Sewing 2 versions of Floral Fifi Pyjamas
The Fif Pyjamas is part of my #MakeNine plans for 2019. They are so comfy to wear and so easy to make that I ended up sewing 2 floral versions of the Fifi Pyjamas for myself!
I bought this sewing pattern by Tilly and the Buttons during their Black Friday sale last year with the initial plan of using the leftover hemp-silk from making my wedding dress to make a set of luxurious pjs for myself. But of course, before I cut into the hemp silk, I wanted to make a wearable muslin to make sure that the pattern fits me right.
On top of that, I have also recently realised that my last 2 me-made pyjamas (aka Cath Kidston inspired blue floral pjs and 1950's style Baby Doll pjs) are really starting to wear out after the constant wear in the last 2 years. It's not surprising how easy it is for pjs to get worn out considering that I roll on the bed in them almost every day and wash them once a week!
The fabric (and other materials)
I decided to go with a cotton flannelette for this wearable muslin because it's easy to sew and the fabric just screams "bedtime!!" to me. These 2 sweet, pink floral cotton flannelette prints from Spotlight Stores were an obvious choice for this project because they go so well with the other colours and prints that I used for my other handmade pjs! I just love seeing my handmade pieces go together.
The fit (and other modifications)
As the first version (larger floral print) was supposed to be a wearable muslin, I made no modifications to the pattern initially. I cut the pieces according to size 1 (UK 6, EU34), but unfortunately made a mistake with cutting the little centre-facing pointy bits of the 2 cups. I got confused with all the different lines indicating the different sizes and nipped a little bit more of the fabric than I should. As I continued sewing, I also realised that there was too much ease around the underbust and waist, and had to take the stitches out to take in a few centimetres off the side seams. Obviously, I should have just checked the finished measurements and made some modifications right from the start! *slaps own forehead*
I also ended up cutting extra pieces for making the bias tape, so I decided to make my pjs a little different with crossback straps. The cups are also definitely too big for me, and when taking these photos, I had to place some little foam cups just so the modelled photos look better. I don't mind wearing them at home but I just want the modelled photos to look better, heh.
For the second version (smaller floral print), I followed a tutorial on the Tilly and the Buttons website for a small bust adjustment (aka SBA) and the fit turned out PERFECT! I also made the straps go closer to the centre around the back because I didn't want the straps falling off my shoulders too easily.
Final thoughts
I am so happy that I made a second version of the Fifi Pyjamas and didn't just walk away from the pattern after sewing it once. I have been sewing for many years but I still find it hard to sit down and do a proper muslin / fit test with my sewing patterns. But lately, I am really starting to find the value of spending a little bit more time sewing a mock-up of a sewing project, making modifications and learning things along the way.
This is such a fun pattern to work with. I really enjoyed sewing my floral Fifi Pyjamas and learning to make French seams in the process. I feel that this pattern even has the potential to become a casual wear top or a night-on-the-town top with the right fabric and trimmings.
Which version do you like more? Have you made the Fifi pjs or do you have this on your to-sew list?
