Hello. Hello.

I’m back with a new to me, new to the pattern market, make today. Yep. I was lucky enough to pattern test the hot off the press Suki Robe by Helen’s Closet.

Okay…a very short back story. I’ve been on the hunt for a Haori inspired robe for a few years now….patiently, and sometimes not so patiently, searching thrift stores for a vintage robe that ticked all the boxes; fit, colour, fabrication. The reality was I found few….very few…robes at all. And. They never fit. And. The colours were always wrong. Honestly…I’m not sure why I didn’t think to sew a robe from the onset of my obsession other than that I was probably a little glued to the idea of vintage.  My shopping experience kept trying to tell me otherwise; ginormous sleeves past my finger tips, hems puddling at my feet, heavy fabrications, saturated colour combinations…yep, those were clues baby, clues. Still. Optimistically. I continued my search…until a surprise email from local pattern designer Helen landed in my inbox.

So. Honestly?  The Suki Robe had me at hello. The silhouette. The perfectly proportioned sleeves. Pockets! The inset front band that feels so classically kimono.

Of course, when sewing one’s own masterpiece, the fit, the colour and the fabrication need not be compromised.

To make customization a little easier, Suki comes in two lengths…to the knee and midi. I shortened the knee length version by 3″ {for reference I’m 5’2″}. I also shortened the sleeves 1/2″. EDIT: The knee length version has been lengthened by 1.5″

The pattern instructions include a nifty {does anyone even say that anymore?} method of permanently securing the tie to the back of the kimono. I, however, opted to leave mine free. I prefer to wear my robe open, without the tie at all. Somehow it feels less robe-like. If I anticipate that I might want a cozier fit, I simply take the tie along with me in my handbag.

All righty…this is a new pattern release and I get it; people want to know the level of sewing difficulty. For me…an advanced seamstress…it was a mostly easy make. BUT. Sewing that front band required patience…and even with basting and interfacing, I didn’t end up with a completely square corner. Sewing those right angles be tricky sewing business. The good news is…if it feels too daunting, there is an optional {easier} view with the front band running the full length of the robe. I also think Helen will be posting a blog about this potentially challenging step.  I encourage you to give the inset band a go. Learning new mad skillz is always a good thing! EDIT: I’ve just reviewed the final published pattern and it has additional very detailed steps. You can do it!

For those of you adverse to hand sewing, you’ll be happy to know that Suki can be sewn entirely on your machine. That being said, I hand stitched both the sleeve band facings and the front band facings. My fabric is a bit diaphanous and I didn’t want any raw edges to show. {I french seamed both the shoulder seams and the side seams.}

My robe is intentional outerwear…oooh, should I hashtag that? I’m always hesitant about wearing test patterns before their release date, but with my Suki I couldn’t resist. I’ve worn it a couple of times when going out for dinner….it functions perfectly as a wrap when the air gets chilly. I’ve also worn it in the daytime as sun protection. How is that even possible? I think because the design is loose fitting and the fabric is cotton…it feels comfortable even in the heat.

So, to wrap up, {see what I did there?} my robe is practical, but best of all? It’s a fun way to add pattern and colour to an outfit. And….ahem…when I was shopping for my dream fabric, I actually found two fabrics I loved. Yep…I bought both. I hope to show you my second one soon!

Helen is offering 20% off the Suki Robe this week. You can buy it here.

Suki Robe : : Helen’s Closet

Alyse Wide Leg Pants : : Designer Stitch {blog post coming}

Plantain T-Shirt : : Deer and Doe {updated 2017 pattern}

UPDATE: Name of the Suki has been changed to Suki Robe as of May 16, 2019