Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: Percale Carolyn Pajamas


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.





Carolyn Pajamas



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!

Carolyn Pajamas

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

Carolyn Pajamas

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.
Carolyn Pajamas

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

Comments

  1. Gorgeous pajamas! I really love the gingham and the floral together. What width of cording do you use to make your own piping?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Ann. It was 3/32" cotton cording. I've used thicker, but this was a nice width. Rattail is similar width, but the cotton is much easier to work with in my opinion.

      Delete
  2. Beautiful PJs -- great workmanship!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Perfect pairing of fabric and pattern! Lovely pajama set, and the piping and the back facing make it really refined!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I definitely prefer the cleaner finish a back facing provides!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

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...

Made By A Fabricista: Everything Old is New Again: A Linen Skirt Using an Old(er) Pattern

Hello Sewing Friends! It’s Sharon from Sharon Sews with my last post for 2024!  This time I used one of my favorite fabrics, linen. Fabric Mart usually has an excellent selection of linens .  I should know as I’ve ordered my fair share over the years. This time I choose a medium-weight 100% linen with a black and white abstract print.  When I ordered the fabric, my plan was to use an old Issey Miyake pattern and sew myself an oversized linen coat.  But when the fabric arrived it told me it would be happier as a skirt.  Your fabric also talks to you, right?   I’ve been drawn to the look of satin bias skirts paired with oversized sweaters but knew that skirt style doesn’t work on my body shape.  Plus, once the holidays are over a satin skirt would just sit in my closet.  But a linen skirt, in a neutral black and white print, could be worn during the winter months with boots and a sweater and easily transition to warm weather with a tee and sand...

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...