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: Bold Aspen Dress for Spring

 As I write this in mid-April, central New Jersey weather is showing small signs of spring. My neighbor’s daffodils are blooming and our magnolia tree is trying to unfold its vibrant magenta petals. I am in the midst of preparing my wardrobe for the warmer months, even if we are still huddling against windy 30 degree days. For me, warm weather means linen. I love breathable, floaty linen sundresses and drapey, loose linen wide-leg pants. My vision for a spring piece was something bold and bright, inspired by the natural colors of blooming flowers, but also something that could transition well between the warmer and cooler months. When I saw Fabric Godmother’s Apsen Dress, I knew that it had the sensible transitional opportunities I was looking for while also providing a blank canvas for fun prints, patterns and colors. With the pattern in mind, I then turned to the stunning linen collection that Fabric Mart always has on hand to see what colors or patterns would best suit my visio...

Made By A Fabricista: Celebrating warm weather with Spring sewing!

Hi sewing friends! I don’t know about you but boy, was winter cold and dreary this year! The weather here in the Philadelphia area has been slowly improving, but Spring sure did take her sweet old time to arrive. So by April, I was definitely in the headspace of needing to sew up things that were either bright and cheery or meant for the warmer weather I am very much craving right now. I recently purchased a few SewBexx Patterns so I took them on a test run to create some Spring makes. First on my list was to make a top using this absolutely gorgeous ITY fabric I picked up last year. I had two yards which was enough for a long sleeve shirt. I chose the Olivia top, which is oversized with a drop shoulder, has multiple lengths and a split hem. I think the pattern is intended for heavier fabrics but I was envisioning how lovely this top would look with the drape of ITY knit fabric, and it did not disappoint. It came together for me quickly and was a straight forward sew…and I love the br...

Made By A Fabricista: Stripes For Spring

Hi everyone!   It’s finally warming up here in southeastern Pennsylvania and I wanted to make a light, flowy dress for springtime. I snagged a vintage Laura Ashley pattern from Joanns on one of my last trips there. I somehow didn’t have anything in my pattern stash with a sweetheart neckline, so I thought it would be a good addition. The pattern calls for a giant gathered skirt, so I knew I would need something lightweight and drapey for it.  Something like a pink striped cotton fine seersucker. The fabric is light and has a really nice drape, almost like a challis . I knew it would gather beautifully. I  got to work cutting everything out, with help from my assistant. When I say the skirt is massive I mean it.  I ran into an issue right away where my fabric isn't wide enough to cut the back panel without opening the fabric out. And my three yards of fabric wasn’t enough to cut two back panels. I ran into this issue last year when making my pinafore dress . In ...