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We have returned from our travels and I am busy doing laundry, sorting through buckets of mail and generally trying to get life settled back into some semblance of normality -- when I figure out whatever normal is supposed to be.

I had intended to post while I was away but the portable computer is down, I think I probably did something stupid one night in a sleep-deprived state of frustration -- but fixing that is yet one more thing on my to do list.

I did finish the robe before we left, and it proved to be the perfect companion to the pajamas. 

At first I had great, over-ambitious, plans.  I was going to use French seams and make everything just so perfect, but the reality of a certain lack of time brought me to my senses.  It is quilting cotton after all, no reason to go crazy.  So this ended up being simple sewing, serged edges, simple seams, no fuss. 

I traced off a pattern from a favorite robe so I pretty much knew what to expect, except that the cotton fabric has much less drape than the rayon of the original robe.  I made all the narrow tubes for ties and sash loops then turned them at the doctor's office when I was playing chauffeur one day only to find that in the end I didn't really need them all.  At least they entertained me for a bit.

I decided I liked the robe better without the sash.  The cotton is stiff enough that the robe was not flattering belted and tied, but it hangs gracefully on its own.  I ended up using a simple hidden hook and eye and leaving it at that.

We came home to find the irises in bloom, apparently the only bit of springtime cheer going on up here.  Although it was warm in Tennessee, I am told it remained cool here the entire time we were gone.    Despite the fact that the pool was opened before we left, and the solar heater is running, the water is still a chilling 63 degrees.

It looks like summer is still a little ways away.  But of course that could change tomorrow.

It does however strike me as somewhat funny that although I am still hoping for warm weather and don't yet have my summer clothes out and in circulation, the new Harper's Bazaar has arrived and is filled with predictions and plans for fall clothing (despite the Nicole Richie's summer frock on the cover).

Right about now joining Marji's coat sew-along sounds like a good idea.

Comments

[mary]

that robe is just stunning. What pattern did you use?

Also I am drooling over your fishman's fabrics.. I live about an hour from Chicago and have yet to make the pilgrimage. But you are convincing me.

[Claire]

Welcome back! I hope you had a good trip. It certainly has been cold here in CT. How nice to be greated by such beautiful flowers. I too am waiting to see the goodies you purchased at Fishman's.

I can't even think about Fall clothes, although I may pick up the magazine so I'll be "in the know". ;o)

I'm joining the coat sewalong also.

[Marji]

Welcome back!
Your iris are gorgeous! I love Iris' (iris's?)
Glad you got your robe finished. It looks nice and comfy.
And I think I have to go pick up that HB - have you Noticed all the origami shapes in clothing being shown now? Wow!

[Linda L]

I love this fabric! What beautiful colors.