PDF Pattern Testing: The Fishtail Kimono by Chalk and Notch

Happy Hump Day Lovelies!

Today, I get to share with you another cozy, perfect-for-FALL sew – the adorable THE FISHTAIL KIMONO by Chalk and Notch.

I was excited to be chosen to test this pattern for several reasons: 1. I was immediately hooked at the word “fist tail” (you know I immediately think “mermaid”  and 2. I always look forward to working with designers I haven’t worked with yet, because everyone has their own unique way interacting with their testers and it gives me the opportunity to learn so much from them and from the other testers as we post and discuss things among ourselves. I absolutely enjoy testing! It really feels like I’m in a “virtual classroom” learning. It just so happens that Gabriela, the owner and designer of Chalk and Notch, is a new and upcoming designer so I was very honored that she trusted me to test her very first PDF pattern design.

Now, I know what you’re thinking once you’ve seen a kimono style, you’ve seen them all, but no – not this one, this one has a super cute back feature. The back features a hi-low gathered yoke that resembles a fish tail – FISHTAIL!!! How perfect  is that for my Mermaid loving girl!

Abigail also thought it was perfect because as I was prepping the pattern Abigail asked me what I was making, I told her its called “A Fishtail Kimono for you”, and she responded with, ” Well, better make sure its green, because Ariel’s fishtail is green.” So there you have it, – we had to go with a mermaid theme. =)

As you can tell she loved it! It’s actually been one of her favorite “go to” cover ups since I sewed it up a few weeks ago.

As you can  tell the FishtTail Kimono is a loose fitting, which is perfect for layering. It runs  from a size 18th months to a size 12 Kids. I love it when a pattern has such a wide age range because that means I’ll be able to sew it again and again for years to come as she grows.

I used a light weight jersey knit to sew up this kimono, but what I love about this pattern is that you can use a variety of different fabrics depending on the season. A chiffon kimono would work great in summer as a beach cover up and something heavier would work great for winter. It’s just one of those patterns you can use ALL year around – that makes it a winner for me! 🙂 If you live somewhere like California where the weather is incredibly indecisive, (hot one day and cold the other) you know that kimonos and cardigans are wardrobe stables. lol

The pattern is beautifully thought out, with an emphasis on clean finishes (another plus for me!) it also has detailed step by step instructions and colored photos (the visual learner in me appreciates this!). I think you should go grab yourself a copy, especially since its on sale! Head on over to Chalk and Notch to see her amazing renditions in chiffon and while you’re there just snag the pattern!

Hope you guys are having a productive week! Stay awesome! xoxo

p.s. Here are few renditions of the Fish Tail Kimono from the other testers!

See Rebel and Malice‘s rendition in a burn out lace/jersey knit here, and just go read her blog, her writing style will make definitely make you chuckle! lol HERE

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Check out how In a Manner of Sewing match up her neckline and neckline band like a boss (indeed) for her adorable daughter. : HERE