You can probably tell by now; I love sewing for my little nieces. Watching their excitement when they try on something aunty sewed for them brings me such joy. I really wish I had known how (and had the time) to sew when my boys were little, I would have loved to make boys clothes! I found this great adorable little chef gift set in the book One-Yard Wonders. It’s the most used book on my sewing shelf, and these wonderfully sweet little inspirations is a major reason why. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Alexander Henry
Project #4: Lucy’s Kimono
Since it is still the weekend, I thought the most appropriate pattern book to move on to next was Weekend Sewing. This book has a good number of projects that could be completed in a leisurely weekend, so most of the projects are easy and I like the little weekends inspirations sprinkled throughout. This book also has thick two thick paper pattern glued to the front and back of the book (like the Oliver + S Little Things to Sew book) and each pattern piece is outlined in a different colour making them a little easier to find.
The Lucy’s Kimono is only three pattern pieces and takes up a little less than 1/2 yd of fabric. It’s why I chose this project even though I am not expecting and I don’t know anyone who is. Most of the projects in Weekend Sews require quite a bit of fabric or are just too simplistic; like the napkins, tablecloth or tent.
Sewing together the kimono is pretty straight forward but I don’t like all the unfinished edges for a baby garment. Nowhere in the instructions is there anything about finishing the seams! In the end, I zigzags all the side and shoulder seams before sewing, I don’t love that solution, and next time I might try encasing each seam with bias tape.
Speaking of bias tape! The instructions for the ties were horrendous! I still don’t get it! And I loathe the illustrations, there are just terrible and confusing. My last complaint? There was no way to tell which way to put the sleeves on! I guessed it was the short end out, but I can’t be certain. I am almost tempted to return it because I don’t see myself using it again, it’s too frustrating.
Book: Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas for Inspired Stitching
Project: Lucy’s Kimono
Fabric: Alexander Henry‘s Bauhaus in Berry (Etsy shop PoppySeedFabrics)
Notions: 1/4″ bias tape in peach (antique)
Thread: Brother 100% polyester col: pink
Difficulty: Some challenges
Sew again: Yes with changes


