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Member since 9/30/06
Posts: 578
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Posted on: 1/17/07 8:26 AM ET
I thought I'd be clever, and chop up some towels (we have far too many) to make a new dressing gown so that I have something to wear while the other is drying.

I'm doing it, but never, ever, again!

1. I can only cut one layer of towel with my cutting shears.
2. I am sewing through SIX layers of towelling at times, and I'm really surprised my machine hasn't died already.
3. This stuff frays. So every single edge was zig-zagged before I started, and I've done faux felled seams wherever I can.

I've just got the front band/collar to do, but I'm taking a break.

What would you use for a dressing gown?
  
Member since 5/10/05
Posts: 2641
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Posted on: 1/17/07 9:25 AM ET
What is a dressing gown?
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http://theramblingsoftcm.blogspot.com/
Numbers for 2013:
Yards in stash: 606.25
Yards in: 22.75
Yards out: 10.50

Numbers for 2012:
594.00 yards in stash
4 yards in
10.25 yards out

Numbers for 2011:
601.25 yards in stash (I'm sure this number is off by a few yards)
Yards in: 137.50 (Seriously? I'm over 100, and it's only JULY? Ugh!)
Yards out: 88.75
  
Member since 4/11/02
Posts: 10809
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Posted on: 1/17/07 9:27 AM ET
Sadi,
dressing gown = bathrobe in US-speak

Dr. LJN,
I've used stretch terry velour. It's wonderfully soft and has held up to much wearing and laundering.

Here is the review.
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"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
  
Member since 3/2/04
Posts: 2073
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Posted on: 1/17/07 10:23 AM ET
In reply to LornaJay
I've made a robe from silk charmeuse, and I love the way it feels [so soft, shiny, and slippery].

The silk is cooler and breathes, but if you wanted it to be warmer, you could opt for polyester charmeuse.

I've also made a robe from stretch velour [not terry, like Debbie's], and it was nice...but the velour wore off the elbows in time [a little prematurely, I thought].




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Ardis

the lefthanded daughter of a lefthanded mother
  
Member since 3/19/04
Posts: 2557
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Posted on: 1/17/07 10:24 AM ET
I made one out of a heavy rayon reviewed here. Feels very elegant. But I have to admit that I don't use dressing gowns/bathrobes very often.
  
Member since 5/10/05
Posts: 2641
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Posted on: 1/17/07 10:41 AM ET
Thanks Debbie. That's what I thought,but wasn't completely sure.

Thanks!
------
http://theramblingsoftcm.blogspot.com/
Numbers for 2013:
Yards in stash: 606.25
Yards in: 22.75
Yards out: 10.50

Numbers for 2012:
594.00 yards in stash
4 yards in
10.25 yards out

Numbers for 2011:
601.25 yards in stash (I'm sure this number is off by a few yards)
Yards in: 137.50 (Seriously? I'm over 100, and it's only JULY? Ugh!)
Yards out: 88.75
  
Member since 1/26/03
Posts: 3678
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Posted on: 1/17/07 10:55 AM ET
I've used flannel with nice results. If you want real warmth you can use fleece, either the sweatshirt variety or something like Polartec.
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Buy the best and you only cry once.

  
Member since 5/28/06
Posts: 1449
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Posted on: 1/17/07 11:25 AM ET
I've used flannel as well. I forget where I got it, but even when you've washed it several times, the flannels stays soft and smooth to the touch. It's also great for absorbing some of the moisture and for added warmth.
  
Member since 9/3/06
Posts: 8552
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Posted on: 1/17/07 11:27 AM ET
in college (in the 70's) we used to make robes or gowns out of our extra towels..1 bath size for front, 1 for the back..sew side seams together. for top use a hand size turned sideways..cut a neck hole, bind(or turn under edge..we weren't that into finishing well as i recollect) sew to the bottom pieces and sew arm seams..is this clear and understandable? depending upon the size of the towels you then had a gown that varied in size from knee lenght to floor lenght with the ever stylish empire waist! if your hand towels were small you used 2, 1 for front, 1 for the back, sew the long edge together leaving a hole for the head, the attach to the bottom. no hemming in that case. it was fun choosing the patterns and it varied from quite elegant to 70.s funky depending upon taste & availailabilty at the local store..town of 5,000 in central washington farm country. anyway it was fun, fast, cheap and easy...no 6 layers or fraying.. hadn't thought of those in years..your post brought them back to mind..might just go and check out my towel collection!
thanx
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2009-113.25 yds
2010-115.5
2011-80.25+30+donated
2012 86.3 yds..
2013 21.0
Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987

  
Member since 9/30/06
Posts: 578
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Posted on: 1/17/07 1:43 PM ET
Right. Flannel it is - at this time of year anyway. I have to go out into the hotel to use the bathroom (we're the only ones who aren't ensuite, of course) and need a coverup over the jammies in case I scare the guests!

I think if I did try it again, I might do something similar with straight towels rather than trying to follow a pattern. 1 back, 2 fronts, 2 small ones for sleeves/shoulder area, and that will do!

Thanks for all the lovely pointers to reviews too - I think DH would very much like the silk charmeuse one on me, but no way am I wearing that out of our quarters
  
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