Kimono Jacket using Island Batik Rayon

In our last Ambassador box from Island batik we each received some of their Rayon - so soft and yummy!  I was so excited, then got stuck trying to figure out what I could make out of a 1 yard piece.  I've been looking because my mom and I used to have several patterns for 1 yard tops, but I have not been able to find a single pattern that I could use.  I set aside an afternoon two weeks ago and went to the local Joann's store and spent some time browsing through books.  I didn't find a top, but I found a pattern for a cute jacket!

Unfortunately the jacket took way more than a yard, but I couldn't get it out of my mind.  I finally went back and bought the pattern -

I knew I had a large piece of yardage I could use for the bodice, and the rayon would be perfect for the flounce!  I was still short a bit, but simply shortened the bottom of the flounce by an inch and had to be content with upside down turtles for part of the top.

This was a super fast and easy project to sew - and I will definitely make myself at least one more of these.  I'm not a great selfie taker, but here are pictures of my finished jacket:

 I thought it was cute with my white jeans!

 I was between sizes on this, so made the large size.  I will definitely make a medium next time.

And the back view - as you can see, plenty of coverage, definitely roomy enough!

This makes a great lightweight jacket.  I pre-washed both fabrics before making my jacket.  The rayon washed up wonderfully - barely any shrinkage, and I think the batik rayon is not quite as maddeningly slinky as regular rayon is, so it was pretty easy to pin, cut and sew.  It hemmed like a dream.  I would love to make the entire jacket out of rayon for my next attempt!  For the bodice I used SEASHORE - 111623103 from the Seashore collection.

Here is what I started with this spring in my Ambassador box.

I've reduced this box full of batik goodies down quite a bit at this point, the remainders fit in a small basket!  I can't wait until the blog hop in August - you are going to love the quilt I am making for that.  I think I'll be using that Auriful thread in the light puple to quilt it.  That's not happening until the middle of August, but I'll give you plenty of warning in advance.  There will be prizes, of course!  And lots of great quilts.  I am telling you that this group of Island Batik Ambassadors is a creative bunch - and so much fun to work with :)  I am a blessed lady to be included!

And now I am off to get my week started.  I have three customer quilts to finish, and a shop sample for Threads That Bind.  Should be a fun week, lots of quilting for sure!