I made some progress on the robe today, though not a great deal. The construction is a bit more complex than it looks: half the sleeve and half the side torso hangs open, so I have to give some thought to how I finish the exposed edges as well the seam allowances. I originally thought I'd want to use the chartreuse sateen on the cuffs and hem as well as around the front, but I kind of like how it looks now.
You may recall that these were the silky cottons I'd picked out for the pajamas.
As fond as I am of them, they're somewhat drab. I've already used most of the tan cotton for my shirt and I have enough left for trim only. So off I went you-know-whating again.
I came home with this lavender dotted swiss and what looks like a Moorish-inspired, lawn-weight cotton print. It may be a little bright for the period (or how I picture the period), but it's more cheerful than the drab tan and gray-purple.
I love the idea of pattern mixing but it also gives me agita. I remind myself that I can always use this for some other project if I change my mind and choose something else. Celebrity sighting: Judy Collins in the cotton aisle!
That's it, folks, a short post.
I hope your projects are coming along swimmingly; it's starting to feel like the summer is winding down for me.
Have a great day, everybody!
Posts
Judy Collins! I am a fan. Do you think she sews?
ReplyDeleteIt's possible. Or she's looking for fabric that someone will sew for her.
DeleteI LOVE the new fabric, but I think that the original choice is so gorgeously subtle and understated, with the lovely gentle colour coming from the kimono style robe. I would stick with your original plan...
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the new choice also, but if you're not sure about it, maybe the original gray-purple together with the print? They might be a good pair.
ReplyDeleteThat might work!
DeleteAnother Judy Collins fan. And I like the idea of the original lavender with the new print.
ReplyDeleteLove the fabric combo on the robe-really nice looking. I wouldn't be able to open/close the door if I lived there with all the fabric selection.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Peter, for sharing your projects "in-progress". I have enjoyed your blog for some time now. You are a true inspiration!
ReplyDeleteWhat if you made some bias binding out of the chartreuse for the exposed edges/seam allowances? Might be a nice, subtle detail...
ReplyDeleteThe only reason you associate drab, dingy colors with that period is because age and many washings has drained the color out of garments that survived nearly 100 years of usage. Bright, deep colors were entirely characteristic of the 1920s. Work that purple and gray mojo, Mr. Peter, sir!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI hate it when I start second guessing myself. Then the whole project gets thrown into doubt. Usually my first choice was just fine. I do love the moorish print though.
ReplyDeleteThe robe is lovely and dramatic, either set of jammies will look good.
I have a reproduction Butterick sewing book (somewhere around here, it's gone missing at the moment) and there is a section on making up men's shirts with a cutting diagram. I want to say my book is late teens but can't be sure.
regards,
Theresa
Hi, Peter. I worked for many years for the company that published the Singer Sewing Books. We did a book called 'Sewing Lingerie' where one of the projects was 'How to Cut & Sew a Kimono.' There are, of course step by step photos for sewing that open style sleeve. You could probably find that book at your local public library. Good luck with your sewing, your kimono looks great so far.
ReplyDeleteBridget