Sewing my first pyjamas set for the year!
Back in 2017, I made my first 2 sets of pyjamas - the retro 50's style baby doll set and the blue rose set. Up until then, I was only sewing things for seeing people / doing things in public. Making pyjamas for myself changed my life! Being able to wear something I made both in private and in public solidified my own identity as a maker. Following that, I went on to make more pyjamas sets. In 2019, I also made 2 sets of the Fifi Pyjamas set. Unfortunately, most of my handmade pyjamas didn't make it to Texas with me due to logistical issues. So, I am starting my handmade sleepwear capsule from scratch again and here's my first pyjamas set of the year. If you want to sew a pyjamas set as well, read on to check out some patterns that you can use!
Choosing the design for my pyjamas
This vintage pattern illustration also served as a source of inspiration. (via)
The pyjamas top
I decided to make a classic pyjamas top with an open collar for 2 main reasons: 1) I wanted a project to push myself to draft something with a collar, 2) I needed a good reason to try sewing with piping.
My plan is also to use this open collar top pattern to make other casual, retro-style collared tops in the future. I am also hoping that my experience with sewing piping in this project will help me when I decide to use piping to recreate certain vintage dresses and to sew more cheongsams in the future.
The pyjamas shorts
Since I knew that the pyjamas top would take a longer time to make, I wanted a simpler design for the shorts to give myself some breathing space. I chose a to make a pair of shorts with an elasticised waist - no pockets, no drawstrings, no fancy cut other than the piping accent around the leg openings.
Choosing the fabric for my pyjamas
My decision to use this fabric for this pyjamas set came organically. I found this pink cactus print cotton flannelette bedsheet in a thrift store with a $2.99 price tag and just knew I had to make a pyjamas set with it.
I love making pyjamas with cotton flannelette! Both of my floral Fifi pyjamas set and my blue rose pyjamas sets are all made with cotton flannelette.
Sewing my first pyjamas set for the year
I was sooooo happy when I finally successfully drafted a sleeve that fits (on my 3rd try) and finished the pyjamas top. When I found out that I was left with quite a bit of yardage still, I decided to sew one more item to boost this pyjamas set to become a set of 3!
https://www.instagram.com/p/COddCpIDa7n/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
My sleeve-drafting process
Adding the Fifi Pyjamas top to my first pyjamas set
To make it easy for myself, I turned to my tried-and-tested Fifi Pyjamas top. Since I had sewn this top twice and even done a small-bust adjustment previously, I knew that sewing it would be a breeze.
The Fifi Pyjamas top is actually drafted for the fabric to be cut on the bias. However, I only had sufficient yardage for the pattern to be cut on the grain. Moreover, the cactus print is a directional print and would not look good when cut on the bias. So, I took a chance and cut all my pieces for my Fifi Pyjamas top (except the straps) on the grain.
I knew from memory that the width of the Fifi Pyjamas top was a little big on me. Also, since I practically have no boobs, I knew I wouldn't have too much difficulty putting the Fifi Pyjamas top cut and sewn on the straight grain with difficulty.
I was right - the top fits!
To keep to the same design concept of having a contrasting piping accent, I also added the same green piping to the bust pieces of my Fifi Pyjamas top. Unfortunately, the bulk from the piping made it tricky for me to sew the bust pieces together at the centre.
To overcome this, I folded the raw short edge of the bodice front down and to the inside of the top, then made the left and right bust piping overlap each other under the fold. After that, I stitched the left and right bust pieces (together with the piping) in place using a couple of straight stitches across the front. Finally, I added the same green buttons I used for the open collar top to hide this stitching. There was A LOT OF BULK but I managed to make it work by trimming a little of the piping before sewing and going slow while I sewed.
And with that, my first pyjamas set for the year is officially complete - with a little cushion to match!
https://www.instagram.com/p/COEfN6wDBpX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Quick process of sewing the cactus pillow from a chewed-up dog blanket
Want to sew a pyjamas set?
If you are thinking about sewing some open-collar pyjamas top for yourself as well, check out the following pyjamas set patterns:
Carolyn Pajama Pattern by Closet Core Patterns (link)
(via)
16 USD
PDF only at time of writing
Fits 31" - 46" bust, 33" - 48" hips
Spinifex PJs Sewing Pattern by Muna and Broad (link)
(via)
14 USD
PDF only at time of writing
Fits 36" - 48" upper bust (with different cup sizes available), 41.5" - 71.5" hips
Women’s Peyton Pajamas by Made for Mermaids (link)
(via)
10 USD
PDF only at time of writing
Fits 31" - 53" upper bust, 34" - 64" hips
For another pattern similar to the Fifi Pyjamas, check out the FREE Linden Sleepwear set (fits 32.5" - 58.5" bust, 34.5 - 63" hips) by Mood Sewciety.
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Dreaming of other pieces to add to my sleepwear capsule
It's hard to say how my 2021/2022 sleepwear capsule will look like at the moment. It all depends on the fabrics that come my way when I go thrift-shopping or when the next discount comes to Joann. I'll be keeping my eye out for a fabric in a solid colour or striped pattern in pink or green for the next pyjamas set I sew.
For now, I am happy with just this mini set of 3.
