Made by a Fabricista: Cozy Loungewear

It's November and time to get cozy inside!  We had our first snow on Halloween in about 30 years, which I'm taking as a warning that this could be an extra cold winter.  I'm ready though, with the help of some new homemade loungewear using Fabric Mart's velour.  These fabrics are all from the group that said it was from a "Better Spa Wear Manufacturer".   There were hundreds of yards of the pale jade velour, so maybe you got some of it.  The white terry velour that I used on the robe is still available.  These fabrics were really nice quality, so I have high hopes that Fabric Mart will get in more from this company!

This heather gray velour tunic was made using McCall's 7979.  I made the cowl neck version, and added a kangaroo pocket to the front.    This is a super easy pattern and I was a little worried that the velour might be too thick for it, but it turned out fine.

You can see in this photo that it's got dropped sleeves with extra low armholes.  No bust adjustment needed on this one!

I also made the leggings from this space dyed polyester/lycra jersey.  This is a nice activewear fabric that doesn't feel too slick.   This is an outfit that I can change into as soon as I get home for the day, and snuggle up with a good book to relax. 

For the pale jade velour, I decided to make a matching pajama set using Kwik Sew 3393.  I had ordered 5 yards of the fabric, and didn't want to try to wash it all at once, so I thought that I would make my outfit, just a little longer than I needed it to be, expecting it to shrink in length about an inch, once I washed the finished pieces.  Well, that didn't work out too well- the pants were really, really short after washing, so I had to add a 3" wide cuff at the bottom!   Lesson learned- never guess on how much something will shrink!  I also made the pants in the gray velour too, so I will have more than one pant option with the top.

Here's the pattern cover for this one:

Lastly, I decided to make a robe from the white terry velour. This is really more of a summer weight robe fabric- not a heavy weight terry.

You can't see it unless you are upclose, but there is a design in the terry, where the word "SPA" is repeated.  Here you can see it a little better:

I used Kwik Sew 2646 for the pattern, which indicated that I could use a woven fabric for the contrast pieces, so I used a peacock print woven cotton for the collar, facing, and trim.  This was not the best choice, as the terry velour was really stretchy, and it was difficult to attach the collar and facing.  If I make it again, I would either use a more stable fleece or a stretchy contrast.  But, I do like how the contrast on the pockets and cuffs  really stands out against the white.

Here's a close up of the tops and pants to try to show you the texture.  I wish you could feel the velour- it's ridiculously soft!  And I think that the colors are so relaxing.

Do you make your own loungewear?  Did you get any of the velour or terry velour that I used?  If yes, what are you planning for it?  Stay comfy and warm this November!

Happy Sewing!

Ann

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