The Robe of Many Colors

Back in October my daughter told me her friend was wanting a new bathrobe. To which I replied (as you would I am sure) “Oh, well why don’t I make one for him?” Any excuse to sew something, am I right? Anyway, Balam (her friend) was excited and even told me no one had ever made any clothing for him. I certainly didn’t need to hear anymore than that.

A few weeks later, Balam and I met at Ben Franklin to choose a fabric. I had hoped for a thick terrycloth or a nice fleece. No luck finding either one. I steered Balam over to the flannels. You need to know Balam has some wild taste in clothing. He is often wearing really bright Hawaiian shirts. He and Julia like combing thrift stores for fun clothes and both of them usually have on some pretty crazy socks. When Balam spotted a section of tie-dyed flannels his eyes lit up. I tried to steer him over to the blue and green tie-dyed flannel but clearly it was far too subdued for him.

I have been calling this project the Coat of Many Colors or the Robe of Many Colors since I started working on it. I got home with the fabric and washed it with several color catchers and then dried it in a hot dryer. After cutting out the pieces, Julia and I were looking at it. It felt too thin for a bathrobe. With the one layer of flannel, it just didn’t have a cozy feel to it. This was over Thanksgiving weekend. We hopped on-line to see what was on sale at Jo-Ann’s. There was a teal blue flannel for $2.99 per yard and it was a great match. Score!

The lining made the robe so much cozier and it matched really well.

When the solid flannel arrived a few days later, I cut out the same set of pieces (front, back and sleeves). I had already constructed the outer portion with the tie-dyed fabric and now I put the blue lining together. It went together very quickly as this was a super easy pattern. Inserting the lining, wrong sides together with the outer fabric was simple. Then I carefully pinned the edges together along the neckline and all the way down the front opening. I top-stitched the outer robe and lining together at the shoulder seams to anchor everything. Then I ran a basting stitch around the entire open edges, up each side of the front and around the back of the neck.

I was ready to finish the open edges in front when I realized I didn’t have quite enough of either the teal fabric or the brightly colored fabric. So I used both. I put the bright portion around the back of the neck and slightly extending into the front. The rest was finished in teal.

A pop of hot pink in the pockets.

For fun, I used a hot pink flannel for the inner pockets, which Balam really liked. He was so appreciative when he received the robe yesterday. All smiles and he wore it over his jeans all the way through dinner. Isn’t that the best?

Julia modeled for me even though this is a bit too big for her.

This was a super fun and very easy make. Balam is really happy with it which makes me so satisfied. Most likely this will be my last finish for 2019.

November’s blocks.
December’s Flying Geese blocks.

Today I worked to get caught up on my piecing for the Mosaic Mystery QAL. I have to say, I am tickled to have these finished up. For one reason or another, it seems like I rarely keep up with these quilt alongs. Because I was sick a lot in late November and early December, I fell way behind. But with a few nice, long sewing sessions, I am all caught up! Now I can begin piecing this quilt when the next set of instructions are released. WooHoo!!! Since I am on top of this QAL, I think I will go ahead and start the Push-Pull QAL with Quilting Jetgirl in January. I keep looking at fabrics for that one and haven’t quite made up my mind yet. Decisions, decisions…

Here we are at the end of 2019! I would love to reduce the inventory in the shop for end of year and tax purposes! How about a huge sale? Just in case you are inclined to help me out with this??? For today and tomorrow only, 20% off all yardage! Even better, 50% off Clearance, Remnants, Bargains, Winter and Autumn fabric, and End of Bolt pieces. This is a sale not to be missed!

Happy New Year everyone! I am looking forward to all sorts of fun, creativity and quilting in 2020. How about you?

22 thoughts on “The Robe of Many Colors

  1. Emily

    Happy New Year, Bernie! This is such a lovely robe! I’m sure Balam will be the envy of all who see it. I think it looks great it the brightly colored fabric.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Happy New Year Emily! Hope 2020 is a fantastic year for you and your family. Sewing and creating all the way through. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Linda

    Although it’s for a guy, that really is a pretty robe! You did a fantastic job on it. How sweet that he wore it throughout the meal – lol! He sounds like a fun friend. Did you use a pattern from your shop?
    Those blocks are nice! Hope you are feeling better and better each day.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      It is very pretty – the fabric is a lot of fun and when I washed the flannels they both got so nice and soft. I am curious how it will do when laundered now that it is assembled. I hope both layers just stay together nicely and don’t shift. ???

      Reply
  3. Brenda

    It is absolutely wonderful when someone of the younger generation actually appreciates something handmade for them instead of receiving a store-bought gift! I loved this story! And I love Balam’s taste in tie-die fabrics too! LOL Great job on the robe!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      It is fun to have a reason to make something for someone. Just like you and all the incredible quilts you continually make and donate. Louise, you are so generous with your time, fabric and creativity. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Kathy

    What a great idea to use the two layers of flannel to create a soft and cozy robe. I like it so much that he appreciates a handmade piece of clothing. May you go into 2020 showing us lots more of your creations! You inspire me.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Wow, thank you Kathy. What a nice thing to say. I hope 2020 is a great year for you and that we both create lots of fun things with fabric.

      Reply
  5. Wendy

    Oh, how can you not like that robe! I just have to laugh at how much I’ve shifted to bright colors – they still don’t show up much in my clothing. What a fun thing to do for him, Bernie! I’m definitely going to check out your sale. There were a couple pieces in the remnants that I was eyeing. šŸ™‚

    Reply
  6. Linda

    I just placed an order for some of your sale yardage (enough to qualify for free shipping). What a deal! I’m glad to help you deplete your inventory.šŸ˜Š

    Reply
  7. FlourishingPalms

    That robe is so beautiful! Balam’s a fella after my own heart; he loves color just like I do. He picked the perfect fabric, and your addition of the aqua lining is spot on. Pink pockets too…. I die! Good for you to be so generous with you time and skill. It’s heartwarming.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Yes – he loves color and I love that he wears whatever he wants. As we all should, but so many of us don’t.
      Glad to hear you like it as well Linda. I suspect it might be a bit too warm for you where you live though. šŸ˜‰

      Reply
  8. Mari

    What a sweet gift to Julia’s friend! It turned out so nicely, and I’ll bet his reaction was really gratifying. The pockets are the best part! So glad that he really liked it. Have a fun time ringing in the new year!

    Reply
  9. Rebecca Grace

    That Robe of Many Colors is fabulous, Bernie! My oldest son shares Balam’s taste in Hawaiian shirts and wildly-colored clothing. He would adore that robe. How kind of you to sew that for Julia’s friend! Happy New Year and Happy Sewing!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thanks Rebecca. I enjoy sewing for other’s but it makes me nervous – will it fit??? But a robe isn’t a big deal because they are not a fitted type of garment. He likes it and I am happy. Hope you all have a wonderful year in 2020!!

      Reply
  10. Lisa

    I love that crazy robe. So colourful! I have not caught up with the Mosaic mystery yet but I’m planning to soon and I am quilting along with Yvonne as well. I can never keep up with the quilt alongs either but I’m used to that now.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thanks Lisa!! I am anxious to work on piecing the top for Mosaic but keep telling myself I need to finish the project I am quilting first. I just need to finish things!!! Have you selected colors for the Push Pull yet? I am leaning toward yellows but now positive.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.