Kimono's...  
For some reason this trend that has been around for awhile now is growing on me. 
Honestly, I have never worn one in my life but have a strong urge to make them. It must be the Sheer fabrics, Allover prints and the Short dolman sleeves that are used that really catch my eye. I also love the use of trims to give them even more movement when on them walking. I haven't seen one here in Melbourne under $35 and the most expensive $4 255! 

Since I had some fabric kicking about I thought why not give the DIY Kimono a go. I'm not sure yet if I will be diving in this trend but I must say I find it very appealing on others. I am going to make some more for a market coming up. 

So here we go.. 

You'll need-
Sheer Fabric 2 metres
Sewing machine
Thread
Sissors
Trim (optional)

Measure ~ 
Neck to arm (however long you like the sleeve) I made it around 20inches
Armhole- the bigger the looser 17 inches
Neck to thigh(where you want it to drape to)  30 inches

Fold you fabric in half (right sides out)

With the fold at the top, fold over the left side to right.

Draw out your measurements onto the fabric and cut (leaving the folds at top and left side)

After cutting your measurements unfold right to left, it should look like the above. 
In the middle cut a center front seam. At the neck you can cut a 4-5 inches each way from the center front, then cut a triangle to create a neckline.

With your sewing machine sew the armhole and countuine down the side seam(both sides)
Hem the rest of the raw seams by folding over a quarter  of a inch X 2 to create a clean finish.

Your done :)
Here's my first attempt.. Feel free to add trim to your bottom hem line for detail. I added a strip of fabric to the neckline for alittle more shape.

 

xxx Kylee

Sad days for Australian fashion designers..

Such a sad day for Australian Fashion designers when you find that your icons are going to Administaton. It was only two months ago that Lisa Ho closed her doors for good. It doesn't come to a suprise that the GFC issues are still hauting businesses, even Australian ones. Others that are in line and are battling their financials are Sass and Bide, Herring Bone Bettina Liano and Charlie Brown in the high end sector and holding on to their pins. With the likes of big overseas companies invating their spaces like Zara, Top Shop,H&M there will always be competitions but these are the ones too look out for...

Lets hope these are the last we hear for awhile! 

Kylee xxx