I finished sewing the first of three Christmas gifts that I want to make this month. I made a kimono jacket using the Simplicity 1318 pattern, which is one of the Easy-to-Sew patterns offered by Simplicity. I was really pleased with how nice it turned out. I didn’t model the kimono jacket in the following pictures since it’s a Christmas gift. But even hanging on the hanger it looks pretty good. You can’t really see the flow of the jacket, but one day I’ll make one for myself and then I’ll post more pictures then. 

Simplicity 1318 is labeled as Easy to Sew pattern, but to me it was a little difficult to understand the directions for this one at certain parts of the construction. It seems like the pattern makers try to condense the steps and the number of sentences included in the directions for the Easy patterns which makes it harder to understand. Maybe it’s just my beginner status that has me reading these instructions over and over again for some of the steps and not really understanding what it means. But when you sew from a pattern it’s like you are putting together a puzzle using fabric. Now this puzzle comes with instructions which can make it easy to put together when the directions are clear. However, if the directions aren’t clear you may find yourself guessing how to construct the garment.

With Simplicity 1318 the directions for placing the band (the strip that runs along the front and behind the neck) on the jacket was a bit confusing. My mom had to tell me how to do it. So, it may have just been my beginner status that made it hard to understand. Because my mom who has been sewing from patterns for decads understood the directions. This pattern may not be a good one to try for beginngers, but experienced seamstresses probably will not have a problem understanding the directions.

With that being said once you finish it the right way once you will not have any problems making this kimono jacket again.  I will definetly be making this pattern again. 🙂

Next up, I’ll be attempting to sew robes from Vogue V9015. Wish me luck! 🙂