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.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: Sheer Elegance and Everyday Comfort with my Two New Tops

Hello Sewing Friends! It’s Sharon from Sharon Sews with my last Fabricista make for 2025. While many sew a special holiday outfit at year’s end, I went in another direction sewing two tops that couldn’t be more different. One is sheer and elegant while the other is easy comfort for everyday wear.  These tops reflect how I dress at this stage of life. As an over-50 sewist, these two tops reflect how I dress at this point in my life.  Sometimes I want something a bit special, other times more basic. Either way, sewing them in beautiful fabrics, custom fit to my body, makes all the difference in how I feel when I wear them. Even though I’m quite pleased with my two tops, my original plan was to sew a jacket with the tropical print stretch twill and pair it with a top sewn from the soutache mesh knit . Sadly, I wasn’t quick enough to get enough of the stretch twill to make a jacket, so a top it was!  You do know you have to act fast when you see something you love on Fabric ...

Made By A Fabricista: Sewing for a Florida Cold Snap with Fabric Mart Fabrics

Even here in Florida, we get the occasional cold weather surprise, and when temperatures dipped recently, I was very glad to have the perfect handmade outfit ready to go. For this month’s Fabricista make, I sewed up New Look pattern 6771, using two beautiful fabrics sent to me by Fabric Mart Fabrics. The Fabric & Pattern Choice New Look 6771 is a cozy two-piece set featuring a relaxed-fit top and pull-on pants—exactly the kind of pattern that works well for transitional weather. I chose to start with the top, using a brown animal print French terry from Fabric Mart, and it turned out to be an absolute dream to work with. The French terry was soft, substantial without being heavy, and handled beautifully at the machine . It had just the right amount of structure to highlight the pattern’s design details while still feeling comfortable and wearable. From cutting to pressing, this fabric behaved perfectly and elevated the final garment. The Top: A Total Win The top from New Look 677...

Made By A Fabricista: Sewing the Coziest Pajama Set

For most of my life, I happily wore mismatched pajamas. Not caring what my pajamas looked like, just delighting in anything clean and comfortable. My sister also had the same mentality about pajamas until one day it all changed.  She came over for a fun sister hangout weekend and pulled out a set of matching pajamas! I nearly dropped over with shock! Growing up, she was the queen of mismatched pajamas. She was notorious for wearing faded t-shirts and pajama shorts long after their life expectancy. But there she was in a set of sophisticated matching pajamas with white piping, raving about how wonderful they were. If the queen of mismatched pajamas could appreciate a fine pair of matching pajamas, everyone could. Shortly after that, I decided to give matching pajamas a try, and I became hooked as well.  There is a peace and order that comes with having a matching pajama set. You always know which pajama top goes with which bottoms. You can reach for them quickly in the closet a...