You just can’t make a trip to the beach without beach robes.  It’s true.  Just a few days before Dana released her Beach Robe pattern I got an email from my husband asking if I wanted to go on a vacation.  I think I remember telling him that I would only go if it was to someplace sunny to lay on the beach (well, as much as you can with two small kids). Turns out it was and so I busted my butt to get a beach robe made for both our daughters.
I can’t tell you how ecstatic I was when I finished these, truthfully, I was jumping up and down and clapping when they both tried them on – to die for!

I used the target fast dry towels and my machine had no problems chugging right on through. I made my own bias tape out of some more hoarded fabric I had, the Joel Dewberry woodgrain was one of Natalie’s favorites since I bought it.

Making the tape was the most time consuming part, other than that the robes were pretty quick to make. Oh, and I sew my tape on the traditional way which for me proved to be easier than just sandwiching the bias tape around the terry (apparently I’m deficient at sewing on bias tape that way).

These would make such a fun baby shower gift too, they’re so cuddly. We’re excited to get more use out of them at the pool this summer.

I really should stop doing this, but every time I make something I just have to make two for the girls.  Plus, the second time around is always that much more fun.

And although my girls don’t need anymore clothes, it’s just too much fun to see them wearing things I make.  I know that all too soon, they won’t want me to make them clothes anymore.

So anyway, I went with Rae’s Charlie tunic again and made it into a dress this time.  I also added the puff sleeves and rounded placket again, similar to Natalie’s tunic.

My favorite part is the little bit of hand stitching.  I used to have a pic up on my inspiration board of a top that had a ton of hand stitching around the neck – it was beautiful.  Maybe I’ll have to make just one more, maybe in my size this time…

Here’s Natalie in her ‘girlified’ Charlie Tunic.  I just love Rae‘s patterns, they’re always so professional and well put together.  Don’t get me wrong, there are so many talented pattern designers out there, but this one was really awesome and well thought out.  There honestly wasn’t a detail left uncovered, and the pieces went together like a breeze. And don’t even get me started on all the lovely the options on this pattern, you know I love options!!

For her tunic I added a center pleat to the front and gathers to the sleeve.  I also rounded the front placket, hoping that these little extra details would make it a little softer and girlie looking.  It’s fun to make this version, but I definitely can’t wait to make one for my nephew.

Natalie’s not crazy about the shirt, so we’ll see if she’ll wear it much.  I’m kind of disappointed she doesn’t like it more, but at least the fabric isn’t languishing in the fabric stash any longer.   Although she did kind of warm up to it today, so that’s a good thing.

I’ve started on a similar one for Emily, and I can’t wait to finish it up to show you! Oh, and I had a few requests for more detailed information on my quilt, so I’ll be posting some info on that this week as well hopefully.  Thanks for stopping by!