Living in the 60s

​Recently, I had my first ever annual leave. I spent the entire week in my home... sewing. It was a delight. I commenced two dressed (already blogged and now completed), but these pjs were the only project to be completed during the week. They made it out alive and in one piece! 

Introducing.... this gorgeous and playful 1960s reproduction pattern from Burda. I made a sleeveless View C (bias finished armholes), and the bloomers from View D. Before commencing the cutting out and sewing, I sketched how I wanted it to look. Sketching is something I am doing more of now, helps keep my sewing plans in line. 

​The ruffle was a real doozy for me. Simple enough, but I think I completed it in many more steps than necessary. There is the actual pyjama top, then the ruffle, then bias which is stitched down under the ruffle (i.e.: holding the ruffle out of the way). Then the ruffle was all-sticky-up and awkward. So I top stitched it down. Much happier.  Honestly, it took me too long to get a completed ruffle. 

I'm not sure if I would ever make this pattern again. It's fast and simple, but how many pairs of pjs do I need? I would maybe consider the full length version as more of a robe type affair. But eh, there are so many other delightful things I could make. 

Burda is an interesting beast. They certainly assume you know how to do things. They assume you know conventions about finishing and trimming seams, or how to make a casing, or how to understand their brief instructions. I use their instructions like a guide, but it usually follows the same sort of order. Stay stitch if needed - darts - bindings - decorative things like ruffles/pockets/zips - side seams - hems and finishing. If you know the standard order of construction everything will be fine. If you need more help than that while sewing, then go with Vogue, Butterick or Simplicity. 

The bloomers are totally adorable. I used lingerie elastic that I had in my stash so... free! The elastic is tight enough that I don't have gravity issues... and loose enough for nighttime comfort. They are also a great little stash busting boxer short pattern. Adorable and a breeze to make! 

As always, the labels from Dutch Label Shop make everything look complete and finished. 

Pj's: Burda 7109
Messy room: Courtesy of busy work and full weekends