… and the winner is…

25 Aug … and the winner is…

iPhone cases, napkins, tablecloths, shoe bags, and a hot air balloon represent a small sample of the 576 creative comments submitted for Susan Khalje’s new Couture Dress Video and Pattern giveaway!

Many of you were on the right track in assuming I was making bridesmaids gifts.

IMG_0002If you were one of the twenty-six readers who guessed

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–  R O B E S  –

you are correct!

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My daughter, Katie, wanted to give her friends in the wedding party a personal gift they did not already own. How could I refuse?

The girls opened the robes at the Bridesmaids’ Luncheon on Friday,

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and wore them on Saturday; a leisurely day devoted to hair, makeup and taking care of the bride.

Screen Shot 2014-08-25 at 9.54.49 AMFortunately, one size fit most everyone, including the two bridesmaids due in October!

IMG_0013Using Simplicity 1946  I sewed the robes assembly line style, cutting the all of the robes first, followed by sewing the belts, belt loops, shoulder seams, facings etc…

The female portion of the wedding party consisted of 11 bridesmaids, 3 greeters and 1 reader. Each robe required 3 1/2 yards of fabric bringing the grand total of fabric to 52 yards!

The robes were incredibly easy to assemble. The sleeves were especially long, but after cutting and hemming the sleeves on one robe, I gave the remaining sleeves large cuffs. However, the best of the entire process was watching Katie match the fabric to her friends’ unique style and personalities 😉DSC_0140

Congratulations go to:

A N G E L A   – email – mykid……….@yahoo.com
the lucky winner of the Susan Khalje Cocktail Dress Video Class and Pattern

who should contact me at goodbyevalentino@gmail.com no later than Thursday, August 28 to claim this exciting giveaway prize!

Many thanks to all for your enthusiastic participation –  a special thanks to my friend Petra, who inspired me to make the robes – and a very special thank you to Susan Khalje for her lovely generosity and contribution.

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PS….. the wedding was perfect. More soon 🙂 🙂

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
99 Comments
  • Melissa Brown
    Posted at 17:21h, 25 August Reply

    Congratulations! Thank you for allowing us to share in your happiness!

  • Deborah R Penner
    Posted at 17:29h, 25 August Reply

    What a wonderful idea! My children are now long married but this might be applied to any event, such as a family holiday gathering or a special milestone birthday. Love the fabrics.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 19:33h, 25 August Reply

      Thank you, Deborah! I agree that this type of gift can be tailored for many occasions 🙂

  • Becky Bagwell
    Posted at 17:34h, 25 August Reply

    Not only are you a fab seamstress, you are a great writer! Love reading your blog and YES, the wedding was perfection!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 19:34h, 25 August Reply

      Ahh……. thank you, Becky! So glad you were there to celebrate with us 🙂

  • onedabbles
    Posted at 17:38h, 25 August Reply

    What a wonderful idea and a beautiful gift. All the lovely fabrics and beautiful, happy women. I will smile all day thinking of this post. (The hot air balloon suggestion was great too!)

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 19:35h, 25 August Reply

      Many thanks for your nice comment! The hot air balloon comment made me laugh too 🙂

  • Becky
    Posted at 18:13h, 25 August Reply

    Those are gorgeous!! No wonder you have been quiet. Lucky girls.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 19:36h, 25 August Reply

      Thank you, Becky! Between sewing robes, my MOB dress and planning a wedding, I barely had time to breath 🙂 It was fun but time to move on!!

  • lisa g
    Posted at 18:16h, 25 August Reply

    wow!! what a generous gift, the thought of sewing that many robes sounds exhausting! they are beautiful, and no doubt will be loved and appreciated. can’t wait to hear about the wedding!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 19:37h, 25 August Reply

      Many thanks, Lisa! It was fun and worth the effort – look forward to sharing wedding details soon 🙂

  • Alethia
    Posted at 18:18h, 25 August Reply

    CONGRATULATIONS, Angela!!! What a great idea to make robes…they turned out beautifully!!!

  • Vancouver Barbara
    Posted at 18:26h, 25 August Reply

    A stellar piece of work. The fabrics looks so right for each bridesmaid. Well done Bride and Mother-of-the-Bride. Looking forward to the next installment of wedding pictures and commentary.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 19:38h, 25 August Reply

      Thank you, Barbara! I can’t wait to share more soon 🙂

  • zibergirl
    Posted at 19:13h, 25 August Reply

    What a wonderful idea! I have a wedding coming up next November. You’ve given me some food for thought.

  • Alethia
    Posted at 19:15h, 25 August Reply

    You did a fantastic job on the bridesmaids robes. The fabric is beautiful.

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 19:28h, 25 August Reply

    The wedding was indeed perfect! – and what a smart, talented, energetic mother of the bride you are! All the robes are beautiful and wonderful keepsakes for Katie’s friends.

  • Paula Hamrick
    Posted at 19:30h, 25 August Reply

    Great job!

  • Faye Lewis
    Posted at 19:38h, 25 August Reply

    The robes were gorgeous!

  • Jenny
    Posted at 19:46h, 25 August Reply

    Beautiful! I have the sudden urge to make myself a pretty floral robe…

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:34h, 26 August Reply

      You should, Jenny! It’s truly instant gratification 🙂 Many thanks for your comment.

  • Linda B.
    Posted at 19:55h, 25 August Reply

    Wow…they are fabulous! Can’t wait to see your MOB dress and wedding photos!

  • Myra
    Posted at 20:04h, 25 August Reply

    Congratulations on a job well done!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:35h, 26 August Reply

      Thank you, Myra! I’m so ready to start my usual sewing projects again 🙂

  • Mary Walsh
    Posted at 20:05h, 25 August Reply

    I love your blog. You are such an inspiration! The bathrobes are the best idea – what beautiful fabrics. I hope to be able to follow your footsteps and start producing more and more quality garments. Thanks for all you share.

    I am sure your daughter’s wedding was beautiful. Hope you will post some pictures.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:37h, 26 August Reply

      Thank you for this nice comment, Mary 🙂 The wedding was just as we imagined and the reception was a blast – pictures soon!!

  • Barbara Russel
    Posted at 20:55h, 25 August Reply

    You are some momma!

  • carolinascallin
    Posted at 21:55h, 25 August Reply

    OMGosh…those are adorable! What a great idea. You’re so clever to do that! It’s so hard to find a truly unique gift for the girls…you succeeded wonderfully!

    Glad it was a special week 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:39h, 26 August Reply

      Thank you, Cheryl! By the time they are in their late 20s and have been in lots of weddings, there is not much in the way of these types of gifts that the girls don’t already have. It was a fun, fun project 🙂

  • Carolyn in Gig Harbor
    Posted at 22:31h, 25 August Reply

    Fabulous idea…. This looks like a great idea for the next SSSC (sisters summer solstice celebration) I started for my 3 sisters almost 8 years ago after realizing that “Family Functions” of 35 to 38 didn’t leave time for connecting. Love the idea, I too celebrated a wedding this August,our son, and I spent a bit of time with 3 showers, MOG dress (marfy 3146) and enhancements of the Flower Girl outfit. Waiting to hear more on your project.
    Carolyn in Gig Harbor

  • accordion3
    Posted at 22:49h, 25 August Reply

    What a lot o bridesmaids!

    Those robes are beautiful, brilliant idea. I’m thinking my two girls will be getting one for Christmas this year.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:05h, 27 August Reply

      Many thanks! There were a lot of bridesmaids for sure 🙂

  • Sharon
    Posted at 23:25h, 25 August Reply

    Such a thoughtful gift for your daughter’s bridesmaids, they will remember this day for years. Can’t wait to hear more about the wedding!

  • Susie
    Posted at 23:27h, 25 August Reply

    Oo ooh, you must be exhausted! They are gorgeous, and quite a memorable gift. Coincidentally, I just sewed ONE for my daughter who is off to college. Can’t wait to see the rest of your wedding posts.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:07h, 27 August Reply

      Susie – Exhausted is correct, but it’s a happy one! Many thanks 🙂

  • Treva
    Posted at 01:01h, 26 August Reply

    You are by far a most generous mother! 15 robes is amazing!!! They look lovely and enjoyed.

  • Maggie Edger
    Posted at 01:17h, 26 August Reply

    Love this and Yes the wedding was pure PERFECTION! AMaggie

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:09h, 27 August Reply

      Thank you, Maggie – for the comment and making the trip !

  • Vivian Katz
    Posted at 01:34h, 26 August Reply

    Robes! What a wonderful gift. Lucky girls and beautiful photos!

  • Danielle
    Posted at 02:25h, 26 August Reply

    Absolutely lovely.

  • Sandra (Sewist-Stitch)
    Posted at 02:56h, 26 August Reply

    Wow that is more than a few robes. I think choosing all the different fabrics would have been the challenge, but what a great gift. The photos are fabulous.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:11h, 27 August Reply

      Actually, choosing the fabric was the easy part. I love Amy Butler fabrics and had lots to pick from. My daughter did not assign the robe to the bridesmaid until they were cut out. Thanks for your nice comment, Sandra!

  • black label
    Posted at 03:12h, 26 August Reply

    oh wow…this is a mass load of sewing but for such a special occasion. i love all the pattern & colour.

  • Rachel
    Posted at 03:36h, 26 August Reply

    Wow, good effort! You must have so many pins! 😀 They look great. Can’t wait to hear/see more about the wedding. I’m so glad it went well. Rachel ☺

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:13h, 27 August Reply

      Thank you, Rachel! Fortunately lots of pins weren’t needed for the cotton 😉 Wedding details to come soon!

  • Kat
    Posted at 04:47h, 26 August Reply

    What an AMAZING idea 🙂

  • CherryPix
    Posted at 05:41h, 26 August Reply

    What a wonderful momento present!

  • annsfashionstudio
    Posted at 06:33h, 26 August Reply

    The fabrics are all beautiful! Wonderful idea.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:15h, 27 August Reply

      I love Amy Butler fabrics and had fun with the fabric selection process 🙂 Many thanks for your comment, Ann!

  • Red Point Tailor
    Posted at 09:58h, 26 August Reply

    Great idea! They all look just wonderful!

  • Lori
    Posted at 10:50h, 26 August Reply

    That is so many robes, you win for super-mom of the bride. I cannot wait to hear about the wedding,.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:18h, 27 August Reply

      Thank you, Lori! Wedding details coming soon……. 🙂

  • gingermakes
    Posted at 11:45h, 26 August Reply

    Holy cow! That’s so much sewing! But the robes look beautiful and so do the girls! I was just thinking about you this morning and wondering how the wedding festivities went! 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:19h, 27 August Reply

      Thank you, Ginger! They went well, but boy oh boy, I missed all of my sewing buddies! More details to come soon 🙂

  • Sheree
    Posted at 12:38h, 26 August Reply

    How lovely of you to sew all those robes! They all look very happy with them. One question. In the UK, I believe it would be unusual to have so many bridesmaids. Is this an average number for the US? (Interesting to see the different cultures and traditions for other countries). Really looking forward to seeing your further posts on the wedding and so glad that it all went well. You certainly deserved to have a wonderful day.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:25h, 27 August Reply

      Thank you, Sheree! My daughter is in her late 20s and has made quite a few friendships. Many weddings here have large wedding parties. I’ve noticed many children in UK weddings which I think is so sweet. More wedding details to come soon 🙂

  • tjsews
    Posted at 13:39h, 26 August Reply

    Wow – you certainly were one busy lady! All of the robes are beautiful. I love the colors and everyone looks so comfy and happy in them.

  • Amanda
    Posted at 13:49h, 26 August Reply

    Oh wow! You are so clever! What great gifts for them. And wonderful photos! Can’t wait for more!

  • sewdooley
    Posted at 14:37h, 26 August Reply

    You have raise the bar for MOBs. The robes look beautiful on the girls and are truly a gift which will be often used.

  • NaTisha
    Posted at 23:17h, 26 August Reply

    I love it! You have just given me the most awesome idea. My lifelong friend of 39 years is getting married soon and I think this will be my gift to her (as her gift to her bridesmaids) there will only be four so this is totally doable for a novice like me. I love the fabrics.. Was it just 100% cotton? Thanks for this wonderful idea.

  • goodbyevalentino
    Posted at 08:27h, 27 August Reply

    Great idea NaTisha! The fabric was 100% cotton. I started sewing French seams but ended up using the serger. French seams are totally doable with only four 🙂

  • cathynd95
    Posted at 09:12h, 27 August Reply

    so cute! great idea!

  • Angela
    Posted at 12:01h, 27 August Reply

    The robes look wonderful, what a creative idea! You and your Bernina are probably ready for a little break from sewing, LOL! I’m looking forward to more details about the wedding. And, I’m quite excited about the prize. Talk about being shocked and thankful!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 19:53h, 27 August Reply

      Congratulations, Angela! I can’t wait to see where this course takes you – keep us posted! 🙂

  • Petra McLean
    Posted at 13:06h, 27 August Reply

    The kimonos are wonderful, the colors so bright and cheerful. The girls will enjoy their robes for years and remember the wedding and their friendship. Worth every hour spent at the machine.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 19:54h, 27 August Reply

      Petra – It’s all due to you!! Many thanks for inspiring me with your beautiful robes 🙂

  • Susan
    Posted at 20:21h, 27 August Reply

    How lovely! Congratulations to the winner 🙂

  • Laura Casey
    Posted at 08:40h, 28 August Reply

    What a wonderful gift! The colors are glorious….especially like the picture of the girls in their robe and then the one with them hanging in the tree like fruit!
    Beautiful colors, thought what a visual delight!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:49h, 29 August Reply

      Hi Laura! So nice to hear from you and many thanks for your comment 🙂 The robes were quite fun to make and I believe the girls really liked them.

  • Kathie Bennett
    Posted at 10:15h, 28 August Reply

    These have to be the most perfect bridesmaids gifts ever! As soon as my daughters saw these robes ….they are determined to have unique and chic kimonos!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:54h, 29 August Reply

      Thank you, Kathie! Maybe they will inspire your daughters to learn to sew 🙂

  • CheraleeS
    Posted at 22:57h, 28 August Reply

    I have been following your blog for several months now and each new project inspires me to relook at my own closet or to take a chance on a new print at the fabric store. I really love every pattern you have listed, but when I look for them, sometimes they are o/p. Are these patterns you have collected over time or ones that you are just finding now? Can I tag along next time?! 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:48h, 29 August Reply

      Thank you so much, Cheralee! Occasionally I’ll buy an out of print pattern from Etsy, EBay or other online site. Sometimes a current pattern becomes discontinued after I buy it too. I’ve discovered most of these patterns can be found online – even the pattern companies sell OOP patterns. Good luck and many thanks for your nice comment 🙂

  • Genevieve
    Posted at 20:17h, 29 August Reply

    Congratulations! What a wonderful inspiration is your thoughtful gift to these lovely young women sharing Katie’s wedding day. Beautiful robes, yes but a gift of your skills and diligence as well. I feel your heartfelt example will resonate and inspire creativity in many ways both in their lives and others’.

  • holly
    Posted at 01:57h, 02 September Reply

    You are so sweet to make something for the bridesmaids! I bet they were bowled over.

    As for your dress… perfection. Worth waiting for the post. I think the straps are a great addition; you don’t want to be worrying about what you’re wearing on the day.

    Congratulations.

  • PT
    Posted at 20:18h, 20 August Reply

    I am looking at using this pattern to create robes for my 7 yr old’s spa birthday. What type of fabric did you use? Many people use fleece or knit but are your quilters type cotton? They are beautiful!

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