Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Costume Pattern Transformed Into Clergy Robe S5386



Over the past several years, I have made several garments for Minister Ross. The commissions range from formal wear to clergy robes. In August her husband asked me to make two robes for her: one using the standard pattern Butterick 6844. He allowed me to express my creativity for the second one. ;-) For it I went on a hunt to find something a little different. As I searched the pattern books at JoAnn, I stumbled upon this costume pattern S5386.

Pattern Description: Men's and Teens' Duster. I transformed this pattern into a clergy robe.

Pattern Sizing: Sizes from XS to XL

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes and No. The style lines of the duster are the same. I did make some changes using contrasting fabric and some in the construction of the garment.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. But again I didn't follow them exactly. All changes construction and design are below.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Everything. It was perfect for the project. The design resembled a basic priest robe.

Fabric Used: polyester crepe and jacquard royal blue on royal blued with cross motif.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
- Underlined from the neckline to the waist.
- Used contrasting fabric for the sleeves, outer collar, gun flaps, back yoke, front and back facings.



- Sew on snaps instead of Velcro for front closure.
- Reverse the closure (right front side over the left front).
- lined the gun flaps instead of forming a narrow hem around the outer edges.




- Under stitched the upper edge of the collar and front facing instead of top stitching them.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. Minister Ross would like another robe made from the pattern.

Conclusion: This costume pattern was easy to sew even with the many changes made to transform it into a clergy robe. This is a very well drafted pattern. The pieces went together easily. An advanced beginner should be able to sew it without any problems.


My Flickr set on this project.

32 comments:

  1. How absolutely gorgeous! They should let you get creative often :)

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  2. The robe is beautiful and I love the fabric!

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  3. You did a really beautiful job on this project. She looks lovely. :)

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  4. That is very elegant, and should draw attention to her as she speaks. Very nice.

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  5. I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful clergy robe.

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  6. I like the contrast in texture but matching hues. Lovely!

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  7. The robe is beautiful. Her smile says it all. Blessed.

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  8. This is a truly beautiful garment. We have a Jewish tradition that one should strive to beautiful ritual and worship. You have achieved this in every way.

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  9. Beautiful robe!!! I love to see women ministers in non-traditional robes! And the color is gorgeous and looks great on Minister Ross.

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  10. You did a fabulous job... and the minister looks gorgeous.

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  11. Very creative! It's lovely to see her style expressed in such a limited garment.

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  12. So pretty and a church robe??? Add a few darts here and there for some shape and it will be ready for a night on the town as well :) . Dual duty!

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  13. Another winner! It is beautiful and Minister Ross is beautiful in it.

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  14. Clergy robe???? Wow, Minister Ross looks so fine! You did a wonderful job in creating this stunning gown. Uh oh.....You have to watch out for other church members requests, "Cenetta, can you make me a .....?"

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  15. This is really nice! Your choice of blue was great.

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  16. You are so amazing. The work you do is just outstanding and creative. I just love your site:)

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  17. Gun flaps?! Ummmmm...this church of yours sounds...interesting, what with the minister wearing something with "gun flaps" on it. (Just kidding!)

    Seriously, it's gorgeous. I am planning to make a stole for the minister of our church as a Christmas gift. Now you've got me thinking I should try a robe as well (she could use a spiffier one like the one you did!!).

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  18. okay I'm going to have to ask - what are gun flaps?!

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  19. Thanks everyone!

    Jody Pearl - Gun flaps are a trendy design feature on trench coats. It the extra fabric that is attached at the upper part of the body. See more examples here - http://www.like.com/banana-republic-trench-womens-jackets.htm.

    Thanks,
    Cennetta

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  20. A little late here, but wow - what a garment. The style and color are just stunning on her. She is perfectly attired for her ministry.

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  21. Very beautiful!!! Love the fabric and color!

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  22. awesome! i really love how u transform it. and she looks great!

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  23. That looks absolutely wonderful.
    Great adaptation of a pattern. (Hey, that sounds a bit like an Award presentation doesn't it? Best adapted screenplay...)

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  24. Thanks again ladies. I'm delivering the second robe today. I'm happy to finish them. Now I'll go back to sewing DD's wardrobe.

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  25. You did a beautiful job. She is going to look too stylish in the pulpit.

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  26. Gorgeous robe, Cenetta! I can see Minister Ross in front of the congregation commanding every eye with this stunning blue gown. Great job!

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  27. I loved this post, I loved the finished product, and I loved the smile on a beautiful lady. Wow! Keep up the good work. Creative, quality craftsmanship.

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  28. Your design and creativity is outstanding. Do you take on customers outside your area? Sometimes I am overwhelmed with robes and need help. Email me at designs by debt gmail.com. my name is pastor Debbie Thomas. Keep letting God use you! Excellent job!

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  29. This design is beautiful. I would like to love to make it in white for our Holy Convocation in April. How much did you vary from the pattern? I'm waiting for the pattern to arrive and then I'm going for it. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  30. I want one! Can I commission one? This would be perfect for a wedding I'm doing in about a year. Please contact me at christrbart@gmail.com

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