Do you ever see a trend and think "That is not for me." Welcome to UGG boots, trucker hats, and rompers. (I've never once desired to look like an adult baby.) but these trends - not those specifically mentioned above - they seem to look endlessly chic on other blogger babes. I can't get over it! How DO they do it?! The kimono was this trend for me. Yikes, won't I look like I'm stepping out in a robe or a beach cover up? Won't I look like I'm trying to be female Huge Hefner? Well, the short answer is no, but I'm not interested in short answers around here. ;)

The lovely pattern I'm testing today is from Striped Swallow Designs by Mandalynn (How awesome is her name?!). Her designs are very boho, flowy, and completely on trend. You just want to be on the beach while wearing her designs, guess it should come as no surprise then that she hails from Florida. /Jealous! Also, just as a general rule, Mandalynn's patterns are very visually pleasing. They are formatted professionally and logically organized. She always includes helpful tips like the seam allowance at the end of each page so no more searching for it. I'm not sure exactly how to explain it, but her pdfs make me feel very ... pampered. (In the best way possible! They look fancy, not homemade - It's like a luxury item, not pampered as in they "baby" you.)

I tested her newest design The Wildflower Kimono, this totally brought the kimono trend into reach for me. I decided to apply after seeing Mandalyn's version on the cover, it just looked so great on her! Lucky for me, I was picked as a tester, so let me share some thoughts ...

First! I totally gave my fiance hell over these photos. Somehow I thought they were all blurry and unusable, but hello awesome photos! He told me "you're just too hard on yourself, you look great!" and I took a second look and he was right. I'm an ass. Bless him for his patience. Haha

This kimono is so wispy and light and amazing! As far as the actual pattern, well, it's not a "pattern" per se, but more of a tutorial as there are no pattern pieces to print. The instructions are clearly written and the pattern comes in sizes Newborn to ladies 3X. BANG! <--That's for your buck.

The Kimono is comprised of only three pieces (including arm bands not pictured here) and has some gorgeous gathering details on the sleeves. It has some good rear end coverage as it dips down below your butt so you're wrapped up in a cocoon style. It's an "always open" kind of kimono that still shows off your shirt, which I love!

Ahh. To go on vacation and sip margaritas on the beach in Florida in some area with loose liquor laws. Yes please. Isn't this how these kimono pictures make you feel? 

I sewed the Wildflower Kimono up in about 2 hours. The only part for me that was frustrating was my fabric choice. Chiffon, you beautiful monster. I tried to do a rolled hem on the sleeves, but connecting those when you reach the end of the circle is impossible for me. (Sleeve cuffs were added to the pattern after I sewed this one up. I'll be using those for my next one!)

Here is me having fun like they do in commercials. It was exhilarating.

This was one of those trends that completely had me stumped. I thought, no kimono, you are not for me. Alas, I was wrong and I completely fell in love with it! (So did my mom, I think she wants this one. :)

I already have fabric for two more.... it was on sale. :P

You can purchase The Wildflower Kimono here for $9

Details:
Fabric: Simply Silky Prints Chiffon from Joann's $6.49/yard for 1.75/yards with coupon = $11.36
Notions: Thread = $.50
Total cost: $11.86

Hey friends! I'm Kyema - as a rough translation it means spontaneous female, or a cry out to the heavens, it's an exclamation of sorrow or maybe one of great joy. Oh! Either is fine with me.

I suppose this blog is about making. As the internet would call it these days, i'm a maker, a sewer.... no, no, no.... let me clarify. A sew-er, a sewist, a seamstress, and maybe one day a tailor and dressmaker. I'm working on cultivating my craft, whatever craft that it may be at any particular moment.

I received my first sewing machine at twenty. It was a birthday/associate graduation present from my mom after I had asked and asked, she bought it for me, fully expecting it to never be used. I sewed up a few projects in the Summer of 2012 but when school started again, sewing got tossed on the back burner and I've only seriously started sewing in September of 2014 - that puts me at about nine months at present! I could have grown an entire baby in the time I've been sewing. To summarize, not very long. Though I've accomplished a ton in my mind! My first indie pattern was purchased from Violette Field Threads back in October and by April I was sewing up a test pattern for them and my photographs even made it into the pattern! Since, I've taken sewing lessons from the acclaimed Lladybird, purchased and learned to use a serger, tackled French seams, tricky knits, neck bands, and successfully tested for multiple pattern designers, and most recently sewn a pair of pants! (not jeans yet, calm down.) ... and other things that seemed hard at first, but with tons of internet help and tutorials, I've been able to tackle. I hope that one day my blog can serve the same purpose, to help and inspire, or at least be an entertaining scroll for some bored sewist at work.

In any case, I've had blogger burn out before (separate hobby) - so this blog is literally just for fun and to document my personal journey of sewing/making (I include making, because i'm naturally crafty-inclined and feel the need to try new things often, so from time to time you will be seeing other crafts on here!). When I am so close to something that I see it everyday, it's so hard for me to see improvements. It's easier if I have a visual reference to see which techniques are improving and which need work and to identify my overall sewing progress. Though the blog is still under construction, so bear with me as I work on some technical difficulties. :)

So this is it - This is me. Kyema! And the Art of Oh is born.