Named Asaka Robe No.5

Perhaps my all-time favourite pattern!

I first made the Named Asaka Robe in 2016… that one is still in circulation… it’s even been worn to Melbourne Frocktails and graces the guest ensuite.

I made a second and third in a cotton/linen blend, one as a Christmas gift for a friend and the other for me for hotter summer morning – silk can be sticky to wear in high humidity!

I made a fourth in block-printed cotton for a friend’s 40th birthday.

Hopefully they love them just as much as – perhaps not. I hope at least they are worn and appreciated for the thought.

Last week I made my 5th Asaka in a stunning linen from Tessuti Fabrics. I purchased this fabric a few years ago. I fell in love with this print and I had a gift Visa card from long service employment recognition. I never knew how to spend these things. However spoiling myself with a practical dressing gown in fabulous fabric seemed a good enough idea!

I’ve just returned from a week on the central plateau in Tasmania – where I took some ‘time out’ and made this, amongst other things. I’m fortunate to be able to drop out of circulation for a week every year or so. Mobile phone coverage has caught up with this corner of the world… but it’s still remote enough to mean locking yourself away for a day or so… maybe a week… is entirely reasonable. There’s a basic sewing machine there. No overlocker/serger. So it was the perfect opportunity to finally make this dressing gown as I’ve always sewn this pattern with turned under raw edges (sleeve openings and hems, French seams (side seams and inset sleeves) and hand stitched down neck bands. No overlocker required.

This dressing gown really is simpler than those decadent sleeves make it appear. I cut this out and sewed it up over two days – with plenty of chats with unexpected house guests in between!

I took longer than usual to cut it out as the print was directional. I ended up piecing the belt – but the nature of the print means it’s not obvious.

I added a hanging loop for practical reasons and Kylie & The Machine label … just because.

There’s so many things I love about this design including:-

• The neckline, it crosses over high and I love the high neck band across the back of my neck.

• The billowing sleeves, they fall open from the elbow, meaning you never need to roll or push them up.
• The shorter hem that’s a balance to the high neckline and huge sleeves – and a good compromise in a hot, humid summer climate.

Will there be a 6th Asaka? Undoubtably. I’ll be wearing this for many moons to come.

You will find my first Asaka here – the other three Asakas remain unblogged and photographed… sorry!

Pattern: Named Asaka Robe Dress

Fabric: Tessuti Fabrics (no longer available – sorry)