Monday, February 17, 2014

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:


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!

18 comments :

  1. Now those jimmy jams look so comfy. I will have to make myself some now that our weather is starting to cool down.

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  2. now you've got us wanting to make pj's actually I have been thinking about pj's today lol! nice job!
    Helen

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    1. Yep - we need a PJ party! There are so many fabulous fabrics about . . . I hope you make some as well!!

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  3. Aww how cute and cosy are those pjs?! You can't beat stripes, either. Funnily enough I was thinking yesterday that my nightwear could do with a refresh, as currently it's a motley collection of non-matching items and not very pretty.

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    1. I'm with you - I was kind of OK with my scruffy mismatched pieces, and then thought how ridiculous it all was - here I am making lovely clothes for work, yet when at home I look like an absolute scruff!!

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  4. Lovely pyjamas and pretty stripes. Oh yes, I think the old ones are due for honourable retirement. lol!

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    1. Indeed - I think that they will be going to the great 'old PJ resting place' in the sky!!

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  5. Cute ,cute.. I just love the colorful stripes.. they look so comfortable.
    I really can't wait to see the other 2 pair.. I like the upcoming floral fabric..
    Don't you just love , when you can make the same pattern over and over..
    Goes so quickly and what fun PJ'S you get..
    NOw....you have really gotten me in the mood to make some pj's.. I have plenty of fabrics.. and you have motivated me.Thankyou.. Happy sewing.

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    1. I love using the same pattern over and over - if something feels good, well let's make it in lots of colours!! I look forward to seeing your versions!!

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  6. hahaha i love your doggy audience! these PJs are so cheery. i'm giving my "loungewear" the side eye now.

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    1. Oh yes - they kept a very close eye on me! I look forward to seeing some loungewear (what a great name!) being given the Oona treatment - they will never be the same again!!

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  7. Those are nice! I have fleece to make some warm ones for winter, and after seeing yours, it would be nice to have new cotton jams for warm weather too.

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    1. Oooh! Fleece would be lovely. I saw some lighter weight fleece for sale being marketed as 'PJ fleece) - nice pullover style tops and trousers . . .lovely!

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  8. My first RTW Fast item will be pjs... if I ever get to them! I love yours and you did a great job with the finishing touches. I know you will enjoy them!

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    1. Excellent - good luck, and I look forward to seeing them!!

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  9. Oh my!! I can see why you needed new ones! Lol . The new ones are very nice . Great fabric too.

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    1. Thank-you! It is funny how you (OK, maybe it is just me) overlook the basics to make clothes that are probably not worn nearly as much as those that you wear chilling out at home!

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