Tag Archives: Bias tape

Peplum Top

Posted on by
Simplicity Sew Stylish 1699 view B

Peplum top, view B from Simplicity Sew Stylish pattern no.1699

I fell in love with this pattern when I first saw it at my local fabric shoppe and I was lucky enough to be in there on a day when Simplicity Patterns were on sale for $2.50!

Pattern Description: Misses’ and miss petite fit and flare dress or peplum top has princess-seamed bodice, short raglan sleeves, waistline seam and back zipper. Collarless jacket has 3/4 sleeves and braid trim. Straight leg pants have side zipper.

Pattern Sizing: 8-24

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, except I didn’t use the “Peter Pan”. Continue reading »

Project #4: Lucy’s Kimono

Posted on by
Lucy's kimono fits a newborn to 3 month old.

Lucy’s kimono fits a newborn to 3 month old.

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.

Really cute, and it would make an adorable sake bottle cozy!

Really cute, and it would make an adorable sake bottle cozy!

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