This is my contribution to the local hospital that our local sewing group does each year. We usually do smaller items like walker bags and chemo caps but this year I made two men’s bathrobes because I’d made one for DH last year.
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| DH’s Christmas gift last year. |
The challenge here is sewing for an unknown person so the best assumptions I could make by discussing this with some local nurses were:
- Make the body roomy. The patient will probably have an attachment to their body.
- Make the sleeves roomy and end the sleeve above the elbow. The patient may need to have their blood taken regularly.
- Ensure it is long enough to overcome any hospital draughts.
- Use external pockets because the patient will need pockets for their valuables.
- Use fabric that feels soft. The patient may have wounds that are sensitive.
- Secure the belt to the back. Belts often get lost in an industrial washroom.
- Use a dark fabric or a fabric that doesn’t show stains.
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| Front view – I know this is sloppy looking but it’s soft, smooth and comfortable. |
With all that in mind I’ve reused Butterick 6837 and made two bathrobes in the largest size.
- I’ve lengthened the body length by 8cm
- Overlocked the seams and hems
- Added interfacing on the collar pieces
- Sewn the tie to the back of the bathrobe
- And let’s face it, made the largest size to cover any patient’s needs.
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| There’s no external opening, unlike hospital gowns. |
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| This print hides any markings, stains and creases. |
PS: A note to Tigergirl, TJ and SarahLizSewStyle, the Enid shift dress with lace is being tweaked for fit and the ‘reveal’ – Squeal!
velosews 
just when I think that you can't get anymore saint-like, you go and do something like this. It is very awe-inspiring 🙂
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I agree, taking time and effort for someone else is very inspiring…barest job
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They're great! I feel bad cos I haven't made anything for it this year
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What a lovely thing to do! Great idea and really well executed. You have made some people's life more comfortable.
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You are so generous and caring. I'm sure these both will be hugely appreciated.
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I'm going to be embarrassed to bring mine now. Yours looks so great.
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You are the sweetest lady.
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Seeriously, your energy and positive work is so inspiring- I push my own cart in the grocery store and feel very pro-active, myself! Gorgeous robes!
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These look great Maria, not one but two! Your generosity will be much appreciated.
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This looks so gorgeous and super soft and comfortable… I envy the lucky person who receives this and I'm sure they will love it 🙂
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What a great idea and cause. Really great to see people doing such lovely things. Makes me feel all warm inside:) Great work.
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That's such a generous gesture – you are a star! Looks like a really comfortable and practical bathrobe, and beautifully made too of course.
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I'm impressed at how much thought you put into this project. What a nice idea! Also, a great way to use up a few yards of fabric that you might have changed your mind about.
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Those are Awesome gifts and super practical. They look so snuggly warmvand the recipients will love it.
Also Congrats on your peony dress being featured on PatternReview's best pattern of 2012.
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Maria, what a lovely idea – you have thought out this project very well – I used to be a nurse, and yes, so much has to be thought about. The gown also looks smart, something else that is very important – people feel so dreadful when they are not well, so every little bit of dignity helps.
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These will surely make someone feel a bit better! They look great!
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