Vogue1544 - 1960s Style Kimono Dress

This 1960s style dress is made from an old kimono. I'm obsessed with this pattern Vogue1544 .

Another Vogue1544; Top version. (Memade outfit: Mountain View Pull-On Jeans by Itch to Stitch.)

I decided to purchase Vogue1544 immediately, because the collar in the dress caught my eye. I was interested in the way the collar is made. The collar is extended as a bow on the back. The pattern is a semi fitted silhouette, and has an invisible back zipper and lining. It was simpler to make the dress than I expected.

Big chrysanthemums are printed on this kimono. I loved the print, and it looked gorgeous. Unfortunately, these sleeves of the kimono were too short for me, so I recycled it. First, I took it apart and washed the fabric to make a new dress. I was worried that I would lose the colour when I washed it, but it was OK.

I cut a size 10, my normal size. I attached the lining for whole dress for following the instructions. I used thin and airy lining for summer. I love the bow on the back, but it may be a little too long for my taste, so I shortened it by 3 inches. I had to cut the bow on the bias, but the kimono fabric is very narrow. I had to cut the piece of the bow along the grain, and it was no problem. I also raised the waist line by an inch and the back zipper by 1 2/3 inches.

Kimono fabrics are very narrow (only 14-15 inches in width), and I usually choose a dress pattern that has narrow parts when I make a dress from a kimono. However, the width of the front bodice pattern that I used was about 21 1/2 inches. I cut the front bodice into two parts, a right and left bodice and then joined them in the center.

The most difficult part was the arrangement of the chrysanthemum prints. Basically, the shapes of kimonos are almost symmetrical, but prints on kimonos are asymmetrical, so they look beautiful from every angle. I didn't want the dress to look busy, so I arranged the chrysanthemum prints asymmetrically for the right and left bodice and left each chrysanthemums space.

I think it looks slightly like a Chinese dress. If I hadn't attached a lining, it could have been worn without a zipper. Next time, I would like to make it with Liberty tana-lawn, so I won't need the lining and zipper. Geometric patterned fabric would be good for the dress pattern, it would be a nice classic dress. I recommend using silk, rayon, polyester, georgette, linen...etc, but I don't recommend using stiff fabric, or it would be difficult to make the collar and tie.

 Vogue1544 has only one dress patten, but I made the pull over top as a trial. I love it, and it's so comfortable and lovely.

I omitted the zipper and lining, because it's stretch knit (this fabric is a blend of triacetate and polyester). I bought the fabric in a sale, and it was cheaper than usual. But the fabric was only 35 inches wide. (The length was 2 1/8 yards). I had to squeeze the pattern pieces onto the fabric without cutting it too much. I added the hem band and shortened the bow on the back by 9 3/4 inches. The top was easy to finish quickly since it had no zipper and lining. It took me around 7 hours.

It's so hot and humid in Japan now. I usually wear these jeans ( Previous Review: Pull-On Jeans ) this summer, because they are super comfortable!

I am going to make a top from Vogue1544 again. I also have a plan to make a new cotton kimono to go to a fireworks festival. I have cut the fabric already, but I haven't finished putting it together it yet. I have to make it this summer!

Fabric: Top 35" 2 1/8 yd

Total Time Spent (not including cutting time): Dress 12 hours, Top 7 hours