Recently, I've started learning how to make kimonos by my mother in law. She was a professional kimono tailor but has retired now. I got some kimonos, kimono coats and obi-belts from her. kimonos need a looooot of accessories (Obi-belt, sash band, hair ornament and Kimono underwear...e.t.c.) to wear them. I would like to make them and a kimono by myself. Vogue 8959 is very good for kimono style.
I cut a size S and view B. I wanted to wear this cape with a kimono, so I made these arm openings wider by a few inches than the pattern. I added the grosgrain ribbons to the edges of arm openings in order to strengthen and add stability to those areas. I almost never used the instructions but it was very easy and quick to make. I added the lining a different way than the instructions.
Vogue 8959 doesn't have a detachable collar pattern but I made it! I sewed some small buttons on the edges of the collar for the collar's use. Actually, I wanted to get a new cape pattern (Simplicity 8263). However, I have a lot of cape patterns, so I pulled Vogue 8959 from my stash. If you would like to make a cape with a detachable fur collar, I recommend Simplicity 8263.
This is my next project! I sewed the obi-belt (kimono belt) with an obi- belt fabric, so I made the clutch bag using the leftovers. I embroidered on it with paper yarn: Leafy. The yarn is made of Washi (a kind of Japanese paper, and is washable and very light!). Obi-belt fabric is very hard and it's good for making a clutch bag.
I am glad that I made the matching obi-belt and bag.
I am making my first kimono project for spring now (I have to learn to wear a kimono more!). Making a kimono is a tough job for me because I have to sew all the parts by hand. However, I enjoy making my kimono and am looking forward to finishing it.
Fabric: Cape 60" 2 1/4yd
Total time spent: 12 hours