I made this kimono top from McCall’s 6510 sewing pattern as I wanted an easy, yet chic, silk  top to wear. I thought it would be cool to add a little leather to the neckline and used some of the lambskin binding I have on hand.

It was a fairly easy and fast pattern to sew, just two  semi-circle pattern pieces of the front and back and the neck binding. The challenging aspect of this top was handling the slippery silk charmeuse. The aggravation was worth it in the end as I really like this top. Here are a couple of photos in the process of sewing:

Using paper clips to hold the leather trim in place as I sew 

Top stitching the leather trim on to the neckline

I like the finished product quite well and hope to make more of these tops. I think solid or printed materials, and a variety of fabrications, would work well for this top. Even lengthening it into a little dress would work as well. I’m thinking if enough people like it and want one of their own to put one or two (or more!) up for sale.

Batwing/Kimono style top

Looks great with a nice necklace

Back view of top

Detail of leather neck binding

“wing” sleeve of batwing top.

And. of course, I have an inspiration photo. This one I found on Polyvore from Givenchy selling for over $1,300! Wow, that is pricey!

Givenchy silk kimono top with leather trim selling for $1,321

Think I did OK copying it, or at least getting the general style idea?