I really needed a new dressing gown, as the one I had had most definately seen better days. A few holes in the seams had been fixed along with the hem, and also the ties to hold the fronts together on the inside. It looked a bit like this one that Kim Novak wears in Vertigo, except it was dark blue with white polka dots.
My fabric is some viscose from Textile Express, it was only £5 per metre, so I ordered three metres. I think I used about 2 metres, and am hoping to be able to squeeze a sleeveless blouse out of the rest of it. It's quite lightweight, and perfect for a summer dressing gown. It's very fluid though, so I stablised it with some spray starch that I washed out once it was finished. My top tip is to peg it on the washing line well out of the reach of paws. As certain Mr Luke Spookling thought it would be a great game to start playing with the belt!
Don't be fooled by that wee face. The only time Luke behaves is when he's sleeping!
This pattern is lovely. Firstly, I ordered it one lunchtime, and got it in the post the next day; and secondly, the instructions are brilliant. The pattern suggests using a contrast fabric for the neckband, cuffs and belt, but I used the same fabric for everything.

I made View 1 in the smallest size, and it comes to just below my knees, but that's because I'm small. The only mod I made was to the raise the pocket by 6 cms, as it was too low for me, and the way this pocket is constructed is very pleasing.
All the seams are french seams, which was very time consuming, but look lovely and were worth it for this fabric. Also, I ended up top stitching all the edges and the joined seams on the cuffs, pocket and neck band for no other reason than I thought it looked nice.
All the seams are french seams, which was very time consuming, but look lovely and were worth it for this fabric. Also, I ended up top stitching all the edges and the joined seams on the cuffs, pocket and neck band for no other reason than I thought it looked nice.
Neckband |
Cuff |
Pocket top |
Here are the inside ties in action - in case you're wondering what I'm talking about! I wearing this with my sweetheart neckline dress as I photographed it at the same time.
This is one of those things that I didn't realise I didn't until I made it, because I've been wearing all the time - like right now. That's always pleasing!
Lynne
Oh man, I love that fabric! And how can one not love a good dressing gown? I have one in thai silk, and while I love the fabric, it is impossible to wear and has a stupid shape. Need a new one :) Thanks for recommending the pattern!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Thai silk sounds gorgeous, any chance of turning it into something else?! This pattern is brilliant, you won't be disappointed.
DeleteI have never thought about making a dressing gown until now - this is lovely. I think it looks better without the contrast facing.
ReplyDeleteThank you! This was a "needs must" make for me, and the fabric just said dressing gown.
DeleteIt's lovely! I have been tempted after watching GBSB and now I've got the book and there's a pattern in there I'm even more tempted. I like your idea of same fabric for collar and cuffs.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great as a cover up/lightweight coat btw.
Thank you! I thought one of the dressing gowns on The Bee was similar to this pattern, and it could definately be hacked into a kimono cover up.
DeleteA lovely gown. Clever idea to add the inside ties - I didn't on my version and often wish I had!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I knew I would regret not making the inside ties, and your Buchanan was one that I found when I googled the pattern!
DeleteI love the fabric, it's perfect for a dressing gown! I think Luke and Flo have similar hobbies!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yeah, I dread to think what would happen if that pair got together!!
DeleteYou are so clever; it looks really good.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love how it turned out.
DeleteYour fabric choice is wonderful ;o)
ReplyDeleteThank you! This fabric is just gorgeous.
DeleteLovely dressing gown!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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