Hi guys! I’m back with another Seamwork pattern. I finished this little beauty a few months ago and I’m just now getting around to sharing it. It was love at first site when I saw this robe in the February issue of Seamwork. By the way, how great is it to have a something to look forward to the first of every month? As soon as I start wondering where the year has gone and thinking about all the things I have left to do and the bills I need to pay, I remember that there’s a new issue of Seamwork to read! And then I start thinking about all the things I want to sew. Which is a never ending list. But, I’m so glad to have things that I want to make. I can’t imagine what I’d do with myself if the inspiration well ran dry.
Anyway, back to the robe. This is the Almada Robe from Seamwork Mag. The design features sleeves built into the body and large sashes that tie in the front. But unlike a traditional robe, the ties do not wrap around the body, which creates a cocoon shape.
I made a size Medium, which matches my measurements. The robe is so roomy though that most people would be able to wear any size. The shoulders are very sloped and the back of the neck stands away from my body a little bit. I do think my shoulders might be a little straighter than some and one the changes I’ve made to other Seamwork tops is to straighten out the shoulders (see the Hayden and Mesa). But while watching the Great British Sewing Bee, Patrick mentioned that a traditional kimono stands away from the neck. I immediately thought of this robe. And now that feature doesn’t bother me.
The pattern was really easy to put together and I don't recall having any issues with it. There is a lot of hemming so if you use a slippery fabric, that might be a challenge. But I think it was pretty close to the estimated 2 hour sew time that the pattern lists.
If you haven’t read Seamwork yet, I highly recommend giving it a look-see. As I mentioned, it's a monthly sewing magazine with tons of inspirational articles and two new quick-sew patterns every month. The articles are free to read but as a subscriber (just $6 a month), you get monthly credits to download patterns that you can save or spend as you like. If you use this link to subscribe, you can get half off your first month subscription (and I'll get a little bonus from them too). The great thing about signing up now is that there are a whole lot of patterns in the library to choose from.
The design is definitely not traditional and that’s what makes it really fun. The robe in the magazine is made from double gauze and I so want a robe made from double gauze. Especially Nani Iro double gauze. I did hours of web searching for double gauze but couldn’t bring myself to pull the trigger.
This robe is made in a light weight cotton voile from Michael Levine that I bought maybe two years ago. It’s perfectly nice but certainly not double gauze. I intended it to be a wearable muslin before buying any pricey double gauze. The fabric is a nice light weight with little rows of grey tulips. I love the subtle print and the grey color. One drawback to the voile is that it is see through so it doesn't do the job of covering up when someone unexpectedly knocks on the door.
I have not been wearing the robe often because as it goes in Southern California, my apartment is not routinely cool enough to require a robe. But maybe as fall and winter roll along, I’ll put it in rotation and justify a future purchase of some dreamy double gauze. (Can you tell I'm more than a wee bit obsessed with the DG?)
Have you tried this pattern? Do you have a favorite robe pattern?
