by Claudine Gauvin One of the things I love about social media is discovering inspiring artists in sewing, drawing, and painting. Recently, Anita Morris from the YouTube channel Anita by Design sewed a robe that made me want to give it a try. With the biting cold of the past few weeks, the timing was perfect. And honestly, my old bathrobe had seen better days!
The McCall’s M8245 pattern offers a three-piece loungewear set: a romper, a jumpsuit, and a robe with a belt. Some have even adapted the pattern for outfits that can be worn outside. But for me, the loungewear version was just what I needed.
Off to my favourite fabric store! I was looking for french terry, as Anita recommended, but I couldn’t resist a bamboo fleece in navy. It’s super soft and excellent quality—a timeless classic.
This pattern is simple to sew. The pieces are large, but the assembly went smoothly. I lengthened the bodice by 4 inches to create a longer robe. To stabilize the shoulder seams, I added bias tape when joining the front and back pieces.
One small detail that makes a big difference: I interfaced the front band for a cleaner finish. In hindsight, a lighter interfacing would have been easier to work with since it stabilizes the fabric and reduces stretch. The result? A slight mismatch between the layers during assembly. To fix it, I sewed a stay stitch along the non-interfaced side and basted the two bands together before final stitching.
At every step, I made sure to steam press with a damp cloth. It makes all the difference! This simple technique protects the fabric, prevents shine and discoloration from heat, and ensures a crisp, polished finish.
The pattern didn’t include belt loops—not very practical! So, I added two twill tape loops at the waist to keep the belt in place. Simple and effective.
After finishing the bathrobe, I decided to try the jumpsuit from the same pattern. Back to the store, where I quickly found this Sabrina printed knit made of rayon, nylon, and spandex. It’s medium-weight, drapes beautifully, and features bordeaux and navy shades that match my robe perfectly.
This jumpsuit will be ultra-versatile: pajamas, loungewear, or even something to slip on after a swim. There are no closures, just two small elastic bands sewn under the seams at the V-neckline in the front and back for subtle support.
The jumpsuit is so simple it could have been sewn in less than a day. I love the wide legs—they remind me of 70s fashion. I’m already thinking of making another version in a solid color and lighter knit. Perfect for packing in my suitcase!
Go ahead, treat yourself to this duo! A cozy robe and an ultra-comfy jumpsuit, both easy to sew and perfect for lounging at home. With a bit of creativity and the right fabrics, you’ll have a loungewear set that’s totally your style. So, ready, set, sew!
