My sewing machine just about died of fright when I moved it to action stations on the dining room table. It's been so long since I used it for anything remotely serious. In this case, a teeny weeny baby kimono for a friend's bump.
The gender of the bump is still a mystery - so hopefully the Alexander Henry animals are sufficiently gender neutral. I used the Lucy's Kimono pattern from Weekend Sewing, which turned out fine. But boy, that book has a lot of errors and dodgy directions. Luckily, the internet saved me as I googled everyone else's efforts first which saved me from disaster.
I'm sure it is exactly this sort of googling that the founders of My Sewing Circle had in mind, when they set up the stitcher's equivalent of Ravelry. Sure, it's in its early days, but I think it's going to be fab. Soozs tipped me off to it's existance. She also has a really thoughtful post about sewing garments today. Which I am going to read every time I feel disgruntled with my own efforts.
cute kimono! Thanks for the tip off on My Sewing Circle. I'll go and have a look now. I've been looking for something like this for a while. A x
Posted by: little pink room | 14 April 2010 at 21:31
Really lovely Kimono, I have that book, but have heard lots of not so good things, so havnt attempted anything yet.
Posted by: TheMadHouse | 14 April 2010 at 22:48
That's adorable Ali -- looks perfect for either a boy or girl!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 14 April 2010 at 22:57
so sweet! i love that fabric...a wee boy or girl will look fab in it : ) i must admit i sold my weekend sewing back on amazon...was disappointed in it. i have a very similar vintage vest pattern which worked out nicely with clear instructions. i also remember a martha stewart kimono in one of the baby issues...i will try and find the link as it might have a download-able pattern. i'd be very happy to copy and post you my vintage one too : ) my attitude to sewing is that i learn by trial and error. i often find the instructions baffling and end up figuring my own way...trying to remember how i did it when i revisit a project is another matter! must make more notes to refer to as i go!! phew...and on that essay i shall now say cheerio and happy sewing to you ali! xX p.s. i noticed a new alabama stitch book recently...have you indulged??!
Posted by: kelly | 14 April 2010 at 23:06
Oh, my sister has been yearning for a Ravelry for sewists! Wait 'til I tell her...
Love the fabric - I think it's appropriate for any and all genders.
Posted by: Lynn | 15 April 2010 at 01:45
What a smart kimono. It is so satisfying to make something sweet and speedy, isn't it. I've been hearing about My Sewing Circle too. I hope it takes off like Ravelry has.
Posted by: Tracy | 15 April 2010 at 02:10
What a cute kimono. I've yet to try anything from that book, but here's the Martha version that Kelly mentioned: http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=07a7c137bf22f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&autonomy_kw=Kimono&rsc=ns2006_m1
That was one of the first things that I ever attempted to sew (by hand - I didn't have a machine back then)
Right, I'm off to join that sewing circle thing...
Posted by: UK lass in US | 15 April 2010 at 02:12
I was looking at that pattern yesterday, I'm not sure if I feel more inspired to tackle it (beacuse of your results) or less (because of the problems with the pattern)
Posted by: Clare Mansell | 15 April 2010 at 06:55
Oh the kimono is lovely!
Thank you for the heads up about the errata. And I'm definitely going to check out My Sewing Circle. Sounds like a brilliant resource. But if it's as addictive as Ravelry, I could be in real trouble!
And I have the original Martha kimono article (mentioned in one of the comments above) in my files if it would be at all useful...
K x
Posted by: kristina | 15 April 2010 at 08:50
Now that's what I call a baby garment.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 15 April 2010 at 10:05
That is utterly adorable. We have lots of bumps which need presents this summer, so really must get cracking! And thanks for the link - have bookmarked it. Some of those patterns do leave me cross-eyed. I have to read Amy Butler's at least three times before I finally get it! x
Posted by: Cat | 15 April 2010 at 10:21
Thanks for the heads up on the Sewing Circle site - what a good idea - I have registered today, although it's going to a take a while to fully 'launch' myself, pix and all, I think.
Posted by: Bridget | 15 April 2010 at 10:59
Ah, I'm off to find you on my sewing circle then.
I've been perusing Weekend Sewing again, after buying little smocked tops for the girls this week. I know I can make better, cheaper. I think of that book as inspiration rather than instruction and then I'm not disappointed!
Posted by: dottycookie | 15 April 2010 at 11:32
Gorgeous top - I have Weekend Sewing and haven't used any of its patterns yet, so it's useful to have your tip about it.
Posted by: Debbie | 15 April 2010 at 15:16
The baby kimono is fabulous - and so is My Sewing Circle! Yet another way to waste all my time on the computer!!! Lucyx
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 15 April 2010 at 17:38
Hi, Ali! I second, third, fifteenth the comments on Weekend Sewing: the pics are terrifically enticing, but the directions are weak and there are lots of mistakes. LOTS. Having spent a good chunk of change on the book, I am less than impressed. I wonder if a second edition will address any of those issues. . . .
BUT the top is adorable!
Posted by: Becky | 16 April 2010 at 23:00
Yay for babies who provide a good excuse for sewing small and transient things. So much less pressure than the adult versions. Glad to see so many people excited by sewing circle!!
Posted by: sooz | 19 April 2010 at 07:17
que bonito donde encontraria el patron gratis
Posted by: africa | 17 January 2012 at 08:06