The PJ finish {Dressmaking}

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

One day into my finishing week, and yes there are finishes to be share. Yes, plural, finishes - two of them. And my handmade wardrobe now holds two PJ pants. Why two? They were supposed to be sewed according to the same pattern - one (green) was going to be a wearable muslin, and the second (purple) would have been the 'proper' version (the one that fits). Except that when I first made the green one, it was very tight and I got really annoyed with the shirring bit. I decided to change pattern for the second one, so I had two in the making, but none finished. 

 But no more! So two free patterns for you to try. I like them both - one is looking much better than the other one, but it was quite annoying to make. The other one is a simpler pattern (although downloading a pattern and putting it together is hard work I found), simpler construction - but it is not as cute. 


I used:
- Noodlehead shirred voile pajama tutorial (you get to draft your own pattern) - the green one
- Simplicity 9871 pattern available for download here - the blue/purple one. 


That is as much shirring as you will see -
as I am utterly rubbish at it


Both are made in cotton lawn bought at my local John Lewis in Welwyn Garden City. I have not changed anything major to the instructions. 
I was not able to take a good picture of these -
 they remind me of MC Hammer




 A finish ticked off! Will be wearing the green one tonight as yes I prefer them and they do look better. Is it worth making your own PJs? I think it is, they are nicer than any pairs I have, they are not too long (an issue with all my PJ pants) and they hold firm whilst still being comfy - amazing! 

 I may even make a loungewear Saturday mixing handmade and high street post.

 I will probably make the Noodlehead version again. Now that I have the pattern it will be quicker (and lost a bit of weight, it fits!), anyone has a (very) good tutorial for shirring?
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11 comments:

  1. Adrianne @ On the Windy Side10 July 2013 at 00:07:00 BST

    Ooh, this is a great idea. I love the fabrics you used, especially the blue one. I might have to try making my own pj pants once the weather warms up. I have the opposite problem to you though - they are always too short for me! At 5'8", it's not like I'm enormously tall either.

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  2. Martha 10 July 2013 at 05:42:00 BST

    I love the fabrics you used. I need to make some for myself. I got a pattern (I think it is simplicity) and have not got around on making them. I made some pjs last Christmas for my niece and nephew and it was quite fun. Yours are just lovely, both of them :)

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  3. Claire10 July 2013 at 05:43:00 BST

    I LOVE pjs pants and think it should be socially acceptable to wear them down the street, to wrok, shopping and to Church. Well done Nat!

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  4. Catherine10 July 2013 at 06:08:00 BST

    Oh they look great. I am making PJ pants at the retreat can't wait!

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  5. Truly Myrtle10 July 2013 at 07:05:00 BST

    Clever you :) They both look good - I had to laugh at your MC Hammer description though!
    Have you got the Washi dress pattern? She gives really good instructions for shiring in there and the pattern is fabulous!

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  6. Unknown10 July 2013 at 09:34:00 BST

    I did have a good laugh at the M C Hammer comment!

    Dana at Made (danamadeit.com) has a great shirring tute. I would have to find where it is on her site, but she is great at explaining.

    I have had making PJs on my 'to do' list for ages. I think I will try the Noodlehead pattern. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  7. Made by Mrs Jones x10 July 2013 at 12:32:00 BST

    Lovely. I made some PJ trousers by using an existing pair as a template and then using some twill tape as a tie.

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  8. Anonymous10 July 2013 at 15:31:00 BST

    they look brilliant, perfect for relaxing in.

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  9. Deb@asimplelifequilts10 July 2013 at 18:01:00 BST

    Really cute pants... I have some pj pants on my someday list too. Love them for winter in MN!

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  10. Stefanie11 July 2013 at 04:32:00 BST

    I think handmade pajama pants are terrific. They're comfy and make one cozy and feel happy.

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  11. Annabella13 July 2013 at 14:42:00 BST

    If you want a reminder of MC Hammer, see me in my Sahara pants! Love the PJs and the lawn fabric is gorgeous :)

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