I have so many cotton and cotton/lycra knits in my stash that I finally decided to whip up some pjs. I love wearing knit pj pants with t-shirts. I keep a collection of sleeping t-shirts in long and short sleeves as well as tank tops but I did get some new shirts for my new pjs.
I found a cute pattern on Etsy for summer pjs (which I still have to make) and decided to use that pants pattern since it was made for stretchy knits. I realized after printing out the pattern that it had no side seam which is a problem as I like to have in seam pockets so I needed to add a side seam and a pocket.
I really like the pocket construction in my Maryland flag lounge pants. It's folded along the free vertical edge and the top of the pocket is caught in the waistband to keep it from flopping in place. So I decided to just copy that one.
The rest of the process went pretty smoothly. I like the way the elastic and drawstring go together on this pattern. One thing I realized, though, is that I need to start using my serger again. I'll have to take it in for a tune up because sewing knits on the sewing machine takes longer.
Here are the finished PJs:
These pants are soooo comfortable. These cotton/lycra knits are fairly meaty so I'll need to get some lightweight cotton jersey to make some summer ones. This is one of the reasons I'll miss Joann Fabrics so much. They had the best selection of cotton printed knits and I've amased quite a stash of them. Some were for the grand which never got made but they'll make great pjs for me!
Next up is the skeleton print tunic. I've had this fabric in my stash for years. I made the grand a similar tunic when she was 4 (she's now 9!). I love this print. The other print is for another project.
I made the pink version but without the hood. I love hoods but they can get in the way for workout clothing. I did follow the pattern method for the neck band.
The last of the quickie sewing projects was one I've been sitting on for a year. It's the Society Dress from Gertie's patreon. It's a solid 1940s style knit dress. I bought the rayon knit over a year ago for this project and realized that I do not like working with these slinky type knits. I like the final result though.
This type of dress would be a great travel piece as you can literally roll it up into a ball and shove in a backpack! I have another of these cut out of the black print with moons and stars (pictured above with the skeleton print). That print is a more stable cotton/lycra knit. I need to fine tune the fit a bit more as it was still a little long waisted on me.
Last up, I whipped up a quick knitting pattern: One of the many versions of the Miss Marple scarf that you can find on Ravelry. I had some white wool Cascade 220 in my stash and literally ran out about 1 inch from the end of the project. I was able to get another skein.
I really like this pattern a lot. The design is very clever--the way one side feeds through an opening on the other. It keeps it snugged up against the neck which is nice and warm!
I guess being sidelined didn't completely render me completely unproductive. LOL. I'm back at making history clothing. I'm also looking forward to making more modern stuff--some which has already been cut out!
