Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Beach Robe Pattern

I guess my photo yesterday wasn't as cryptic as I thought.
You guys got it....it's a Beach Robe! (bath robe, pool robe, whatever you need!)
A few years ago on a whim we took Lucy's bathrobe to the pool and I decided that it was the only way to go. The robe was warm, cozy, and didn't fall off as she tried to eat her post-swimming snack.

So instead of taking our towels to the beach and pool, now we take our robes!
And I often get comments from people, asking where we bought them.
I love surprising them with, "I made it."

And now you can surprise them too! These robes are easy to make and don't require any special skills or tools.
The Beach Robe is made from a large beach/bath towel and bound with simple bias tape. You can also use normal terry cloth fabric but I find that the cutest terry cloth out there is in the towel aisle of your local retail store.
What I love about the Beach Robe:
* My kids love them and are excited to get out of the pool and put them on.
* The robe is fun to sew and so cute when it comes together. My husband's sick of hearing "awww" coming from my sewing room.
* It's a great go-to sewing project for birthday gifts! Every niece, nephew, friend, and child should have one!
* The Beach Robe is good all year long since it can be used for summer fun and in the house after a bath or shower.
* The robe also makes an excellent "dressing room" when changing clothes. With the robe on, my child holds open the sides and we discreetly pull of their swimsuit and slip on the undies and clothes. I really love that aspect.
* And most of all....the robe comes with options:
Make the robe long-sleeved or short-sleeved.
Give it a hood lining.
Go hoodless!

It's a choose-you-own adventure kind of project.
The robe comes in 3 sizes, 4 looks, and with 12 pattern pages that are printable from your home computer.
Here are the nitty gritty details....
The BEACH ROBE Pattern
$8
* This is a 29-page PDF document, which means you download it after payment to your computer. The pattern is not mailed to you.
* The first 17 pages are filled with colorful photos and step-by-step instructions for making a beach robe.
* The last 12 pages are pattern pieces that can be printed and taped together

The pattern comes in 3 sizes
* 9months-18months
* 18 months-3 Toddler
* 3 Toddler-4 Toddler + (my daughter is a skinny 5 year old and the 4T yellow robe above fits her great)

There are 4 looks (and plenty of room for your own interpretation):
* Long-sleeved or short-sleeved
* Lined hood
* Hoodless
* Partial ties or Full tie

Skill Level
The pattern is aimed at an "experienced-beginner" level and up. Anyone can tackle it but it's probably not a first-time-sewer project.

Fabric and Supplies needed
* 1 to 2 large Beach/Bath towels or (1 3/4 yards of terry cloth fabric)
* 3 packages of 1/2 inch wide, double-fold bias tape (or about 7-8 yards of handmade bias tape)
* Sewing machine (a Serger is optional)
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PURCHASE:
$8 (click the button below):

Add to Cart

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* Instant payment is through Paypal
* E-check payment through paypal has a few days delay (so the check can clear).
* MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE PROPER EMAIL ADDRESS ATTACHED TO YOUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT. This email address is where the info about your purchase and download instructions will be sent.
* You will receive an a few emails confirming your payment and providing info about downloading the pdf pattern to your computer.
And that's it!
Happy Sewing.