Shilling & Fitz Tartan Dressing Gowns

Back in February 2023 I received a phone call from a gentleman in Cornwall asking if we could make him a new dressing gown in his clan tartan Ancient Gunn Old Colours.  He wanted to be sure it would be made in Scotland using local tartan and had done his research before contacting us. We had a lengthy chat and I asked him to send me an image of his existing one. As you can see, it had been extremely well worn - I secretly wondered if maybe he had a hobby taming lions.. but it was obviously of great sentimental value to him, it just needed to be finally laid to rest in the Church of Holy dressing gowns.

David was very specific about the style of gown he wanted, and sent me photos of a smoking jacket detail, we discussed velvet colours for the collar and pocket trim, lining and frogging detail. He explained he was visiting family in Scotland over the festive period and wanted to 'make an entrance' on Christmas morning in his new tartan gown. 

Once we agreed on the basics, I got to work researching gentlemen's dressing gowns!

Classic 1940's Gentleman's Belted Dressing Gown Pattern with a Tartan Twist!

As a team we all agreed on a classic belted design circa 1940's and we started working on the pattern with Lee (Fitz) and Melinda working out the finer details. Because it was the first one we had done, there was a bit of head-scratching through the process and a few kinks to iron out (no pun intended) but we improvised, adapted and overcame!

Over a few days the gown started to take shape and we got pretty excited - could this become a thing? the possibilities were endless and ideas for bespoke options started flowing in the team. We spoke to the Company who do our quilted lining and they confimed they could quilt the velvet or satin for the collars and pockets, we could even offer custom lining! Melinda especially enjoyed working on this project and was eager to make another one, which we did a few months after, a matching pair of belted dressing gowns in classic Black Watch tartan for a husband and wife, as a Christmas gift.

The above photos on the right were taken as the gown was being constructed and the photo on the left is the gown in the shop, finished, ready to be boxed and shipped to it's new owner in Cornwall.

After Christmas, in February 2024 exactly one year after our first phone call, I received an email with a photo attached which made us all smile. 

"Happy New Year and New Gown, David"

Our dressing gowns can be made in any tartan and we have lots of options for the collar, pockets and lining. We are currently working on a gown with even more of a Scottish twist so watch this space or email us for more info!

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