1930s Dressing Gown

This past month one of my good friends got married.  She and her new husband were already settled in a house and didn't need the proverbial china and silver, so I decided to take a less traditional route.  Using the 1930s Butterfly Blouse pattern from Decades of Style, I opted for a romantic Dressing Gown.

It's even on sale!

I had a beautiful piece of burn-out velvet.  Well, maybe it's more like burn-out flocking?  The black is flocked and the white areas are sheer.  It had a wonderful hand to it, lightweight with a nice drape.  The sheerness is prefect for a romantic, sophisticated wedding night for a couple who, ahem, isn't 18 anymore but still feels the magic.

The pattern is straight-forward and sews together very nicely.  Aside from the obvious lengthening of the overall garment, I made only minor adjustments, most notably the edging.  Because of the sheer fabric, I opted for a 1/4 inch rolled hem instead of the French binding as was instructed.  Also, I cut a more generous sash from poly chiffon.  Fit-wise, I was expecting more built-in ease given that it is a wrap.  If you're actually sewing a blouse, the pattern is perfect; not too bulky around the waist but still has good coverage across the bustline.  However, for a robe, I would consider going up a size just for a bit more ease and wrap.

Overall, I was very happy with the robe.  Luckily my friend is the same size as me so fitting was a snap.  Wearing this was quite a change from my cotton housecoats and wool winter bathrobes.  It felt so dramatic!  Any girl who's ever had a nice piece of black lingerie knows the feeling.  I definitely will be making this pattern again for myself, but I think I'll stick with a breezy, Summer blouse.  Don't want all that Mae West glamour going to my head!