Pattern Testing the Suki Kimono by Helen’s Closet!

 

Helen's closet kimono

Hi Sewing Friends!

I’m so excited to be part of the launch of the stunning new pattern released by Helen’s Closet  – it’s the Suki Kimono – aka the ultimate in loungewear. Trust me on this, you need this robe in your life! There’s 20% off in the launch week too! 

The making of this Kimono started and ended with a happy dance. When I received the email from Helen asking if I wanted to pattern test Suki, I literally jumped up and down for a whole five minutes with glee. Fortuitously, the email came through on a Friday evening, so I was able to celebrate by cracking open the wine! Y’see, not only did I already know I love Helen’s drafting (see her Blackwood cardi I made here and her Winslow culottes I made here); I’d also been coveting a kimono for a while.

Suki kimono

I’d seen a few Kimono-type patterns popping up across social media recently which certainly got the idea of sewing one up germinating in my little mind – but none of them ticked all the boxes for me; mostly as they were designed as outerwear pieces. As someone who practically lives in PJ’s/loungewear, I knew I wanted a long-length robe with full on Kimono sleeves, cuff and neck bands, long (preferably anchored) waist ties and, of course, pockets. The Suki has all of these plus the addition of an inner tie to keep things nicely secure and the added little touch of a hanging loop.

It comes in two lengths, long like mine or a shorter length, perfect for a poolside Kimono! It has a reasonably close fit at the shoulders and upper back, a flattering but relaxed fit at the waist and flares out more at the hip. Perfect loungewear! You can see why the email from Helen just felt so serendipitous – it was everything I’d been looking for!

Helen's closet

And I’d got the perfect fabric for it! Three metres of this floaty vibrant red floral viscose challis; it seemed to be begging to be made into a ‘Kimono’! I did contemplate doing the bands and ties in a contrasting solid black but decided against it; though I’m sure to try that on another version.

The pattern itself is aimed at ‘Adventurous Beginners’, however Helen has cleverly thrown in a couple of optional touches to raise it to ‘Intermediate’ should you wish. I’d say, if you want to keep it simple, lengthen the front band (especially if you’re not using a contrasting fabric) and keep your inner front and sleeve band seams exposed. I did the short version of the front bands even though I wasn’t using a contrast, as part of the testing process, and then topstitched my band seams – I wanted that topstitching detail. You have plenty of wiggle room in determining where your inner and outer ties go so they sit at your natural waist. In fact the only alteration I made was to take out a couple of inches from the overall length of the robe – it’s drafted for a woman of 5.6″. I love how it turned out!

Suki helens closet

Make your own footwear

I quickly realised that I’d sewn the robe of my dreams … which looked absolutely and totally ridiculous paired with the tatty old slippers I generally shuffle around in! No, that simply wouldn’t do! And talk about serendipity again; Minerva Crafts had offered me the Prym Espadrilles kits to test so, an hour and a bit later, I’d got the perfect pair of matching slip-ons! Now I can look put-together even when I’ve just got up in search of that first cup of coffee. At that time of day I can still barely open the one eye and with my hair sticking out at various forty-five degree angles, I definitely don’t look too much like a screen siren but, believe me, wearing this robe makes me feel like one and that’s half the battle…right!?

Helen's closet
Matching slip-ons!
Helen's closet Suki kimono
Deep pockets – perfect for stashing your ‘phone! Or, y’know, biscuits 😉

So a huge thank you to Helen for inviting me to join her pattern tester group – it has been such a fun experience and has certainly given me a full appreciation of the dedication and meticulous level of detailing that goes in to producing such a great pattern.  I ‘knew’ a few other members of the tester group already but, happily, I’ve  also now discovered some previously unknown to me (I’d clearly been living under a rock!)  Do check out either Helen’s launch blog post, if you haven’t already, to get your discounted copy of the pattern and/or check out her Tester roundup blog post to see and be inspired by all the other amazing tester versions!

Until next time, I’m still doing the happy dance!

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Sewing kimono

 

32 thoughts on “Pattern Testing the Suki Kimono by Helen’s Closet!”

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  19. Absolutely stunning Sarah…you do look like a screen siren. plus you are obviously superwoman, posting this on such a peripetetic day. I love everything about this, especially the matching espadrilles….you will be floating around in this all holiday. Thanks for sharing.xxx

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Thanks Sue!!! Oh you’re absolutely right! I think this make was the one to really get me to unleash a hidden love for bolder fabrics and now there’s no looking back!! Your rainbow paired with gold heels blew my mind!! Xxx

    Like

  26. Okay…I thought your make was brilliant before I saw your custom slippers….but those slippers take your lounging outfit to an even higher level!

    Your fabric is so pretty! It’s one of the fun things about this pattern. You can use so many different fabrics to create different looks!

    Liked by 1 person

  30. It’s gorgeous, looks so luxurious and elegant, love the fabric and matching slippers make the perfect combo. Very tempted by this pattern as I made a short one using a tutorial about a year ago, I wear it all the time but there’s not enough overlap and it opens constantly, very annoying!

    Liked by 1 person

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