There is so much to share with you today, but I promised myself I would limit it to just two items. I’m sure I’ll have many more updates next month.
First, I want you to see the lovely robes I am making for my daughter and her bridesmaids. They will wear them while getting ready for the big event. Can’t wait to see those photos! The one on the left is for my daughter. I used a Michael Miller fabric, Pattern #CX6056, Darling Mums. The bridesmaids are made from Rosewater #PWVM 109 Garden Romance by Verna Mosquera. It is Verna’s new fabric line for Free Spirit/Westminster Fibers.
I will be making a smaller version for the adorable little flower girl. Think I will add some ruffles to make it a little different. For that one I’ll be using one of Verna’s coordinating fabrics, Rose Wreath #PWVM111.
While working on the robes I saw a sample of an attractive “modern” robe on display in my local quilt shop, The Cotton Patch. The kimono style and all the professional details caught my eye. I had been searching for a gift idea for Carol van Zandt who helped me with the fabric designed for Diana McClun (see my last post). I tried on the store sample and just loved the fit; it is both flattering and comfy.
The pattern has instructions for a variety of sizes, both for women and men. There are many wonderful details that make this robe special: a stand-up collar, side seam pockets, a hanging loop, inside ties, reinforced facings AND there are no set-in seams! Knowing that my time was limited with travel and wedding preparations, I decided to make the robe for Carol, but planned to eliminate a few of those extra details. During construction I found myself enjoying the design and sewing process so much that I decided not to skip one single step. It is simply wonderful just as Marina MacDonald has designed it. Being particular about patterns, I must say that I was extremely pleased with the clarity and thoroughness of her instructions. They are well written and include easy-to-follow diagrams. I wrote to Marina and told her how much I loved the robe and that I planned to write about it in a future blog post. She has graciously offered patterns to two of our lucky readers. Although this robe looks wonderful in Asian-inspired fabrics, it can take take on a thoroughly modern look with today’s fabrics. Please visit Marina’s website to see more examples of this lovely design.
If you would like an opportunity to win one of the two patterns, simply leave a comment telling us what fabrics you would use to make your Modern Robe. The cut off date for comments is the end of day, May 12, and winners will be announced in Pati’s post on May 13.
Oh my! Molly’s invitations arrived yesterday and she is over the top excited with them. Ahh, love the polka dot lining AND the scallops! Guess this little apple didn’t fall far from the tree. She is definitely her mother’s daughter.
I’m so taken with all the creativity and resources available today to help bring that personal touch to every wedding detail. Online design sites have an abundance of samples, inspiration, and templates to assist in personalizing cards and invitations. Molly wants the addresses to be hand lettered and, since neither of us do calligraphy, she used her techie know-how to reproduce Old World lettering. Who would have thought? Cheating? Perhaps, but oh so fun and pretty!
Can you tell I’m excited? It’s ALL so much fun. Many thanks for letting me share with you. Please remember to add a comment if you are interested in one of the Modern Robe patterns.
Until next time, happy creating everyone!
