Pretty in Pink: 3 Reasons to Love Ralph Pink’s Kimono Tabard Shirt Pattern.

My pattern reviewing has been scant lately so let’s dive back in with the reasons why I love this kimono-sleeved shirt pattern from Ralph Pink.

Ralph Pink Kimono Tabard shirt in silk crepe de chine and Burdastyle shorts in cotton/linen.
Ralph Pink Kimono Tabard shirt in silk crepe de chine and Burdastyle shorts in cotton/linen.

1) Easy to Make –  The pattern instructions are easy to follow, even for beginners and ‘tired’ sewers like me, with pictures to guide you through every sewing step. The most ‘challenging’ part is the front button band, but even this isn’t difficult. If you’re anxious about doing buttonholes, you could use poppers or press studs instead.

I’d recommend using softly draping fabrics such as silk or viscose to keep the overall shirt shape fluid and relaxed.

Covered buttons and sleeve tabs.
Covered buttons and sleeve tabs.

2) Easy to Wear – Ralph Pink calls this pattern a ‘really nice breezy shirt’ and I think that’s spot on. I’ve worn this lots in the half year since I made it. It’s an everyday classic that can be dressed up or down.

Easy breezy style for traveling.
Easy breezy style perfect for traveling.

3) Versatile – This shirt is good for year-round wear. It was cool and relaxed in summer with shorts and over my bikini on holiday. It’s perfect for travel because it packs down so small. I also wore it open over T’s and vest tops like a kimono jacket.

ralph pink 6

Since the weather cooled off, I’ve been layering it under sweaters and wearing it with my jeans.

Ralph Pink blouse and John Smedley jumper.
Ralph Pink blouse x John Smedley jumper.

Overall, this has been one of my favourite 2014 makes. I highly recommend it!

Pattern Summary: Made size 8; used silk crepe de chine; made no changes to pattern; did fabric covered buttons; did French seams throughout including sleeves and a narrow hem; PDF download pattern available from ralphpink-patterns.com.

In other news:

Here’s a sneak peak of another of my favourite makes this year. I’ll reveal all in my next post.

jumpsuit 1

And I finally made it to the hairdressers! I’m giving mid-length hair a tryout for a change.

Photo on 14-12-14 at 12.00 #2

What’s been your favourite make this year?

Happy sewing,

Christine

 

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4 thoughts on “Pretty in Pink: 3 Reasons to Love Ralph Pink’s Kimono Tabard Shirt Pattern.

  1. Hi there! Kirsty from TopNotch told me that you contacted her as well, and we live very close to each other. Maybe it works out to meet up in Strasbourg, that would be fun, and if not you can contact me if you feel like meeting up for a chat/a bit of sewing/… whatever!
    Another sewing blog I have not come across yet 🙂 I really like your makes!

    1. It’d be lovely to get together for some sewing chat sometime and I can introduce you to some other sewers I know as well. I hope you’re doing well, my thoughts are with you and your family.

  2. omg – I’m coming to this late, but I have this fabric too and your shirt is exactly what I was having in mind. I might have to copy you quite shamelessly ;-).
    Are you happy with how the fabric washes? Or is it a bit of a hazze caring for it?

    1. I love this fabric and it washes really well – I wash it by hand. I’d be flattered if you copy me and I hope you enjoy this top as much as I do!

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