Another housecoat
for mom

Cost Breakdown included

2–3 minutes

Cost, Pattern, and Time

This housecoat started with four meters of purple viscount satin from Fabricland, about $60 in total. I used the Fleur Robe pattern from Mood Fabrics, a pattern I have used before and come back to because of how easy it is to sew, and the final look is comfortable and elegant.

This robe is a follow-up to the very first housecoat I made my mom, which she still wears every day. She loved it so much she requested a second one.

It took 9.5 hours from the first cut to the final seam. I made a few adjustments to suit her routines, like shortening the sleeves so she has more freedom while cleaning and cooking. I also added a small loop at the neckline so she can hang it easily on a hook.

An Advent Robe

The morning after I finished the robe, I watched my mom slip into it, and she said, “I could lie on the altar for Advent.”

On her days off, she likes to make her famous pancakes, berry compote, and longganisa sausages. Zac sat nearby in the pink housecoat I made him, sipping his coffee, as we watched her sing and dance around the kitchen.

What I’d Sell it For

These days, I am very happy. Especially now that I am focusing on personal projects instead of client work for sewing and photography.

But if I were to sell this robe or offer commissions, my rate would be the cost of materials plus time to sew at the hourly living wage in BC.

“The living wage is the hourly rate a worker needs to earn to cover the basic expenses of living in British Columbia. It’s not about luxury, it’s about ensuring you and your family can afford essentials like food, rent, transportation, and child care without having to choose between them.
In 2025, the living wage in BC ranges from $21.55 to $29.60 per hour, depending on where you live. ” – Living Wage BC.

With this in mind, $60 (cost of materials) + 9.5 hours x $25 (the living wage rate I would charge in 2025) = $297.50 plus shipping and taxes.

Whether or not you agree with this rate, it puts into perspective what handmade clothing actually costs when you factor in both materials and a fair wage, and it makes me think about how we value the things we wear every day.