Monday, May 7, 2012

the homemade dressing gown

I wouldn't say this was the easiest project in the world. In fact there may have been a whole night of unpicking involved. But it's done and it's serving it's purpose. Which is keeping Julia warm on those frosty mornings. After growing out of her old dressing gown I have been promising her a new one.





I used an old pattern found at the op shop, I think it is an older version of this one. I decided to make the outer with an old wool blanket, and line it with a flannel sheet. The pattern didn't include instructions for the lining, so I was on my own there. Never having lined anything before that wasn't specified in the pattern. And I certainly need more practice in that area I can tell you. There was lining that didn't match up and awkward bulky wool binding. So I re-aligned the lining and used some vintage cotton (I suspect it may be an old Liberty) as the binding instead. Success! Though it did take a night of hand stitching that binding.








I had that discussion with Daniel. Why am I making something when I could just go and buy it? Why go to all that trouble? It made me think about why I really do it. Why stay up late sewing like a crazy lady? Sometimes it's hard to explain to someone who doesn't always get the homemade thing. Because it doesn't always make practical sense to sew. But it is ethical, it does cost next to nothing if you use recycled fabrics, and you get something that cannot be bought in the shops. I'm thinking that  it's a little prettier than the standard cartoon character dressing gowns in the chain store here.

Then there is that something you can't really put into words. That has to do with that warm fuzzy feeling when you think back to your own childhood and recall the things handmade for you. Except we called it homemade back then.





(Of course it was terribly dark when I photographed this. Sometimes lighting just doesn't co-operate.)



So Julia is happy, I'm happy and Daniel is happy (that it is finished).


29 comments:

  1. Awesome job Tania!! I totally get the homemade thing. I used to make so much for our older kids until they grew out of the novelty of wearing mama-made items, though recently they have surprised me by asking for a few woollen pieces. Kaizer however is totally chuffed to wear anything I make so I am taking full advantage of it :)

    xx

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  2. so worth the effort tania! i bet it's all the more cosy for her because you made it.

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  3. I LOVE it Tania! Soooo much nicer than a store bought one!

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  4. I think its great, and you are very talented to make this out of all the lovely pre loved fabric, I bet it is so warm........

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  5. Tania it is absolutely lovely and just remember it will be Violets turn to wear it next so all the effort for two girls to snuggle in it will be surely worth it. I had a chuckle about your comments with the mr..mine can relate. I am sure he wonders why all the stress but for all the reasons you mentioned, worth it!

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  6. just found your blog...love the dressing gown and nice to know there are other sewers out there staying up till the wee hours finishing stuff for their small people

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  7. Looks good to me Tania! You have done a fantastic job with the dressing gown :)

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  8. ...and I'm happy - because you shared it! Thankyou for posting pictures of it, it's marvelous. And so snug for her..plus you could never find a pure wool dressing gown in those chain stores, I suspect they would, in all of their acrylic nastiness, fall apart after just one season.

    This gown that you have created will be around for much longer..one day keeping little Violet cosy from the frosty chills. Wonderful! Love the colour too..very pretty.

    Oh and one more thought - wool is so much safer by the fire or heater, so an extra thumbs up for you!! :)

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  9. Oh Tania, it's lovely and it really suits her. I found this post interesting because I'm in the process of re fashioning a dressing gown into a jacket for Rosa (Similar to that of Julia's quilted one). I need to line it too.....I think that's why I have been putting it off.

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  10. LOL...I am sure that Daniel is relieved! I get it, it's stichted with love and a bit of your soul and thoroughly gorgeous....but if you start making knickers...then you have crossed the line! :)

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  11. Yes, I get the homemade thing.
    You are very clever, my sewing abilities do not extend past the mending basket..
    And I love that Julia loves it and doesn't ask for a dressing gown like everybody else;s ie. the ones from the shop you mentioned.

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  12. it's gorgeous! i have 'that' conversation regularly with my husband...but i think he is slowly starting to get why i like to sew stuff!

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  13. wonderful and beautiful !!! my partner asks the same thing ! I have seen wool blankets used for all kinds of winter warmers ! lucky you to find one! I'm sure your daughter is very toasty - and oh my god, its freezing here already so I'm sure its frozen where you guys are!!
    I love the love that you have put into it ! (and besides, cartoon characters on cheap fleece are really not that grand afterall!) I'm sure she'll remember it forever!
    Lauren
    x

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  14. Every time I visit I'm so taken with how lovely your little slice of blog life is.
    The dressing gown is beautiful, and a lot prettier than anything you would find on the racks. I totally get the handmade thing. I don't know about you but I always get a utter sense of acomplishment went I see something I've made being worn and enjoyed.

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  15. Well done!
    Seeing things like this wish I was more capable with handmade. I've just learnt to crochet, but sewing has just never gotten off the ground with me. My mum was and is a pro at it though. Maybe I rely on her too much ;)

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  16. just wonderful!
    greetings from germany,
    regina
    reginassimplelife.blogspot.com

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  17. I totally understand the homemade thing. I find it's another avenue to be creative and I get such a sense of pride when I finish something.

    The dressing gown is really lovely, so much nicer than what you see in the shops.

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  18. Really lovely Tania, it looks so pretty and warm. It almost makes me want to drag out the sewing machine to give one a crack.

    Almost.
    x

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  19. That is the most gorgeous dressing gown I have ever seen. Totally worth hours up at night and debates with husbands. I would love to make a little jacket for my girl with one of the blankets I have opped recently.Your blog is very inspirational. melx

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  20. I bet she feels awesome in it, I can still remember favourite dressing gowns from my childhood, they wrap you up like a great big hug. I had an amazing green satin quilted one that my mum made for me. Would love it if my skills extended that far.

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  21. Amazing, style & execution, just adorable & warm as a blanket, tee hee. How is the sun affecting taking photos indoors as we go into Winter?? Love Posie

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  22. Amazing, style & execution, just adorable & warm as a blanket, tee hee. How is the sun affecting taking photos indoors as we go into Winter?? Love Posie

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  23. Thanks for the inspiration, Tania, I love using blankets to make things, but hadn't thought of this. Beautiful!

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  24. The dressing gown is fantastic, Tania! You are so clever. It seems to be these days that it doesn't matter what the problem is or what we need/want we can only achieve it by throwing money at it. I think it is so great that you took what you had and turned it into something that was needed and created something so beautiful (and warm!) as a result.

    Well done!

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  25. I love it Tania! It looks so toasty and def heaps better than a mass produced, unethical, plastic one. Well done lining it too, my daughter would find the wool too scratchy so it is a great solution :)

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  26. that is a fabulous dressing gown!! well done to you. Your little girl looks gorgeous in it. I think it is wonderful that you sew. I grew up with my grandmother sewing and I have only learnt now as an adult from my grandmother how to sew. I have a long way to go but I love every moment and the sense of satisfaction when you complete a project does not in any way compare to shopping! I think it is also wonderful to teach children that in this day of instant gratification that learning to wait, having patience is a wonderful quality to carry you through life and that is precisely what you are modeling to your children and might I add, your husband :)

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  27. i love it that you repurposed a lovely old blanket and sheet and made it into an adorable dressing gown..your daughter will be wrapped in love when she wears it..clever you!

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  28. Very cool indeed! (or should I say warm?!) Well done, little one looks gorgeous in it! And the buzz of making something is worth it!!

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  29. I love this dressing gown, its very cool.

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