Wrapped up

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.

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.

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.

There's no external opening, unlike hospital gowns.

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!