Ta da

I am thrilled to present my first look of the week (or two :).  My real goal with Sewchique is to create art that's wearable.  I want to challenge myself and make clothes that I love!

Sounds simple right?

To be honest, I don't think it will be.  Rewarding?  Absolutely.  This look took me two weeks, off and on.  With fashion week (and Prince) in the schedule, this project just needed the extra week.  I underestimated the work needed to satisfyingly complete a chiffon garment - lesson learned and satisfied I am.

From now on *Tuesday* will be the official due day!

I love the hidden lace folded between the chiffon, the winged sleeves, and the front to back draping.  A lot of pinning was needed to keep things in place.  I hope I didn't leave any stray pins on the floor!

Business up front, party in the back

No I did not get a mullet.

But I did find myself a party in the back!

Not a cape, toga or blanket

What will ensure that this kimono doesn't look like anything but?  I decided the answer was SLEEVES. So that is where I started!

This is the front and back, respectively.  I must say I am quite pleased!  I'm also kicking myself for not posting them yesterday, but I will get better at this blogging busy-ness, I promise. 

Above, uncut fabric, sketching sleeve shape via paper (aka pattern), cutting the fabric with the final pattern.

The #1 hinderance of my quick progress is (no, not myself or procrastination) but chiffon*.  I am by no means an experienced sewer or draper.  And neither have I blogged before.  So between fighting the shiftyness of chiffon, sewing chiffon while avoiding the impossible 1/8" baby hems, and making decisions, decisions, decisions on how to drape the slitheryness OHandIforgottophotographitagain, I've realized that it's a bad idea to start this project with chiffon.

*p.s. wiki says so too

But I don't give up easily, esp with encouragement from Mara Hoffman.

[Images from Style.com and Mara Hoffman website]

"I want that"

Want is such a demanding word.  Yet, I found myself using it the other day, and (appalled at myself) immediately pictured the world turning around gasping, appalled at me.

Speaking of which, kimonos in mind, here are a few things I want would like to have from Ackermann's Spring collection (insert curtsy here):

Above, Haider Ackermann Spring 2011*
*Thanks S for guiding me here!

I've noticed there's a fine line between kimonos and capes.  In a world of jeggings and super couples Bennifer and Brangelina, maybe we can find them a new home.  Kipes?  Caponos?!  I laugh at myself.  Maybe not.

Above, Denni Elias of Chic Muse

Above, Tsumori Chisado SS2011

Above, Glamourwrap by Kelly Framel of The Glamourai (check out the glamourwrap link to see all the different ways this can be worn!)

Let me know if you've seen any kimono-capes that you love!

[Runway images from Style.com]