21 January 2018

Making a Dress - Wa-lolita wraparound JSK

Inspiration

So it is time I tackled my much wanted dress.  A wa-lolita dress that wraps around like a kimono.

This has been on my to-do list since I started to wear lolita over 4 years ago and really wanted to do it because it combined two of my favourite styles.  However it is a tricky style to pull off as it could look ridiculous if done wrong.

Therefore I spent a long time deciding on what element I wanted to show off on my dress and here was my conclusion.

  1. Collar
  2. Wrap around.
These two elements for me were the important elements that define a kimono.  Unfortunately I can not transfer the silhouette of a kimono outfit because that is a tube shape where lolita is more puffy so out with that.

Design

Now I have the elements I wanted to include, time to start start drafting.


Getting the collar was a bit tricky and additional darts were needed around the bust area to stop the top from gaping.


Not looking bad.


And now drafting the collar.

Construction

As always I started with the lining as if I made a mistake at least I can hide it.


And as always I forgot to take photos of the rest of the bodice as I was eager to complete to see what it looked like.



I finished the bodice Sunday evening when it dawned on me that I should add a mon on the back collar!

Therefore the following morning that is what I did.


Yep it is a little kitty!

Now to get the skirt sorted.


Checking the skirt was the right length.


Oh it is not a plain hem.  I had brought some broderie anglaise on a whim thinking it will definitely be useful and finally it was.  I did have some lovely cream/white trim but I wanted to keep it black.


Time to begin the skirt gathering.

Finished

And here it is.





I have to say I am quite pleased with it. 


The collar turned out just as I planned.


Especially the back!  Just like a kimono collar it stands away from the neck.


Originally I was going to add a couple of buttons to hold it closed but I changed my mind at the last moment and took some inspiration from my haori/michiyuki and added these cute ties.


And another picture of my mon as it is so sweet.  Maybe I should add a bow and make it hellokitty.


Of course pockets.  How can a girl live without them.

Conclusion

I am very happy with this project and I would love to make this in real kimono fabric so I have something to look forward too.

I wanted to see how this would look with some of my haori/michiyuki.


With a lace haori.


My current favourite michiyuki.


And my all time favourite haori.

The biggest problem I have found is that they do not sit very well over my bell shape skirt which is a shame but this means that if I didn't wear a petticoat then these outfits would be perfect for work!

I definitely need to make a waist length haori so looks like another project needs to be added to my to-do list!

10 January 2018

Crafting and Sewing Review 2017

Hello all.

Things have been very busy since I last posted in October 2017 and unfortunately my blogging slipped.

However it is a new year and I will try my best to keep you up to date.

But before I do, I thought it would be be nice to summarise my year.

March 2017 - Lolita Apron Dress



April 2017 - Lolita Sack OP/Coat



May 2017 - Modern Jeogori and Hanbok




July 2017 - Qi-Lolita Overdress



August 2017 - Song Trousers, Hanfu top and Jacket plus Simple White Underskirt







September 2017 - Simple Black Underskirt, Sakura JSK




October 2017 - Stumpwork sakura and Wet Felting coin purse



November 2017 - More Wet Felting Coin purse

A post shared by Kitty Kanzashi (@kittykanzashi) on


December 2017 - Lolita Striped Brown JSK



Not too bad considering since I only sew on the weekends.

I think will continue to complete a sewing or crafting project per a month so as it is now January, I think it is time to look at my to do list and make another dress!

Making a dress - Brown striped JSK

Christmas holiday is a time for relaxing and stuffing myself silly with food however it is also a good time to sew!



A long time ago I made this lovely blue apron dress which I regularly wear for work as it is so cute and I thought it was time to make make another one but a bit more jsk-like.  Which means I fully lined it and sewed up the back of the skirt so I don't have to worry about wearing a underskirt any more.

So I dug out my old pattern from my shelf and started to prep my fabric.

Normally I would wash all my fabrics but I am once again using kimono fabric and unfortunately I forgot to jot down the fibre used to make this bolt so I decided against washing it and just steamed iron it to death.  I will be using a synthetic lining and from the crisp feel of the kimono fabric I have a feeling it is not natural so hopefully if I do need to wash it, it will not shrink.


This bolt came with a label but alas I don't know what it says so if you do let me know!

I started off with the lining as I had a lot of the material so if I made any mistakes I can make alterations.



And now to measure and cut my kimono bolt.  Which is always nerve racking....

So once I got over my hesitation I had the outer fabric cut and then I suddenly had a bodice.


With buttonholes!


Of course the next thing to tackle are the ruffles.


But I knuckled down and after an solid morning work I have it all sewed, gathered and attached to the skirt.




Then attached the skirt to the bodice and then attaching the lining to the skirt at the waist.


 This had to be done by hand which didn't take to long but there was a lot of fabric.

Finished

And here it is.



Yep that is one big bow!


I even dipped into my lace collection and added some detail to the bodice.



And the pockets as well as I thought they needed a little pick me up.


Oh and of course some more lace along the bottom.  This was the lace that I brought back in April 2017 when I went to Hong Kong.  


And I had to find some matching buttons for this jsk.  I went for something brass like since the dress is brown.

Conclusion

This project went relatively smoothly and with the overlocker certain things were a lot easier because I didn't have to worry about fraying.

I still have some material left so I might be able to squeeze a matching bolero jacket so fingers cross!