I was a very busy sewist last month, I volunteered to be a pattern tester for 3 indie pattern companies, and I got the most amazing stuff to test! This kimono is by a brand new company, Elise Patterns. Elise Patterns is owned by Freya from Handmade by Freya. She has set out to create pretty lingerie patterns that are uncomplicated to make, and fabulous to wear! Her first two patterns are available now, and this is one of them.
The jacket, or robe, is available in two lengths, this short version and a more lingerie type mid-thigh length. There are also two sleeve choices. I decided to go with the shorter version, knowing Daughter No2 would probably want it more for day wear than lingerie! I ferreted around in my stash until I found this pretty cotton floral lawn. I’ve had it for ages, but once I saw the line drawings of Freya’s pattern, I pictured it in this with contrast bands. They’re cut from some black cotton lawn, also from the stash.
The pattern itself is really easy to follow and make. I would certainly recommend it to anyone from beginner level up. I chose to French seam the inners, and the contrast bands have had their seams all tucked away too, so when this flips open in the breeze, it’s just as pretty on the inside as on the out.
Daughter No2 loves it – she wore it out to a friend’s barbeque the day I made it (see photo above) with her chopped off jeans and came home with orders!!! Ha! This selfish seamstress isn’t about to do that, but now the pattern is available, I shall be sending her mates to the website & including a note to come to one of my sewing classes to make it up! She has decided it is perfect for festival wear and I know it has pride of honour at the top of her list of things to pack for the Reading & Leeds Festival later this summer.
It really is a great pattern, there are only two main pieces, the front & back, and the band strips. If you were to make it for lingerie, consider cutting the sleeve bands on the bias and then finishing with a scalloped edge using a fancy stitch on your sewing machine. There are so many ways you could customise this kimono, I think the varieties could look amazing!
I’m looking forward to seeing this pattern pop up all over Blogland, it has great potential!
THE COMPULSIVE SEAMSTRESS 
This is so cute! Your daughter is exactly right that this would be the perfect thing to wear to a festival – very happy fabric and nice and loose (so you can dance in it!). I think I may have to make one!
They are good to make, I made a second using the overlocker instead of hiding all the inners (forgot the photos, so must correct that today) and it took no time at all!!
Seems like a great pattern, love the fabric combination, and how versatile it is, it looks great on your daughter and I’m sure she will enjoy wearing it at the festival!
This is lovely, it would be a great alternative to a cardigan in summer. I might have to get the pattern, wish I didn’t have to wait 6 months for it to be warm enough to wear it!
could you try it in a lightweight wool? Something like a Liberty Veruna & line with a silk, even habutai would work. It would be very luxurious!
I have never heard of Elise Patterns. Love this kimono, and how modern the short length looks!
They’re a brand new company, only just launched. I hope this becomes a best seller, it has great potential!
Lovely! I love the fabric you chose, and also the pattern. So nice to have a cover up/layer that you can dress down or up really easily, and daughter is rocking it!
I can see this and the other one being worn loads this summer!
I have bought the pattern and might make it for the new to me challenge next week….. But 43 pages of pattern! Eeeeek!
Lol, the pieces are long & wide, it’s worth it though! 🙂
Lovely!
This is so pretty! I love it on your daughter! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- your daughters are LUCKY!
🙂 They are, aren’t they??
It is so on trend! Looks great!
That is so pretty! Your daughter looks great in it. I will have to check out this pattern– I haven’t heard of this company before.
Brand new Terry, but I expect great things! 🙂
Looks lovely! Love the choice of fabric. Definitely is worth to try pattern..
Very nice.
This is really cute & your daughter is beautiful! Kimonos seem to be in this summer, I think I migh have to buy this pattern:)
Hi Jennie! I think this is coming out just in time, Kimonos all round!