Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: Lockdown Loungewear




When I originally ordered these two pieces of fabric, I really had Spring dresses in mind.  We had just begun our sheltering in place, and I optimistically thought that our lockdown would be done by the time I wrote this post.  Here in Illinois, we are still in lockdown until at least the end of this month, and our cases of Covid 19 are still rising, so I wouldn't be surprised if it is extended.  So, the idea of Spring dresses went out the window, and in came a cheery pajama and robe set!  After all, I am spending much more time in my pajamas than usual, so they might as well be extra nice!


For the pajamas, I used a rayon challis in a lattice print that was in the New York Designer section.  It is still available here.  For the pattern, I used McCall's 7696 which is a two piece pajama set with various sleeve options.  I chose the plain sleeve option and the longer length. 


I have to say- these are just really comfy.  If you are wondering how I got the diagonal lines to line up on the front, so am I.  I have no idea how to line up a diagonal print- LOL!  I wasn't really worried about it because very few people will see these in person, but I got pretty close just by coincidence!  The coral peach Milly buttons are a perfect match.


For the robe, I used a striped cotton, that is sold out now, but it is really interesting- it has almost a lightweight blanket feel.  I made it into my favorite robe pattern- Kwik Sew 3644.

I've made this pattern several times now, and just love how it incorporates piping trim.  I used a red gingham mini piping to accent the shawl collar, pockets and sleeve band.



Inserting piping isn't hard at all.  Here you can see it in process, using a zipper foot to attach it to the front. 


And here it is again on the pocket and sleeve cuffs.  I like that the pockets are also sewn into the side seams for extra stability.  I cut the front facing, sleeves and pockets so that the stripes would be horizontal, and then the pocket top and sleeve band so that the stripes would be vertical. 




I'm really happy with my new loungewear.  It was easy to sew and will get a lot of use!  If you are still in lockdown mode, what are you wearing these days?

Until next time, stay safe and healthy!
Ann



Comments

  1. Both garments are beautiful! You did a great job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am usually wearing going out casual clothes during the day, as if I would be going out. To make that mental change between activities, I learned during many years working from home that clothes make a difference. If I anticipate cleaning that day, they are clothes I can clean in, or I plan to change them, and the same with gardening. If it’s raining so I will be inside, I won’t be doing anything strenuous, I wear nicer clothes, as most of my wardrobe is made by me, I enjoy wearing it, even with stay-at-home policies in effect.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, and too bad that cotton is gone, it’s marvelous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it was a very unusual fabric. I hope to see more colorways of it in the future.

      Delete
  4. What a cool, cheerful set! I love this lighter cotton robe. It's nice to have some warmer weather pjs that still give you that cozy feeling! I have some wild printed cat fabric (totally not a cat person, but the print is too fun) I've been wanting to make some Carolyn pjs out of--I think they will fill the same wardrobe hole!

    ReplyDelete

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.

Recent Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: A Fresh Take on a Classic Shirt Dress

Summer has arrived! That means longer days, soaring temps, and the perfect excuse for me to add another linen garment to my wardrobe.  Lightweight linen and summer weather just go together, don’t you agree? That’s why I choose this striped linen for my next Fabricista make. Hello Sewing Friends! It’s Sharon from Sharon Sews ready to share my summer dress with you.  The tiny blue and white stripes combined with navy buttons give it a bit of coastal charm, while the details make it anything but a traditional shirt dress.  The fabric is a Ralph Lauren 100% shirt weight linen. The stripes are so small that from a distance the fabric almost looks like a solid color. One advantage of those small stripes is that I didn’t worry about whether they matched as I would have with a wider stripe :-)  The pattern I choose is McCall’s 8556, a shirtdress that, instead of a typical straight silhouette, has a gathered bodice, a fitted waistband that sits just above the waist, short, c...

Made By A Fabricista: The Ultimate Secret Maternity Dress

When you find the perfect summer dress pattern that also happens to be 100% bump-friendly, you don't just celebrate—you immediately plan to make it in every single color of the rainbow. At least, that’s the executive decision I made after sewing my first Tilly and the Buttons Mabel Dress for the Fabricista Blog. It all started with a classic late-night scroll on the Fabric Mart website, where I fell hard for a gorgeous midnight blue cotton lawn block print. I knew I wanted an easy-to-wear, breezy summer dress that could accommodate a growing bump, but I didn't want to buy a pattern I’d only wear for a few months. So, I turned to the internet.  After researching bump-friendly patterns, the Tilly and the Buttons Mabel kept popping up. Sewists everywhere were praising it for its ability to adapt to a changing body. Could it really live up to the hype?  Now that I’ve made one, I can confidently say: Yes. Absolutely. Here is what makes the Mabel so magical: ● The Silhouette: A...

Made By A Fabricista: Mechanic Chic!

When it comes to buying ready-to-wear garments as a sewist, I only ever spend in three categories: heavy duty winter jackets (life in Maine!), bras… and jumpsuits! I love a good jumpsuit, but unfortunately the ones I used to buy have been impacted by the tariff situation and I can’t get them affordably anymore. This can only mean one thing, folks: it’s time to roll up my sleeves and sew my very first jumpsuit!  When I started planning for this project, I knew I wanted to use a heavyweight linen for cozy comfort in the fall and breathability in the summer. I wanted something that would wear beautifully and soften with age, and something with neutral tones that could go with everything. Naturally, when I came across this 100% linen canvas on Fabric Mart, my heart skipped a beat! I love the ikat-inspired geometry and something about it reminds me of leopard spots too. Bold yet wearable! I am pretty sure this fabric was intended for home decor which I don’t mind at all and in fact of...

Made By A Fabricista: Art In Motion

Hello Sewing Friends! It’s Tira from TIRACOOKS and I am so excited to share this project with you. When I first spotted this fabric, I was drawn in by how stunning it looked it reminded me of a living art piece. Then, when I looked closer, I noticed painted hanging plants in the print, which made it even more special. This fabric is one of my all-time favorites: chiffon. It cuts so smoothly, and the best part? Any wrinkles come out effortlessly with a steamer. Before cutting into anything, fabric prep is essential! Chiffon must be prewashed by hand in cold water with a gentle detergent or baby shampoo. Always serge or zigzag stitch the raw edges to prevent fraying. Submerge and gently swirl the fabric to wash never wring or twist it then air dry flat. I used a 70/10 needle in my Juki DDL, which is perfect for lightweight fabrics, alongside my Juki overlock machine. Look One: The Duster & Dress I was lucky enough to create two completely separate outfits from this fabric. The first...