Monday, May 13, 2013

Maria Denmark Kirsten Kimono Tee

I finished the sewing on my pink corduroy jeans, but I'm waiting for some particularly fabulous rivets to arrive so that I can add the final touches. In the meantime, I decided to whip out a few quick knit projects, since the Stashbusting Challenge this month is to sew up some knits.
I started with this fabric that was left over from this dress. It was a small piece, maybe a yard in length, but weirdly shaped and most of the cool border print was gone. I needed a pattern that used a minimum of fabric, and had few pieces so I wouldn't have to chop up the print.
The Maria Denmark Kirsten Kimono tee is perfect. And free, which possibly makes it even perfect-er.
I graded between sizes at the bust in front as a cheater FBA and cut a smaller size through the front shoulder. With a pattern this simple, alterations come down to how much space you have at the side seam, so grading between sizes is the way to go, and also really easy.
Since I only had a small piece of the floral border, the back is solid black. You can appreciate the fit a little better back here. It's pretty shapely for a garment with only three pieces.
One thing I really like about this pattern is the sleeve. It is a really nice length for me, and it doesn't gape at the lower armhole. So many of these cut on kimono style sleeves are cut wide enough to expose undergarments, which I dislike intensely. This one is perfectly snug, but still very comfortable.
I wore my new tee after church on Mother's Day. I had worn the "matching" dress to church that morning and my kids were so confused that I suddenly had my skirt on as a shirt! I paired it with my Vogue 1059 wide leg jeans. I was very pleased with the top all day long. It's very easy to wear.

24 comments:

Unknown said...

Such a cool use of the border print. I am loving these Maria Denmark tops. And did you say pink corduroy? And fabulous rivets? Oooh, can't wait.

Sam Rose said...

Great use of leftover fabric. It looks really comfortable and stylish.

MariaDenmark said...

Oh, I love it! So stylish - especially with teh jeans - what a great look!

gwensews said...

That is cute as can be and I love your wide-legged britches!

Cennetta said...

Love, love it. Very stylish tee.

The Hojnackes said...

The shirt is so fun! I bet it was so confusing to the kids. lol

Marie said...

Your new tee looks great. Perfect pattern for the fabric

daniKate designs said...

I love your shirt, the print is great and I like the way you used black on the back. I want to sew myself some knit tops, I will have to try this pattern.

meli88a said...

That fabric is awesome. I do love giant abstract prints!

Brooke said...

I love that fabric as your dress, but somehow it is more amazing as a top. I think it's because it's a little less border-print - I love the asymmetrical graphic look of it.

Vicki said...

Great use of the remnant.

Linda L said...

Cute top! Nice use of stash knit!

Linda L said...

Cute top; nice use of stash knit!

KID, MD said...

Thanks! I'm on pins and needles 'til those rivets come. It's gonna be awesome!

KID, MD said...

It is so comfy! Going to be wearing it constantly.

KID, MD said...

Thank you! It's a fabulous pattern. Thanks so much for putting it out there!

KID, MD said...

And I love the word britches!! Thank you!

KID, MD said...

Thanks!

KID, MD said...

So funny! Myra kept telling me to go put my skirt on, then looking all confused. :)

KID, MD said...

Thank you! I was very pleased with the pairing.

KID, MD said...

You definitely should! Quick, easy and cute!

KID, MD said...

Isn't it fun! I'm so glad I found a good use for it.

KID, MD said...

I think so too. As a dress, it's kind of "Oh, yeah, border print dress", but I think the top is a little more unexpected.

KID, MD said...

Thanks!