21 March 2012

Kimono Uno

It is a balmy 27 C (81 F) here today peeps!  Considering the normal average temperature for March in these parts is 6 C (42 F), this is a reason for celebration!  We have been having unseasonably warm weather for the last week and a half.  The sunny, warm days are welcome to stay for as long as they like!


Since the weather was so darned fabulous today, I was feeling like bright colours.  So, I popped on a recent creation, the Diane Kimono Dress from Serendipity Studio.  The addition of some strappy red sandals and a turquoise with coral necklace and I was out the door, ready to enjoy the day.


The fabric was from a free bundle from Fabric Mart - another of the awesome rayon wovens they had a while back.  I must admit that when I first got the fabric I was a bit skeptical.  The colours are not really "my" colours and the bold pattern is a tad loud (okay, it's bloody well screeching).  However, the fabric kept making eyes at me every time I opened the fabric closet.  So, I succumbed to its fibre wiles and used it despite my reservations.  Well, I'm glad I did.  I got a ton of compliments on my dress today, which is a sure fire way of elevating a so-so garment to superstar status!

But, let's talk a bit about the pattern.  The design of this dress is quite simple to put together and so easy to wear.  The pattern gives you many design options - the crossover bodice, with cut-on sleeve, can be paired with a slim skirt, a fuller skirt or a tiered skirt and the garment can be finished with varying widths of hem and sleeve bands.  The torso is nipped in at the waist with a drawstring made of self fabric.

In the pattern envelope, there are several inspiration photos of sample dresses, each made with two or more coordinating fabrics.  However, I decided to stick with the entire dress made from one single fabric - I didn't want to get too fancy on my first go 'round (which I have dubbed my Kimono Uno).  I also settled on using the fuller skirt, combined with 1.5" bands at sleeve and hem.

After some flat pattern measuring, I cut out XS, with no modifications.  This proved to be a good choice and I was fairly pleased with the fit.  My only complaint is with the width and depth of the neckline - for my small frame, the neck is a bit too big for my comfort.  I will be fixing this issue for future dresses.

I have plans to sew up many more Diane Kimono dresses.  This pattern will certainly get a lot of mileage this spring.  It's fast to sew and it provides a ton of style possibilities.  I can't wait to start mixing and matching fabrics and design elements to create some interesting dresses.  So, stay tuned, because my creativity has been unleashed.

27 comments:

Audrey said...

That is the perfect dress for a warm spring day. It looks great on you!

Toby Wollin said...

Perfect dress for a day like today (and we've got the same weather - I'm having temperature whiplash here). Easy, breezy, and happy colors. Great stuff and looks terrific on you!!

gwensews said...

That's a fabulous dress for an early spring day! Love the bright colors. I'm glad you have your mojo back!

Carol said...

Love the dress, love the colours and love the shoes! You really look fantastic!

BeaJay said...

Very nice indeed - love the fabric. Great style.

Andrea said...

I have one Serendipity Studios pattern (the Claire Cami Dress), and found it quite addictive as well! I may have to check this one out too.

Sharon said...

Lovely sumemry dress, and I look forward to seeing your other versions.

Claire S. said...

Pretty - Love those screeching colours !

Barbara said...

Love it love it, both of the latest outfits and every one of the skirts. You look terrific.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

The dress does say spring and you look happy in it! I do have to say that it's nice to see your great big smile and you wearing your own creations again. I've missed seeing them!

marysews said...

I love the happy colors! Thanks for the warning about the wide neckline.

Sandy said...

Shannon you look fantastic. I think the colours and vibrancy suit you. Here's a link for Hartley so he can see what my girls do on hot days...
http://heartslandscapes.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/bobble-eye-bob-green-frog.html

pdiddly said...

I think the warmer weather must be world-wide because we too are experiencing and unusually warm spring. Your dress looks great on and furthermore it came as a free bundle - can't get much better than that.

wendy said...

that is a fabulous summer-in-march outfit. and i LOVE the strappy red shoes!

Lisette M said...

I remember the fabric! I kept putting it in my cart but never went through with the purchase! Your dress looks perfect for summer, you look beautiful!

Mardel said...

Fabulous dress. You look so cool, and cheerful. It is so great to see you sewing again.

Sherry from Alabama said...

I love the fabric and the dress! It looks so comfy and dressy at the same time. I'm so happy to find your blog and signed right up as your newest follower. I look forward to your future posts!

gMarie said...

fabulous dress. You look so happy! Thanks for blogging sewing creations again. g

patti said...

Just lovely! The dress is terrific--and the coordination of shoes and jewelry is spot-on.

Pam Erny said...

Wow Shannon..what a pretty dress!
If I hadn't seen yours, I might have passed this pattern by..now I think I must have it!

The Slapdash Sewist said...

What a great way to celebrate Spring! Love those colors.

Nancy Winningham said...

This looks so much cuter and more current on you than on the website. Good job Shannon!

Time Traveller said...

Lovely :)
I'm still learning how to sew simple things but I hope I can sew a lovely dress like your real soon :)

http:\\timebite.blogspot.com

Lisa said...

That is a great dress in that fabric--perfect for gorgeous weather.

Denise said...

Full of cutitude!

Unknown said...

do you remember how much fabric you used to make your length dress?

Anonymous said...

Love to jack off in that pretty dress