McCalls M6659 - Spring Robe with Spoonflower Fabrics

Hi pinups! It's time for my second Spoonflower project (if you missed my first post featuring some stunning constellation print jersey fabric, check it out HERE), and I'm sewing with Summer in mind! For April's Spoonflower make I wanted to shake off my tights and jeans and sew something which would hopefully bring out some Spring Sunshine.

I work from home and it's no secret my uniform consists of lounge wear and pjs. So after coming out of my Winter sewing cocoon, I wanted to sew a garment which felt light and colourful which I could get lots of wear out of, without making a dress (there's a few in the sewing queue). So I decided to sew myself a comfy cotton dressing gown to wear around the house, over whatever my work uniform is that day!

Here's a peek at the pattern:

I've made option A from the McCalls M6659 pattern which is a short robe. The pattern is almost kimono like with flared sleeves and who doesn't love a pattern when it says's 'easy' on the front! After an initial Google for pattern reviews, the M6659 seems to be a popular pattern and I hoped I would enjoy it too. 

The Fabric:

Once I had settled on sewing a light weight dressing gown, I thought Spoonflower's classic Basic Cotton Ultra would be perfect. The weight of the fabric compliments the shape of the robe, and whilst it isn't super flowy, it still holds the shape of the robe without being stiff or feeling rough against the skin. As well as being easy to wash & care for as this garment will be getting lots of wear.

Cactus prints have started filtering in to fabric shops and it seems to be a popular trend on the high-street from fashion to interiors. But succulents AND polka dots? A match made in print heaven for me. I love the colour palette of the fabric, it's bright and colourful with hints of mint and pink.

After so many great versions of the M6659 pattern online, I hoped it was going to be nice and easy to sew with minimal fit issues. I wanted a garment with a simple shape to really show off the pattern of the fabric. I'm really pleased I opted for this pattern and option A, as I think the fabric and pattern are a great match. I added a touch of plain baby pink piping I had in my stash to highlight the neck band and break up the print.

The whole sewing process for this robe was enjoyable and simple and I really enjoyed taking the time to sew this one to a high standard. It was one of those rare sewing projects that was a breeze from start to finish and I love the final garment.

Sewing Summary:

Pattern: McCalls Ladies Easy Sewing Pattern 6659 Pyjamas & Dressing Gown

Fabric: 4" Cactus Obsession /Black & White / Polka Dots

Notions: Baby Pink flat cotton piping.

Sewing time: A hour or two.

Modifications: Nothing.

Fit: Great.

Difficulty: Very easy!

Watch out for: I took extra care sewing the piping for a neat finish.

Make Again?: I'd love to make the other options on this pattern.


The McCalls M6659 pjs pattern will be my new go-to pattern for cute lounge-wear. I think this pattern will work well in a variety of fabrics from luxurious satin to cosy jersey, but I'm very pleased with my first take on this pattern in classic cotton. Whilst Spoonflower's Basic Cotton Ultra might not work for all your dressmaking projects (I personally like sewing with cotton for dresses with fitted bodices and full skirts as I like the shape they hold), it works really well for this robe and is comfortable to wear. I only wish I had enough left to sew a matching pj top and shorts! But I do have enough (I think) for a small square cushion...

Overall, I couldn't be happier with my new cotton dressing gown and I've worn it every morning since I made it. The print never fails to cheer me up and I just need the weather to warm up so I can spend my evenings lounging in it too!

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Don't forget to visit Spoonflower to make your own fabric dreams come true! I can't wait to show you my next project and my favourite fabric of all the ones I've selected. I know I shouldn't have a favourite, but you guys are going to LOVE it!

Thanks for reading, pinups!
Abi xo