Frani’s Kimono is Absolutely Gorgeous!

Sewist’s Name: Frani Boberg from Farmville, North Carolina

Type of Project: Garment

Pattern: Simplicity 5314

Featured Date: 5-4-23

Hi, I’m Frani and this is the front and back of my prize winning quilted variation on a kimono.  I used a basic Simplicity pattern and embellished it with this beautiful damask.  I modified the Simplicity 5314 kimono pattern. I drafted the ruff, sleeve, and hem bands. I vertically quilted it on my little Janome prior to construction. It has side seam pockets. The back has pleats with 2″ buttonholes for the belt to pass through. I tried conventional quilting but my background is apparel design and construction so this suited both quilting and sewing skills, as well.

It was intended for a Hoffman Challenge but I managed to miss the deadline!  It won a first place in the 2021 NC State Fair. It is currently, along with two other pieces of my work,  in a small gallery in my hometown of Farmville, North Carolina.

My love of all things fabric and sewn started while I was a child.  Mom used to let me practice making things on her machine.  Things really took off when I took Home Ec as a high school freshman. I attended and completed apparel design while my two daughters were completing their college degrees.

Currently, I’m working on a Lorax quilted wall hanging for my niece’s first child.  My brain is sorting out how to do my third quilted kimono using Kaffe fabrics.

Thanks!

Frani Boberg

Remember, if you want to submit YOUR project to Sew & Tell, all you have to do is send an email! Read more about how to enter here.