Ode to bias tape

My mom taught me to use bias tape many years ago, but I had forgotten just how fantastic it is.

I used a whole pack of the stuff in making this kimono. It really cleans up edges so that they look super-fab. This is based on a kimono I bought for Ellie (on sale) at a kids' boutique. I modified the design in a way that's hard to describe, but the result was that the inside front layer drooped until I modified it. Ah, Velcro. You're no bias tape, but you still rock.

I downloaded and printed out this Martha Stewart kid kimono pattern, but it wasn't what I wanted. So, I took my (paper) scissors to the pattern, then retraced the pattern pieces, and was off to the races. My shape for the armhole cap was all wrong at first, but I eventually figured it out. (The pattern has traditional kimono sleeves, score one for Martha in the authenticity dept., so they're cut as part of the bodice.) Knitting knowledge really helped me with this one. And not having to buy a pattern, yes!

I'd like to conclude with a beautiful photo of the kimono on a mini wooden hanger in front of a backdrop of some amazing print fabric, surrounded by little kanji in pink spelling out Love Baby or something charming. If I had such a photo, or even the props necessary to take such a photo.

Comments

[Ashley Salas]

Mary, if they had a project runway for kids you would the winner!!

[Dana]

look at your sweet girl in her kimono! nice job! i'm archiving all of your sewing tips - so keep 'em coming!

sorry i won't see you at knitting for a long while! i'll try to post good stuff about kip on the blog. :)

[monica]

That is such a lovely kimono! Ellie is growing so fast!

[Bonne Marie]

私の女性される井戸!

(translation: well done, m'lady!]

I love the kimono with the lovley bias tape edging - if you would've worked some RicRac into it I'd be in 8th heaven instead of 7th - I'm on a ricrac binge lately :p

Happy Labor Day!