Sunday, August 14, 2016

This is how you rock a DIY Kimono.[Sew What? Series: Simplicity 1108 Kimono and DIY Bleach denim shorts]



[If you're new to the blog, the outfit was made for and modeled by my daughter Mori] 

Soooo I bought a pair of denim shorts to try out a bleach dye design. I knew that I could top the look off with a t-shirt and a loud DIY kimono and that put my plan into action. Besides Kimonos are HOT right now! I have had this fabric in my stash from a 2014 fabric haul and I figured it was about time I used it, heck I probably had the pattern just as long as the fabric. The pattern I used for my DIY Kimono was Simplicity 1108 view A.

Now let me just get this off my chest real quick. This is a easy-to-sew pattern. I just knew that I would be able to sew this thing up in an hour. When I tell you that one hour turned into two days I am not lying. The damn band around this kimono took the life right out of me. I sewed this damn band on twice the wrong way and had to take it out twice. I had to put it down and walk away each time I realized I had sewn it on wrong. Honestly I think I was a little to cocky for my own good and this easy-to-sew pattern put me in my place. [So pay attention to the band and those curved pieces!]
I was so pissed at myself after I finally got this together that I immediately cut out another one and put it together within an hour to redeem my own sanity, so there. I made my second DIY Kimono out of chambray and because it was like 10,000 degrees outside when we took these pictures, I could not make Mori stay out in the sun for more pictures. I will get it posted soon.

Now let's talk about these shorts, shall we? I bought an inexpensive pair of denim shorts, cut a bit of the length and slit the sides. I only wanted to apply the bleach design to the front of the shorts. I used bleach and q-tips to create the design on these shorts. I used circles as my inspiration just in all different sizes. I just used my imagination and ran with it. You can truly make unique clothing with this technique. I did not make a tutorial  or document the process because I didn't really know how it was going to come out. But it's really similar to the stars and stripes bleach design I did a few years ago but this takes much more time and creativity. 


 photo 35845374-bce1-426b-9e7a-633f43c85d42_zps12c60185.jpg
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33 comments

  1. I love both the kimono and shorts!!!!! So creative with the design. Did you put something between the front and back to keep the design from bleeding though to the back?

    Great look!!#
    Ruqayyah (ReDpants Designs)

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    1. Thanks Ruqayyah! I have a plastic insert that I put inside before bleaching or painting fabric.

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  2. Not I should be getting a modeling contract soon. She always look good

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  3. I just love everything about this! I'm going to order that pattern so I can make a kimono too!

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    1. I do love this Kimono now that I got it down to a science!

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  4. I've done the same thing, too! Get overly cocky on an easy to sew pattern and then have to fix my mistakes so I understand! Love your design on the shorts and Mori is a champ cause it's hot out there!!!

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    1. Lesson learned cause I wanted to throw that baby in the trash for a fleeting second! Oh and yeah she was a taking that heat like a boss! Rita's and water was right after the shoot.

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    2. Dang Gurl - this is outrageous. And that you for the honesty - I thought I was the only one who sewed things on backwards or upside down

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    3. That band was just EVIL!!! but the thing was I removed it once and swore I was attaching it correctly the second time. I have never messed up this much on a project.

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  5. Shorts and kimono are fllyyyy...

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    1. Thanks Robin both items make interesting pieces to any wardrobe.

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  6. Replies
    1. I think I paid $1.99 a yard for this print. I only usually buy sheer fabrics if they are dirt cheap.

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  7. You are so creative. Just love what you did with the shorts. Love them both

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    1. Thanks Josephine it comes to me naturally. I think having to do without when I was a kid made me the creative person I am today.

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  8. Michelle, Michelle, Michelle!!! yes I had to say your name three times, guuurl you are my Creative Shero! Love this!!!!

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    1. That's so nice to hear Jennifer! I'm just over here in my little corner tryin to do a little sumthin, sumthin!

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  9. I really like the creativity of the shorts, what a great idea. I made that kimono and I did the same thing and like you I'm an experienced seamstress. I had to take that band off and start over with it, I finally mastered it. I just love coming to your blog, you are just awesome.

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    1. Leila thanks so much for joining me on the regular! But oh how that Kimono wore me out!

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  10. That kimono fabric is gorgeous! What type of fabric is it? Love the whole outfit!

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    1. The fabric is some type of poly blend....not sure...sorry I've had it for a while now. Thanks a bunch for liking my stuff!!

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  11. Fantastic outfit & photos. Love the design on the shorts. I remember tie dying a pair of jeans with bleach years ago to cover up an accidental mark but never thought of drawing on a design.

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    1. Thank you! It's a easy way to put a little pizzazz into your clothes.

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  12. I'm posting here anonymous because I don't know how else to do it. I'm working on the kimono right now, and just like you, have issues too. Put it together wrong, and I had to walk away from it, because I felt like murdering it. Since I left and now have come back, my husband is taking the band apart, and we are trying to figure it out together. I've looked everywhere for a tutorial on this i.e. youtube etc., but nothing came up. A tutorial would be of great help, especially for the band around the outside. Yours looks great!

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    1. You can always e-mail @ michelle@thatblackchic.com me or use the contact form on my blog page to ask me any questions. Honey this was tricky and I had to pin it while I had it laid out like the picture in the directions. I can't explain it to you in words any other way than that. Not that this will help you now but I will take pictures the next time I use this pattern.

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  13. Thank you - I'm about to start on this one, so I'll be VERY careful when I get to the band. I"m making it to wear to my daughter's wedding. It will be a fairly casual affair, and the weather should be quite warm
    so this looks ideal. I'll let you know how it works out.

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