Here is the pattern:
http://www.simplicity.com/assets/5839/5839.jpgHere is the completed project:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v345/DeadLegato/kimono1.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v345/DeadLegato/kimono2.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v345/DeadLegato/kimono3.jpgDesign detail: (Black = 1970s Japanese Kyoto Silk, Red = Rayon/Silk blend from Ginny's Fine Fabrics)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v345/DeadLegato/kimono4.jpgMy review: This pattern actually LOOKS the most like a Japanese kimono pattern that you can find outside of Folkwear, which makes me very impressed with it. It has the correct neck band, and the sleeves are open at the right places.
Some issues I had with its authenticity:
It is missing some seams that would be found on a real Japanese kimono.
It has shoulder seams, which are a big No-No. However, if you want to correct this, you can take out the shoulder seams by changing the patterns. I left the shoulder seams in because I was using two directional fabrics.
It is not long enough to be a real Japanese kimono. It doesn't have length allowance for tucking up the kimono to make the "pillow" that sits under the obi. To make it authentic, when you add pieces 1A and 2A (I believe; the front and back extensions are what I am refering to), add them so that the finished kimono will be exactly your height from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet.
If you are confused as to what I am talking about, click this link to see an authentic Japanese kimono:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v345/DeadLegato/yukata2.jpgNotice the little bit of fabric sticking out beneath the obi (belt). This is how the kimono should look on your body when correctly worn. Check out a website on kimonos for how to correctly fold the fabric under the obi.
On the directions for the pattern itself:
The sleeve directions are a big strange, otherwise the directions are well-illustrated and largely easy enough to follow. When you reach steps 7 and 8 of sleeve construction, I found it easier to turn the sleeve right side out and put it on like I would wear it, then pin the lining to the sleeve as it would appear in the finished product and sew based on my pinning rather than the directions.
I didn't like the pre-packaged obi directions, so I made my own based on images of obis that I had found on the internet. It is not shown in the images because it isn't finished yet.
Overall approval: It isn't exactly authentic, but its close enough if you want to have a kimono that would be acceptable for Japanse cultural events. It won't look like you just put on a vaguely kimono-like bath robe, which is always good. The directions are easy enough for a beginner, but a beginner might not want to line the sleeves. The sleeve lining was really the only part I had complications with.
3.25/4 stars.
