The Artful Kimono

The kimono is the quintessential feminine robe. Simple in design and comfortable to wear. Based on the humble rectangle, it is also simple to construct. Last year I painted fabric to rebuild my man's favorite chair. I chose to create a large freezer paper stencil. I do mean large: 38" x 56". As I worked on cutting it out, I thought I might be insane! This was a lot of paper to move onto the plain fabric and I truly questioned my sanity and ability to get it straight! Turns out it was pretty simple. I acted like the magician pulling the table cloth out from under the dishes and it worked! Afterwards, I was left with the negative part of the stencil to use on another project.

I wanted to try some new air brush inks, so I proceeded to get that negative stencil on to some fabric. Because the stencil would keep areas white, I chose a silk/cotton that would shine!

                               

This is how it looked after ironing the stencil on. The blackened areas are where the  fabric will stay white. I took the piece outside, on a non-windy day, and mounted it to my spare cutting board. I the started painting. This is how it looked after painting and fixing.

I needed a new short robe. I pulled out my kimono dimensions and started planning! There wasn't enough air brushed fabric for the entire kimono, but my stash contained a piece I had dyed from a pale blue to a seafoam green. It was perfect!

Kimono Front

Kimono Back

I love it when things come together!