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!