I’m back from vacation and have a couple of kimonos and a pair of shorts to show you. This year we went to Treasure Island, Florida and it was amazing. The only ocean I’ve ever been to in the United States was in North Carolina when I was 11 years old, my Mom and I went to visit my brother when he was in the Marines. I don’t really remember much about that ocean but do remember having a lot of fun! Other than that I’ve been to Mexico and Jamaica, so this was only the fourth time in my life going to the ocean. I pretty much want all my future vacations to be ocean related.
This kimono is the Summer Kimono from Patterns For Pirates. I don’t typically wear kimonos but this one is really great. I liked the idea of a coverup for the beach and now I’m thinking of making another for everyday wear – but I would size down on that one. (Side note: you might remember my self-drafted string bikini & riptide shorties bathing suit.)
At the time of making this my measurements were 36-31-40 and I made a size Medium with the straight hem. For the black one I used a knit lace from JoAnn fabrics and added fringe. On the black one I did add a seam down the back, no real reason. I also added 2″ to the length of the kimono.
The black lace shorts are the Mama Lucy shorts from Made For Mermaids. I measured as a size Blue but wanted a more “athletic” fit so I went with a size Pink. I love the fit, I think it’s perfect. I choose the curved hem for a more flattering look.
The shorts were a super easy make and I could see using this pattern often. My biggest complaint is that there are no pockets. I seriously don’t understand why pockets aren’t an option in EVERY SINGLE PATTERN LOL.
I loved these kimonos at the beach, they were perfect. I highly recommend these for vacation!
Sorry about the lighting, it was evening and I was trying to hurry up and get photos in with the sunset. The feathers kimono is an onion skin fabric from Girl Charlee that I accidentally ordered. I had no idea what onion skin was and just added it to my cart to have spent enough to get free shipping. Once I got the fabric I hated how it felt, it’s been in my stash for years. I figured I would use it this time around as a muslin – much to my surprise it’s not annoying to wear and I really like it!
Are you feeling the kimono trend? I was eyeing some LuLaRoe Kimonos but refused to pay such high prices for something so easy to make. The Summer Kimono is exactly like the LuLaRoe Monroe (or Lindsay – I can’t remember which one is which haha).
Did you take a vacation this year? Where did you go? Sometimes just staying home and having a staycation is amazing <3 We lucked out that Treasure Island was super affordable thanks to AirBnB and Turo!
And last one :*
Great minds think alike! I ordered that same onion skin from Girl Charlee for basically the same reason and felt the same way! I ended up making a Seamwork Mojave beach cover-up with it – looks like that’s the only good garment you can get out of onion skin. Love your kimonos and swimsuit! Isn’t going me-made to the beach wonderful? 🙂
I’m so glad I’m not the only one HAHA!! I think because it’s flowy and you’re already happy since you’re at the beach – you don’t notice it’s itchy 😀 And yes, it really is – you feel badass!
Such perfect beach wear!
We’ll be settled in San Diego soon and you should come to the beach here!!
One of my good friends lives out there – I could see you both!! You and I could sew our hearts out <3 I am going to visit my family in NY soon and after that I have to wait a bit (finances... being a contractor I don't get paid if I don't work... I'm sure you know that!!!) and then I need to see where you are!! I just need to email you anyways, I miss you <3