Have you tried to find a summer dressing gown in the shops that is the right size for a tween?  Believe me, it’s difficult!  Fortunately there are a plethora of patterns around.

Stella had been asking me for a summer dressing gown for ages, and I really don’t know why it took me so long to provide her with one. I had both the fabric and the pattern in stash!

The pattern is a vintage one, Butterick 6974. There are plenty of similar patterns around. This one is in children’s sizes 12-14, just what I needed for Stella.

Stella is very sensitive to the feel of fabrics. This one was perfect for her – soft and slippery. It’s also vintage; I’ve no idea of actual age but I suspect 1980s. The colour is actually much more peach and apricot than the pinks that show up in these photos.

It’s pretty much your standard dressing gown, with a band to finish the front edges, patch pockets and a tie. I did add loops at the side seams to thread the belt through to keep it secured at her waist. I also have a feeling that I shortened the sleeves considerably.  I topstitched the front band in place rather than sewing it by hand.

Dressing gowns get plenty of use in our house; they really are worth sewing! Writing this reminds me that I have a whole lot of silk waiting to become summer pyjamas and dressing gowns for me. It’s lovely to have night/lounge wear that feels good to wear.