Winter is here, and I need a dressing gown. This is the plan. I have made 'Bog Coats' before - the method is very old, but they did not have pleats.

Take a piece of fabric - in my case 60 inches wide. Cut off a piece/pieces from the raw edges to make two edging bands for the front and neck and a belt.

One selvaged edge is folded over and will form the sleeves and upper body.

Cut vertically up the centre front of the folded over piece and a few inches along the fold each side for the neck - it will need to be shaped later.

Cut horisontally in from the raw edges, for the sleeve and any cuff or turn back. Fold the lower part in to make the fronts of the garment.

Sew in pleats to narrow the back and upper part of the garment. Attach the top selvage to the fronts. It might not be a straight seam, slope it so the lower front falls straight, not pulled up.

Sew the sleeve seams. Neaten the raw edges. Shape the fronts like a kimono, but make a rounded neck as it is warmer than the kimono style.

Attach edging bands, joining them centre back neck.

Make a belt and loops.

It seems like a good idea.

Photos and snags to follow.