in the spotlight! Looks lovely 👍
Thank you Andrew, it’s a bit bold but perfect for swanning round the house!
I love these designs from the 1920s. They are so feminine and flattering. Shame on this unscrupulous merchant but, at the end, this cotton voile was just perfect for this kimono. I can just imagine how agreable it must be to wear this beauty on a hot summer morning!
I agree about the 1920s designs, and also that darned shopkeeper! However, I do love my kimono in this fabric and I think I would have struggled to find anything else to use it.
That’s really beautiful Sue! What a lovely addition to your wardrobe.
It’s been fantastic, and I do enjoy wearing it. Thank you Diane!
As always a beautiful combination of pattern and fabric.
Gorgeous kimono and the way you have used the fabric is so pretty.
Thank you Sharon, it’s been so useful this summer!
Why am just seeing this now?!! This is wonderful and looks so comfy…… Fabulous work, as always.
Haha, thank you so much. It’s such a nice pattern. next time I’ll find a way to add pockets, but this cotton lawn wouldn’t have stood the weight of my phone!