McCalls 6840 - Jungle PJ's

As part of my plan to revamp my wardrobe, I thought it was about time that I took a look at my PJ situation.  I have made a few PJ bottoms, but have been wearing the same couple of raggedy t-shirts for an embarrassingly long time.  So, I picked up some lovely cotton flannel in the sales, in a wild animal print - jaguar/cheetah?  I'm not sure, but Mr. SDSC thinks it is very '70's!

I used my TNT pants pattern - I like my PJ pants to be pretty loose, so rather than the 1" seams I would use for dress pants, I just used 5/8" seams.  The top is from McCalls 6840 and I chose view 'C'.  I have been coveting the pattern for quite some time now, so I was excited to give it a try.

Here I am in all my jungle goodness!!!

I feel that a teddy is obligitory in these kind of shoots!

There is a LOT of fabric in this top!

But howdy doody - look at that collar and the concealed buttonholes.  I have not sewn concealed buttonholes before.  The construction was interesting - a strip of fabric is cut, the buttonholes are sewn, then the strip is sewn to the front of the top.  I love it!

The only thing is - my lovely acid pink buttons are hidden!

So, a little about the pattern,  I was still on a 'dolman sleeve' kick following on from my top here, and I thought that this would make a great PJ top.  It is certainly nice and comfy - but there is a lot of fabric going on under the arms.  I did try pinning it out, but was not too happy with the look.  I did take off the cuffs though as they were HUGE - the proportions on the pattern are quite different.  I was a little disappointed with this pattern - I was hoping that it was going to be a great 'go to' pattern for PJ's and also for patterns with large prints.  There is a panel on the back where you can cut contrasting fabric, or place it on the cross grain for a neat effect, but I don't think I will make it up again.  Strangely, it fits nicely over my hips.  I really like the concealed buttonholes and the collar fits a treat, so there are some good things to this pattern.  I will probably use view 'B' to make PJ tops using the stripy fabric below - that has more of a traditional shirt design, and I may just construct an ordinary buttonhole band so I can use some funky buttons!

And for Mr. SDSC - here is a photo with a '70's' tint:

I have reviewed this pattern on Pattern Review here.

I'm thinking that these fabrics will elevate my PJ wardrobe!  How about you - do you make your own PJ's?

My PatternReview is here.