Butterick 4483

Unisex robe, top, and pants will be cozy on a chilly night. Very loose-fitting, straight, wrap robe has shawl collar, slightly dropped shoulders, carriers, pockets, and long sleeves with cuffs. Loose-fitting top has notched collar, dropped shoulders, pocket, and long sleeves. Straight-legged pants have elastic waist, mock fly with snap closing. Butterick 4483, 1989.

* * * My Mind Wanders * * *

I was so excited when my mother sewed a robe for me in the early 1960s. She made it from a light-weight blanket so it would be nice and warm, and yard-by-yard, it was cheaper to buy the blanket than yard goods. That was the most uncomfortable robe I’ve ever owned, but it was warm and heavy. I wore that robe until it didn’t fit any more. I must say, I was still sorry to see it go. Any time a gift is handmade for me, it is a treasure, especially made by my mother. Mom was taken from us by Covid-19 in the early days of the pandemic.

I think I like handmade gifts so much, because I have always enjoyed making gifts for other people, and I know how much work and love goes into them. Whoever thinks handmade means cheap hasn’t visited a craft or fabric store lately.

Imagine my surprise in the 1970s when my new husband, who was from a different part of the country, told me he didn’t want me giving any of that homemade stuff to his family. That was very strange to me, as my people have always been thrilled to receive those handmade treasures. He got over that real fast when he saw how pleased his sisters were to receive needlepoint accent pillows, every stitch made by me.

don’t forget to treasure your treasures.