Lounging In Style
What’s all this? Pyjamas!? Yes I’m trying something a little different to break me out of my sewing funk.
I’ve joined the Minerva Blogger Network and I’m really excited to share what I’ve sewn.
For my first project I wanted to indulge myself with a little bit of luxury. My eyes lit up when I saw this beautiful bird-print satin on Minerva’s website. I decided fancy-pants satin pyjamas had to happen and I really hope you’re inspired to make these too.
I chose the McCalls 6659 sleepwear pattern as it’s designed for silks and satins, plus it has the classic pyjama-style I was keen on. Ignoring the samples the model is wearing (which hurt my eyeballs) I could see brilliant possibilities in the line drawings.
There are different sleeve lengths and hem styles to choose from for the shirt, as well as an optional patch pocket and instructions for adding piping. For the bottoms you can pick between shorts, a standard wider leg or a slim leg version. McCalls suggest the slim leg variation could double as pyjama-style trousers – in case you’re eager to get in on that trend.
My finished pyjamas are a hybrid of view C and D for the shirt and view G for the bottoms. I was very tempted to make the dressing gown but resisted in the end – maybe another day.
The piping came from my stash as I wanted to pick out some of the details of the shirt and the cuffs of the bottoms.
For the basic construction I used French seams over 99% of the top and bottoms – I only serged the crotch seam and the armholes, and that’s because I was being too lazy to French seam them as well! I used a very fine needle with polyester thread and a small stitch length.
Finally I added a little bow instead of the tie front as I think it’s a little sweeter.
My kit is available to buy here! And if you hadn’t noticed, the pattern is also available on the Minverva website separately here.
I know Satin can be a little intimidating but I’ve put together some further information about how to work with the fabric. A lot of the points apply to silk and other slippery fabrics, so please take a look!
If the idea of working with Satin still scares you, I’d suggest picking up a copy of this pattern and some lovely lightweight cotton lawn like this or if you’re feeling daring some of this, which will work just as well but give you a bit more control.
41 Comments
gingermakes
What a sweet set! These look so luxe! Congratulations on being part of the Minerva network- so exciting!
almondrock
Thank you! The Mood network has inspired so many people. Hope I can even come vaguely close with my Minerva makes.
Gjeometry
Absolutely adorable and yet so elegant that I would totally wear this out shopping! I, as you may know, love all things bird. And, how exciting that you are blogging for Minerva, congrats!! I just purchased a pattern recently, New Look Project Runway Workroom 6161 which is very similar to yours (my local fabric shoppe had patterns on for $1.00 last week, WHAT???). I am going to sew mine up for sure using your tips in the next post and, seriously contemplating getting this fabric, even though I’m on the Stashbusting diet.
almondrock
Heehee it’s great fabric so I say indulge. I juat had a look at the PR pattern and its cute! Thanks for the lovely comments about my attempt.
Hannah
Love them, look good 🙂
Hannah.
http://surfjewels.tumblr.com/
almondrock
Thanks Hannah! And thanks for sharing your site for me to follow. Some very cute dresses on there!
beebeesvintagedress
Seriously cute! Congratulations on joining the Minerva Network!
almondrock
Yay thanks! Very glad to join you!
Emma Jayne
Excuse the pun… you’ve kicked the others out of the bed with your first Minerva Network make! So cute and you thought about all the little details too.
almondrock
Heehee I LOVE a good pun. Thanks so much.
almondrock
No one could accuse me of falling asleep on the job (heheheh pun-tastic)
ShanniLoves
These are super cute jammies! I’d love to sew me up a pair of satin for the spring.
almondrock
Thank you! You totally should. A gal with your skills would have no trouble!
poppykettle
Loving the pjs! Great work on the piping… I’ve made note of this pattern, will have to see if I can hunt one down – it’s fabulous 🙂
almondrock
Thank you! I personally think this one was drafted very well but sure others would achieve the same look!
Vicki Kate
Ooh, congratulations on joining the network! These PJs are seriously cute as well!
almondrock
Thank you! So glad they’ve gone down well. I was very nervous!
Sabs
Very cute! But I am really disappointed you didn’t use the exact same fabric as the pattern envelope…
almondrock
Bwahaha! If only they stocked it at my fabric store I’m sure I would have 😉
sewlittletime
These are lovely. And welcome!
almondrock
Aww thanks! So glad to be joining you on the Network.
Daniela M.
Your PJs look amazing! I love the piping detail!!!
almondrock
Thank you so much!
thisblogisnotforyou
This is absolutely adorable! I love the print! Great job!
almondrock
Thank you! Isn’t it pretty. Can’t believe it took me so long to wear bird print
Kelly
These are amazing Amy, I love them! I especially like the piping detail, but generally I just want them! And I don’t even ever really wear button up pyjamas. They look perfect for lounging round the house on a lazy day 🙂 and congrats on joining the Minerva network!
almondrock
Aww thanks! I’m really pleased everyone loves them as much as I do!
BusyLizzie
Cute! I love your fabric choice, so sweet. I have a similar McCalls pj pattern, although much much older. It seems to be timeless!
Congrats on being a Minerva Network sewist too!
almondrock
Thank you! I agree button up pjs are timeless. Think you’ll make your pattern up?
BusyLizzie
I have made it a few times over the years but have never blogged them 🙂
PS looking forward to meeting you on Monday
lovelucie1
What a great looking finish. I love your fabric choice.
Congratulations on joining the Minerva Crafts bloggers network. I am one too! Isn’t it great to be able to indulge yourself in products?
almondrock
Yay for us! It’s great. This fabric made me swoon. Looking forward to your next make!
bernieandi
These are SO chic! Love them! There is something about that piping around the collar that makes me so happy!
One day I will be brave enough to sew with satin, you are the inspiration!
almondrock
Thank you! I think you could tackle it. You’ve got the right mindset not to agonise over wrangling satin.
bernieandi
Thanks for the vote of confidence! I need to get out of my sewing comfort zone!
thesecretlifeofseams
Oooh, I adore these! What a great pattern choice and the fabric is lovely too. I’m quite intimidated by satin but your pjs are very inspiring.
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kim
Hi, these look brilliant! Can I ask you what sewing machine you use and how it fairs working with tricky fabrics?
almondrock
Hello! I have a Toyota jeans machine (manual machine from argos) and a computerised Janome SMD4000 – Both handle fine fabrics well but the important thing is my Toyota doesn’t have adjustable speed length – small stitches are good for fine fabrics. Another good thing to check is how big the needle plate opening is – smaller the better so your fabric doesn’t get pulled in as you sew. A good sharp needle us the crucial bit though. Hope that helps!
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