Sweet Dreams.

As an extreme collector of vintage patterns, I have dozens, probably hundreds of patterns that I've dreamt about sewing. But, you know how it goes, too many patterns, too little time. Too many ideas to execute at once. Distractions. Distractions. Distractions. And, time, she doesn't stand still for any of us. ​

I bought Advance 5371 years ago. I had planned to sew it immediately. But, I failed. Since I made up my mind to replace the raggy lounge clothes currently residing in my closet, I decided it was about time I sewed a new housecoat to wear with them. I have a housecoat that I wear constantly. It's giant, and plushy, and warm, and the opposite of attractive. It's also about ten years old and has seen better days. 

I absolutely love the glamor of vintage sleepwear designs. Those ladies really knew how to pull-off the whole, "I woke up like this" look. But, in order for my new housecoat to replace my old housecoat, it had to be more than pretty. The requirements were simple: machine wash/dryable, light, comfortable, and warm. When I say warm, I mean, warm enough to let the dogs out or go grab the mail from the curb in a snow storm, warm. 

I decided to sew with two fabrics instead of one in order to achieve the balance I was looking for: a buffalo check flannel and an ivory cotton jersey.  In addition to using the jersey as a contrast fabric, I completely underlined the entire body of my robe with it.

The jersey I used is from an estate sale. It's a very nice quality cotton or cotton blend jersey and it feels amazing against the skin. Since I used it as underlining, I treated it exactly the way I would treat any woven fabric. 

This robe is amazing. I'm completely in love with it. It checks all the boxes on my list. Most importantly, it's crazy cozy and warm. And, if I do say so, it's infinitely more beautiful than the shapeless plushy robe I've been wearing. I should revisit my hem and take an additional inch from the length. Currently, the skirt skims the floor while I'm standing perfectly upright. I have terrible posture, so I'm almost never fully upright. But, that's an easy fix.  I'll probably wear this while I'm sewing most days, so I have no excuse not to redo the hem in a timely manner. ANYWAY.... 

I adore the details incorporated into vintage patterns. Those designers didn't miss a beat when they drew-up a pattern. The shawl collar, three-quarter length sleeves, giant pocket and full, four-gore skirt assure that this housecoat is as pretty as it is practical, and the shaping through the bodice guarantee you won't look like a shapeless sack of flour while you're wearing it.  

​This robe will likely become the garment I wear more than any other garment I've sewn. I regret that it took me as long as it did to sew this, but I will waste no time making up for lost time. It's already in heavy rotation. 

Sewing with this pattern was a nice way to refresh my skills with unprinted patterns. Do you know, I actually prefer unprinted patterns to printed ones? They're incredibly easy to use once you understand how to use the symbols. There's nothing fussy or confusing about them. I started sewing with vintage patterns, so these are my happy place.  And, of course, sewing this robe means that I have another project to contribute to #vintagepledge! 

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