By now you’ve probably picked up on the east-meets-west runway trend…and our favorite gals on Chictopia have too! This article will show you how to create your own kimono jacket, this month’s Blogger Favorite.
AS SEEN ON:
+ bethanystruble in a delicate floral-printed kimono jacket
+ disarmingdarling in a vibrant, vintage style
+ cityofbugs in a pale pink button down that resembles a breezy kimono
+ braNYaudreY wearing a striped style as a bathing suit cover-up
MATERIALS
You will need…
-an oversized button down (easy to steal from your father, brother, uncle, or grandfather’s donation pile; easy to find at any secondhand store)
-fun fabric scraps, ribbons, embellishments
-scissors
-sewing supplies (pins, needle, thread; sewing machine optional)
THE HOW-TO
1. Remove the collar of the shirt. Cut along the very edge of it—if you don’t cut into the collar, you can use it as an accessory or in another DIY project.
2. Make a inch-long cut every inch along the exposed collar area. This makes it easier to hem “round” areas of fabric. Fold these “strips” under so that the end of the cut is at least 1/4" from the edge and pin.
3. Cut the bottom of the shirt off in a straight line. Fold under and pin.
4. By hand or using a sewing machine, stitch together the areas you have just pinned.
5. Remove any buttons around the collar area and down the front of the shirt. Fold the “button-up tab” area under on both sides, pin, and sew.
6. Cut fun shapes out of the fabric scraps and sew them on; attach buttons or ribbons, studs—decorate the jacket any way you like.
7. Wear tied with a thick obi-inspired belt or draped over a simple dress.
And that’s it! A kimono-inspired jacket in 5 hours or less.
Are you dying to try this DIY? If you do, tweet us a picture @everybodyisugly
To read more about the kimono in fashion, check out Crystal’s trend report.
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by Heather (headbandit)
image via Elle Sweden July 2011
