Sewing Adventures – Seamwork Almada

I love this robe, its such a lovely shape and so very very fast to put together. It’s the Seamwork Almada. If you ever need a speedy present then this should be your go to pattern.

This one was made for a present for a family member from a lovely silk viscose at Pitt Trading.

Surprisingly the fabric wasn’t every shifty at all, I had been expecting it to move a lot but because it has a slight crepe like texture to it I found it remarkably easy to handle. However I was sure to use a brand new fine sharps needle as it did not like a heavy needle at all.

I cut approximately a medium but kept the arms and body length as long as possible as I was making for someone much taller than I am. This robe can come up short so be careful of that if you are using it.

Using French seams I joined the front to the back at shoulder seams, side seams and then attached the sleeve cuffs so no seam edges were visible and topstitched on the front ties. Learning from the last time I made this I cut the ties to the length they are meant to be. On my own one, I made them longer and spend 95% of my time tripping over them or untangling the cat after she has been on my lap.

The pattern calls to just turn the front edge under and topstitch down but I find that always turns back and doesn’t look good for such a luxe garment. Using a polyester satin store bias binding I went all the way around the neck and hem, there is a slight amount of roping visible but I think it will press out. I really didn’t want to unpick the fabric as I needed to get it in the post pre Christmas so just accepted it and moved on.

So there it is, a speedy pattern that makes for a great present. I’m already thinking more people will be getting a version of this next Christmas!

Pattern: Seamwork Almada

Fabric: Silk Viscose from Pitt Trading.

Alterations: French seams, bias at decline, cut longest length and arms