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Upcycled KIMONO Top 👘 from a Japanese Sewing Pattern Book 🇯🇵 Recycled Kimono Fabric

Madly Kimono

5,578 views

I’m upcycling a vintage silk KIMONO into a cute poncho blouse top by following a Japanese kimono remake pattern book as my inspiration! 🪡🧵👘

Will I stick to the sewing instructions, or will I abandon the pattern and make my own design? Spoiler: things get messy, playful, and very creative!

Making clothes or any creative endeavors isn't always a linear process. Sometimes it's about trying things out, making mistakes, adding a bit of unexpected surprise, and enjoying all the detours along the way.

If you've ever started a creative project with a plan only to completely pivot midway through, this video is for you!

📕 Kimono Remake Pattern Book I followed:
まっすぐ手ぬいでかんたんきものリメイク by 高橋恵美子san
Remake Your Kimono into Dresses by Emiko Takahashi
ISBN978-4-8347-3665-6

👘 How I Source Kimono Bundles: Wondering where these vintage textiles come from? Check out my video on sourcing thrift bundles directly from Japan!
👉 How To BUY KIMONO & OBI From Japan Online ...

🧵 Previous Episode: Watch me wash this exact silk kimono fabric and turn it into wide-leg pants!
👉 Washing Silk Kimono: Can I Save This Dirty & Stinky 👘 Vintage S...
👉 Making Wide Leg Pants: Sewing My Own Clothes 🧵 Wide Leg PANTS fro...

💬 Let's Connect!
Where are you in your creative journey right now? Are you a strict pattern follower, or do you love to wander off-script? I’d love to hear about what you're working on in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this process, please consider liking, subscribing, and sharing—it helps this channel grow so much!

📕 Chapter Timestamps
00:00 - Upcycling Remaining Silk Kimono Fabric into a Matching Top
01:07 - Reviewing the Japanese Kimono Remake Sewing Pattern Book
02:20 - Assessing Leftover Fabric Panels & Working Around Stains
04:08 - Sourcing Vintage Kimono & Obi Thrift Bundles from Japan
04:47 - Marking Fabric Measurements & Neck Opening Guidelines
06:01 - Neckline Fitting Test: Troubleshooting a Small Neck Opening
06:51 - Sorting Fabric Scraps & Redesigning the Garment Layout
07:40 - Creative Mindset: Embracing Non-Linear Sewing & Playful Mess
08:51 - Adding Black Lace Trim to Sleeve & Body Panels
10:22 - Going Off-Pattern & Securing Underarm Sleeve Openings
11:38 - Finished Upcycled Kimono Top Reveal & Fit Review

🥰 Shop Madly Kimono Creations:
If you love any of the products I make, they are now available at Madly Kimono store!
👉 https://www.madlykimono.com

👘 About Madly Kimono:
I sew, remake and upcycle kimono accessories and clothing using recycled and used Japanese kimono fabric. I also share little moments from my day-to-day along the way! Whether you're here for inspiration, tradition, or a bit of creative curiosity, I hope you’ll enjoy discovering the world of kimono with me! Thanks for visiting!

#sewing #sewingpatterns #sewingprojects #kimono #upcycle #remake #japaneseculture #upcycling #creativity #artmaking #slowliving #intentionalliving

9 Comments

@MadlyKimono Creator 2 months ago Pinned

🧵How do you like to start a project? ✨Do you usually use a pattern or blueprint to start your creative process? Or do you let the material speak to you first and just start playing? I do both! But for me, the most important thing is simply taking that first step. When I feel stuck, just sitting in my sewing room with the sunshine pouring in, staring out the window for a bit, helps me find my momentum.

After working in the corporate grind for many years, I had to intentionally let go of external pressure and demands to make room for my own "space." And when I say "intentionally," I mean it! It took a long time to shed that programming, and honestly, it’s still a work in progress, just like everything else in life. 😊

❓What about you? I’d love to know what your creative process looks like. I know it’s always evolving, and that’s the best part! Drop a comment below and let’s chat! 🌸

@CatcachuToo 1 month ago

Congrats on making such a cute top! It's lovely on you and inspiring me to use my Japanese sewing book!

@justseekingtruth3998 1 month ago

Where do you live? That waterfall area was sooo lovely❤❤

@ishmatsin2611 2 months ago

Thank you for sharing this! I was thinking about trying something constructed similarly and am glad to see that it works!

@Aya-favorite 2 months ago

マッドリー着物さん、こんにちは😊
前回も今回も素敵なアップサイクルのお洋服が出来上がりましたね😊❤😊❤
次はどんなお着物がアップサイクルされるのか、また楽しみにしていまーす!

私も最近、もっと楽に生きよう、と思っています😁

@frankjanvari737 1 month ago

hello very beautiful videos please kindly film how to thread the sewing machine how to wind the bobbin and please kindly film how to operate the sewing machine electric foot pedal how it's used to sew please ok?thank you very much 😃 🙏

@ruthkatz7593 1 month ago

I absolutely love this top , it inspired me to try something with a Yukata kimono I have , do I need to wash it before I cut it up ??

@greenyonder 2 months ago

I love Japanese patterns, especially these kimono reuse ones. However, I have huge breasts for my small frame and short stature. And I can't wear most Japanese styles on top, they make me feel like I'm wearing a tent. I love loose clothing, and don't wear a bra (discomfort makes for rage👹). Japanese patterns are mostly designed to drape on a certain body-type; slim, small breasted. Which makes me sad. So I envy you being able to create such an elegant top from this fabric, one that looks unique and marvellous on you. I love the original pattern, and how you finagled your way to the top you got. I am also a pattern finagler. Just CAN'T colour in the lines.😆

I am watching the way your channel is improving and you are adding creativity to your filming & editing with words and angles and black & white. I see the extra work you are putting in as you grow into filmmaking, and I admire it.

As always, thank you so much for sharing your process with us. You encourage and inspire me.