The Inara Robe by Goheen Designs

My first completed garment for 2018 is the Inara robe from Goheen Designs. This pattern is a cute little dressing gown, with nice details, so when I saw the call for testers on Instagram, I jumped on the chance to be a pattern tester for this.

I thought it would be a good pattern to use up a busy print. I bought this Sandpipers fabric by Michael Miller in the John Lewis January sale, not really paying attention to exactly –what- I would make from it.

On reflection, the 100% cotton may have been too stiff and not drapey enough for a floaty robe pattern, but maybe the boxy-kimono sleeves of my version are part of its charm?

Anyway, practical points. Madeline sent me the tester pack, and her site can be found here: https://www.goheendesigns.com/

As the Inara is loungewear for about the house, I decided to true-test (not adjust) the pattern as-is. The pattern is easy to print and assemble, with clear instructions. It’s got a loose fit on top, which I like. This is the finished item: the side view shows some fit issues, and on reflection, I should have done a swayback adjustment:

As you can see from the ruffled black edges, I struggled with the bias bound edges. Originally, I did make my custom bias binding from the sandpipers fabric, but struggled to line this up neatly into bias tape. It wasn't all in vain, as this strip became the robe's belt! Lesson 1: I need to invest in a bias tape making gadget. I had a fair go at using shop-bought binding, but this wasn't as neat as I hoped. Am I even doing it right?

The second bit I struggled with was making the round hem. I'll be honest: I hate hemming. Everything I have made has a bad hem, and this is actually one of my better attempts. I deviated from the instructions and made the body of the garment using French seams. These look good, but may have messed with the fit/seam allowances, and caused bulk at the hem at the side seams. Here's a look at the (mainly) neat and tidy inside view:

The pattern pieces themselves are a nice shape; I can see potential for using the front for hacking into a wrap-dress, and the hemline is interesting.

Overall, I think this was a successful make. I was away in Lisbon at the time of the official pattern release, so apologies for the delay in posting!