Made by a Fabricista: Percale Carolyn Pajamas

Of all of the various genres of sewing projects, pajamas hold a special place in my heart. All my kids and I enjoy designing a new set together and when we're not busy doing soccer or baseball, we really do enjoy hanging around the house a lot in our pajamas. What can I say? We like to be cozy! When I saw this percale sheeting, I knew it'd be perfect to for a new set of Closet Case's Carolyn Pajamas for me.

What could make a more comfy set of pajamas than a fabric meant for sheets? And this percale in particular washed up so soft. I've washed the fabric 3 times now, and it seems to be getting even softer which is positively lovely. This particular sage/coral floral print is nearly out in the shop, but there's many other percale prints to choose from.

Piping!

I know the Carolyn has been a really popular pajamas pattern since it came out, and now I get it. There's so many good details in this pattern! It's really thoughtfully drafted, the directions are clear and easy for sewists of all levels, and there's piping. Any time I get to pull out my piping foot, I'm there. I love the extra little bit of class it adds, and it's a perfect place for adding a little contrast fabric.

For my piping, I cut bias from a mens' purple gingham shirt. Florals and gingham are such a classic combination, and I love how gingham looks on the bias. Plus the shirting is a perfect weight for making your own piping.
It's not marked on the pattern, but it took nearly 5 yards of piping to trim my set of size 0 top and size 6 bottoms.

Trim out the bulk

One tip I can give you is to pull the cording out at the end of an edge and trimming off about 1/2". This way, you'll keep any extra bulk from the cording out of the seam.

Back facing

I've made pajamas for my boys with and without back facings before, and hands down, I prefer having the facing. It's so nice to have that extra piece that finishes off the shoulder seams so cleanly on the inside. Because this pattern doesn't include one, I quickly drafted my own.

Instead of finished the facing unit with the serger, I trimmed it with more bias.

Overall, this set was such a joy to sew, and I have been lounging around like a queen and jumping on the bed like a kid! If you're looking for a really awesome cotton that's beyond comfortable, definitely go check out the percales!

What's your favorite pair of pajamas you've made?

Until next time,

Sew something creative today!

~Elizabeth from Elizabeth Made This

Made By A Fabricista: A Wool Pinafore for Winter

Hello exciting wintry weather! Brrr, though. For my December post, I wanted to sew something more unusual for me, something outside my wide leg pants and big boxy sweaters, and this pinafore combination is exactly that. I really like the layering aspect and how easily one could switch up the look based on the top worn underneath, and how this pinafore pattern could easily work for all seasons based on fabric choice and possibly adding leggings. The new Love Notions Pianoforte Jumper in this incredibly charming polka dot wool blend suiting is just right. I wanted wool for warmth, and the sweet print just sent me. Of course a pinafore looks SO darling in dots. The Pianoforte is a slightly-cocoon shaped dress with princess seams and some large and handy front inset pockets. There is a zip-front option, but I went with the pullover plain front. I love the vintagey, sort of old-timey vibes of this style, and categorize this one under dopamine dressing. Because the wool is on the heavi...

Made By A Fabricista: Cozy Sewing Season

The cozy sewing season seems like it came early this year! Temperatures in Pennsylvania have been in the freezing range for weeks, so it is time to break out the flannel, sweater knits, sherpa, wool, and other warm fabrics. Fabric Mart's website is stocked with gorgeous cozy fabric perfect for sewists living in cold climates. While searching for fabric for my first cozy sew of the season, a Cranberry Plaid 100% Cotton Flannel fabric caught my eye. I loved the colors and the plaid pattern. I ordered 3.5 yards to make a button-up flannel shirt for myself, and a little extra fabric to make a button-up shirt for my son. I also ordered two packs of 10 Soft Pearl Plastic Shirt Buttons and "My Mama Made It" sewing labels from Kylie and the Machine. I envisioned one of these labels being added to the side seam of my son's shirt for a bespoke detail. Once my order arrived, I washed my fabric and reached for my Grainline Studio Archer Button-Up paper pattern. I used this pat...

Made By A Fabricista: Feeling Festive in Red

Happy Holidays! I’m so excited to bring you this all red holiday look that would be a hit at any holiday gathering this season. Whether you’re headed to your company holiday party or just going to sit in your living room, you’ll fabulous doing so. For this month’s post I knew exactly what I wanted to make. I have been a Sew It Academy student since Mimi G opened it back in 2016. Sew It Academy is her online sewing academy that shows you what to do once you open your sewing machine and different lessons come out every month showing you different techniques and how to sew different things. Sew It Academy now offers PDF patterns and sewalongs that come with them. I made the Boxy Pullover Top and the Bubble & Wide Hem Skirt which are both Sew It Academy patterns. The Boxy Pullover Top is the first garment class offered in Sew It Academy, so it’s super easy to make. I’ve seen several YouTube videos for the same top and they are all pretty much contructed the same way. I...

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