I am not sure exactly when I first came across Nani Iro prints. I have a vague feeling that I saw some on Sophie’s blog and immediately headed over to the Miss Matatabi shop to find out more. I’ve been shopping there ever since and Frances has the most amazing selection of Japanese fabrics. Naomi Ito’s designs are unlike any other I have found. The prints are so unusual, varied, abstract and seemingly random, even if there is a repeat in there somewhere. At the same time the different substrates are so beautifully soft you will feel like you’re still wearing your pyjamas. Once you have tried Nani Iro there is no going back. When Frances asked me if I would like to join Nani Iro month I was powerless to resist.
Until I made this skirt I had only sewn with the Nani Iro double knit fabric. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been buying any though. I have been squirreling away several cuts of double gauze and cotton for the day when I sew more for myself. Although I love seeing both of my boys in their Nani Iro tees I do slightly regret that I didn’t use the fabric for me, especially as it is no longer available. This post finally gave me the push to make something for me and it didn’t hurt that Frances gave me the fabric.
I chose the Kokka Nani Iro Freedom Garden double gauze – C – Greece. I wouldn’t normally choose such a bold colourful print for myself but when I looked through the new spring collection I kept finding myself drawn to it. Now I’ve made my skirt I am so happy I made this choice. I need a few more neutral tops to wear with it but I love the colours and all the unexpected details I keep finding in the print.
The skirt is self drafted and is so comfortable to wear. It has a wide waistband and several pleats to add volume. The length means it’s still decent enough to chase my boys around on a hot summer’s day while it can be dressed up with a fancy top and heels for a night out. The fabric is quite sheer so it’s fully lined and has an invisible zip closure. I definitely see myself making a few more of these.
These photos were taken in an area of the New Forest where a lot of ponies roam. At one point this was our view from the bridge.
If you want some more Nani Iro inspiration then you will find many beautiful projects using Nani Iro fabric from the spring 2014 collection by visiting the blogs listed below.
Thank you Frances for inviting me to join in with Nani Iro month!
27 Comments
I love it Laura! Gosh you make me feel like shopping for some Nani Iro. Love the skirt so much 🙂
You definitely should! It’s just so lovely.
It’s so pretty. I love the skirt pattern. You look great!
Thanks Suz! So happy you like it.
That is beautiful!!! Amazing job!
Thank you Jane!
Love it!! And you look gorgeous! I think I have exactly your body type and it looks so flattering on you Laura… Can we have that pattern, please? 😉 I really hope you will release it sometime (soon! 🙂 ).
OK Sara, if you insist 🙂 I was thinking it would make a good pattern, hope to get working on it soon.
Gorgeous, gorgeous skirt, Laura! I have been on the hunt all summer for the perfect skirt pattern – and I think you just drafted it! Seriously, this is exactly the style I have been envisioning! Any plans to release a pattern!? Great job – you look stunning! I’m currently making a nani iro top and I simply can’t wait to have that fabric gorgeousness next to my skin!
I can definitely see you in this style of skirt Laura! I do have plans to turn it into a pattern. We could have matching ones when we meet up 🙂 Looking forward to seeing your nani iro top, I think I might need one of those too.
Perfect skirt! I love the wide waistband – it’s so flattering! You look gorgeous.
I take that as a huge compliment from you Trine, thank you!
Laura, this is so gorgeous! I love that you chose to sew for yourself. And I really, really hope this could be a pattern you might consider releasing for sale. I love it!
Thank you Frances for inviting me to the series. Who knows when I would have made this otherwise. I am really happy you like it and definitely plan to release it as a pattern – I need to think of a good name for it now.
You look beautiful! Gorgeous skirt in gorgeous fabric. Well done!
Thank you my friend!
Ohh Laura this skirt is awesome!! You look fabulous!! Love the print you’ve chosen and I totally think you should release the pattern… 🙂
Thank you Ines! It took a while to decide what to do with the print. I was initially going to make a dress but thought that might look too much. I’m really happy with how the skirt turned out and will be making it into a pattern soon!
Oh, this is so pretty and flattering! I agree – perhaps you should start working on some women’s patterns? I would totally buy and make this skirt, it is very *me*! 😉
Thanks Inder. I can definitely see you in this skirt and will be turning it into a pattern soon 🙂
This is just stunning. Such a beautiful print shown off in just the right way. You have a special eye for pattern drafting, Laura!
What a lovely thing to say Monica, thank you so much!
That print that you chose is fab! And you drafted the skirt? The fit looks awesome. Nice work, I look forward to your next pattern:)
Oh this is so pretty! I love your location too, so serene. You’ve done a great job with this skirt!
This is SO lovely Laura! And so nice to see you sewing for yourself for a change. 😉
I have several skirts like this one that no longer fit… so naturally I’ll be over here, waiting on a pattern. 🙂
Yummy fabric. Darling skirt. Green with envy over here.