PART 1

I found a double duvet cover with pillowcases in HomeSense at a clearance price of £18. This seemed to be a perfect opportunity to try up-cycling! I stood there humming and aahhing. My husband said to me that I should just go ahead and buy it. He also pointed out, very wisely, that buying that much printed cotton from a fabric supplier would cost much more!

I downloaded a free Kimono pattern from Ralph Pink.com and printed it out. This was about 30 pages of A4 and a lot of Selotape but this is my process. I do not like traditional paper patterns was I find the tissue paper they use too flimsy.

The next stage after sticking the pages together is to cut out the pattern pieces. I do this with a cutting wheel and cutting board as this is easier than using scissors.

TOP TIP: on this pattern do not cut out the collar piece until last as it is in another pattern piece and if you do cut it out that will make the larger piece move about while cutting.

I realised during the cutting out that for this pattern a double duvet isn’t quite enough. The sash belt is quite big as well. So I would recommend if you’re going to do this particular pattern to get a king-size duvet cover.

I was able to make the sash belt out of offcuts. Some people might not like the idea that their belt is made out of patchwork but for me this is still a learning experience, as this kimono for me is garment number four. I am new to this sewing process and learning all the time, so I’m quite accepting that if the finished garment isn’t what might be classed as perfect it’s still a wonderful learning experience. I am sure that somebody would be happy to wear it.

I used all the remaining scraps to make oblong pieces and sew those together to make the belt.

I zigzag all the edges of the main pieces.

Since the plan is to make a reversible kimono, I’m actually making two kimonos and then putting one inside the other inside out then sewing them together, then flipping them the right way round. Nothing like giving yourself a really big task but then it has a really big payoff and again a great learning curve too!

A reversible garment is basically TWO garments sewn together. This is one of the kimonos (the outer layer). The other (inner layer) is a different print but both from the same duvet cover.

PART 2 will be sewing them together and adding the collar and cuffs. Stay tuned!