Roses are Red, Violets are Blue

I've made more PJ's

How about YOU?!

I know.  I spent an inordinate amount of time working on that little verse, and quite frankly - it was not worth it.  But hey.  Two more pairs of PJ's made!

Roses are Red:

This reminds me of the fabric used to make Laura Ashley dresses in the '80's.  They were out of my price range then, but I always fancied one of those gorgeous, floaty, cotton dresses . . . and here I am, making PJ's out of similar fabric!  Boy, I am one happening chick!!  Although 100% cotton, and 45" wide, this is not quilting cotton.  In fact, the weave is not as tight as quilting cotton - not as many 'threads per inch' - but is is very drapey.  If it was a more expensive fabric it would be a lawn, but it was from the 'last seasons fabrics' section of my local fabric shop, and it is rather lovely.  The background is coffee coloured with pretty red roses and greenery. 
 

 

 

There is nothing at all different with the construction of these PJ's, although they have highlighted the fact that I need to purchase some more funky coloured buttons rather than using plain white!

Violets are Blue:

Another 100% cotton fabric, quite thin and a bit stiffer than the other fabrics I have used so far . . . I am hoping it will soften up with washing and wearing . . . . !

So there we have it.  Some lovely PJ's to keep me looking decent whilst chilling at home!  I think I will make some summery ones - cropped legs, short sleeves and made from linen.  Watch this space!  In the meantime, I think that I am going to to make some more of cardi/jackets to replace the pilled ponte versions.  I have some bright red ribbed cotton fabric, some white and some blue cotton/lycra and some sumptuous stretch cotton velvet in deep purple.  Woohoo!

McCalls 6840 - Big Top PJ's

Roll up, roll up, ladies and gentleman - come on in for the time of your life!  The fabric on these latest PJ's reminds me of the fabric on a circus tent:

Source

It is actually a lovely, good quality, quilting fabric with a very smooth finish and sews up beautifully.  I chose view B for this top, and I am thrilled with it.  I have to say that I was somewhat underwhelmed with view C, and the finish of view B is more the look that I was after.

I made a few (minor) changes to this pattern - I only used the collar stand - these are PJ's after all and whilst I love the concealed button band, I kept it simple with this pattern and omitted it - along with the front pocket.  As I did not want buttoned cuffs on this shirt, I straightened the cuff edge on the sleeves and finished them as below.

 

Construction wise,  I inverted my back pleat - I thought that it would create less bulk in the back that way, but also give me the additional fabric for comfort.  I also use the 'sausage' or 'burrito' technique to attach the yokes as I like to have smooth, machine finished seams on my yokes.

Other than that, I did my usual faux fell seams and this time round I turned up my hems twice and stitched down really close to the fold.  I used a 'stitch in the ditch' foot with the needle offset by two 'thingys' (I am not sure what the measurements are when I offset my needles, I can move it 6 thingys to either the left or the right, and I don't think that it is milimetres) and I am really pleased with the finish. I also used the automatic buttonholer on my machine this time (I finally got it to work/understood how to get it to work) rather than pulling out and setting up my Featherweight. The buttonholes are not as good quality, but they are certainly good enough to grace my PJ's!

My bottoms are my usual TNT pants, sewn with just a 5/8" side seam, giving me lots of room!

This lovely pink teddy is my childhood teddy.  Called Ted.

I have two more pairs to make - I will be cutting them out today using this fabric.

Now I can hear you asking why am I making sew many pairs?  Well, when Mr. SDSC and I get home from work/get up at the weekends, and we are done with our chores/jobs/shopping/dog walking etc, on come the PJ's . . . . . and these are the sad excuse that I have been wearing lately:

 

 

Oh yes, I need new PJ's badly!!  Pattern Review can be found here.

A quick, closing photo - whilst I was taking my photos, two of our hounds were taking a very close interest indeed!

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.