Hello Sewists! You may or may not know that I’m a hairdresser by trade – I’m lucky to have lots of lovely clients, one of whom gave me this sari she had picked up on her travels.
It’s a cream background with this fantastic pattern on it – and a striking band of graduated blue along each edge. I’ve had it a while, and kept it in this bag… It might be the bag she gave it to me in (I love it almost as much as I love the sari!)
I’m not really making a kimono out of it. It’s a robe pattern: NewLook 6233 to be precise. Last time I used this pattern (Here) I sewed with wax print cotton. I haven’t made a silky robe for ages, not since This one so the stakes were high!
To cut out, I used the blue band along the length of the sari for the ‘collar’ and let the overall length of the robe be determined by the remaining fabric width (about 10cm shorter than the original pattern) keeping the blue band at the bottom. I also cut out the sleeves with the blue at the cuff. This meant I wouldn’t have to hem anything.
It all went together pretty smoothly. I was worried that the fabric would be really slippery but it behaved itself well. I didn’t even get the walking foot out.
Construction was straightforward:
- patch pockets
- shoulder seams
- flat inserted sleeves
- side seams & belt carriers
- collar
- belt
It was a bit of a struggle keeping the band even as it went around the curves of the front and neck. There are a few little puckers which would be less noticeable if I were a less aggressive ironer!
I French seamed throughout, sewing right sides out at 5mm, turning and pressing before sewing with right sides together at 10mm.
If there’s enough fabric left, I’m thinking of some lounge-pants to go with it. It feels cool and light to wear, perfect for the summer.
This summer in London feels like it’s going to go on forever but if I want to be prepared, it’ll be time to start thinking about winter sewing soon! I can’t quite get my head around that yet! … although I have had my eye on some beautiful wools already….
Happy Sewing!
Notes to self:
- This would have been a perfect opportunity to get the (dreaded) rolled hem foot out!
- Make a note of which friends/ family I’ve already made robes for…🎅🎄!
- Looks like I’m late if I want to make ‘Christmas in July’ 😅!
This robe is beautiful!
Of course, I have now been introduced to SundariSilks.com. This is…potentially expensive.
Haha, sorry!
😄😊👍
I absolutely love it! The pattern is so cool, and that ombré blue band is just 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
I don’t actually have a summer robe, I attempted to make one a couple years back but it’s a bit on the small side and doesn’t really… ‘close fully enough’ 😱🤣
You’ve inspired me to maybe think about revisiting, however you’re totally right in that it’s time to think about winter sewing already 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 I’m already trying to panic-sew stuff to photograph in NYC in October, and there’s more than one coat!
And at least it’s a bit cooler today… though I do have to go out and run in the pouring rain 😑
😂… no one HAS to run! Stay in and sew! The dogs will thank you 🤣!
I really need to tidy up my fabric today… I’m hoping to get to Crescent trading again soon to take a closer look at their wool for coats!
Good luck with your NYC sewing! I’m looking forward to seeing it 👍🙏👏😊
Gorgeous! There’s nothing like a great robe.
Thank you 😊🙏
That looks great and looks very silky so glad it went together easily, the colour combination is superb. Sometimes we do buy so many extra sewing feet, often question why I have bought some.
Thank you. I couldn’t be much happier with how it turned out!
I know I’m definitely guilty of buying sewing feet because ‘I haven’t got that one…!’ 😅😂👍
That is the perfect sari for making a robe from. I love the design and your pattern placement is perfection. Everything about this is 👌
Thank you 🙏 I love how it’s come out 😊🙏👍
Your placement of the pattern and utilisation of the edging is perfect. Love this 😍
Thank you 🙏 it turned out better than I expected… that could have something to do with not getting the rolled hem foot out! 😅👍🙏😊
Shhhh! 🤐 There are a few good Facebook pages that’s sell pre-loved saris for as little as £15… Don’t tell anyone 🙊🙊🙊
Ooh good to know! I’ll keep it under my hat! 🤫🤭🤐😉
Beautiful robe! If indeed lounge pants are possible, they would really complete the look. Winter sewing, already??? Nope…that won’t come until October for me – although I will most likely stat planning projects early September. Looking forward to your next creations!
Thank you! It’s always a rush up to Christmas, and something always gets axed from the list! … I have good intentions for a head start, but we’ll see if it happens! 👍🙏😊
Anyone remember “Kimono My House”, Sparks – great act from the 1970s?