New Pajama Shorts and Weekend Reading

I just finished a project!  Woo hoo!  That always feels like a big deal since I often (pretty much always) have to work on creative things in small chunks.  The latest creation is a pair of pajama shorts featuring this fabric.  Check it out:

 

I wrote a review of the pattern on the Pattern Review website.  I’m also publishing it here in case you plan on trying this pattern for yourself.

Pattern Description: “Misses’ Tops, Romper, Shorts and Eye Mask: Top A is fitted. Semi-fitted romper B and top C have self bias binding. B: Loose-fitting through hips, pocket, elastic with purchased ribbon tie ends. A, C: Pullover. Shorts D, E (below waist) have elastic waist. A, B, C, D: Narrow hem. E: Ruffles. Eye mask F has elasticized casing.” I made shorts (D) without a ruffle. That is what this review covers.

Pattern Sizing: Multi-size pattern with Large, Extra-large, and Extra-extra-large. I made size Large for the shorts.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that it came together quickly without a lot of pattern pieces. I think the back crotch length could have been a little longer, at least for me. I’m hoping the backside doesn’t creep down when I sit or bend down.

Fabric Used: cotton wax print

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would sew it again (I may try a crepe de Chine or something silky next time.) and I think it would be a good project for others to try. I would also like to try the shirts, but maybe in a knit, even though this pattern is meant for woven fabrics.

Conclusion: This was a good and easy pattern. I’m happy to have a pair of pajama shorts that are cool and comfortable.

And, just in case you want to take a closer look at the pattern envelope and the shorts…

One thing I had thought of doing, inspired by a picture I saw on Pinterest, was to add some mini-ball trim to the leg openings.  The only time I have worked with that trim was when I helped a friend make a scarf.  I should really say ‘attempted to help’.  We could not get that stuff sewn on right because it’s just so narrow.  I finally got to the point with these shorts where I needed to finish them and be done or they would join the world of never-finished sewing projects.  Anyone have any experience with sewing mini ball trim?  I’m sure there’s a tutorial somewhere on the internet…

I like how these turned out.  Maybe (maybe) if I make them again, I would try to lengthen the back crotch measurement to avoid good ol’ “plumber’s butt”, but we’ll see.  I’m excited to make something else with this fabric.  Maybe a top?  I’ve been pinning plenty of clothing with wax prints to give me ideas.

I hope you have a great weekend.  Happy Father’s Day to all the dads of the world.

 

Here’s a little weekend reading if you get the time.  I love it when The Coletterie sends out weekend reading links, so I’m using their idea out of pure admiration.

• My Mom sent me this article:  Why the World Needs the Makers to Say No Boldly.  It (and the article it was based on) gave me a lot to think about.  I think I now understand why my mental project list is 100 miles long, but I only ever finish one or two of the things on it.  Do you agree?  Disagree?  I’m still thinking it over.
• I’ve been reading through Kadiddlehopper’s SwimAlong 2013 posts.  I’m thinking of taking the plunge… (ha ha ha)
• I’ve also been contemplating becoming a late joiner in the slip sew-along on Gertie’s Blog for Better Sewing.  New territory in sewing for me, that’s for sure!
• And if you NEED to build your body into a surfer body, Men’s Fitness has got you covered.  I was worried that, being a woman, this might not work out so well for me, but I’m getting there.  I may never again surf (I’ve gone a whopping two times), but you have to dream–even if your dream is just to get really strong and have good balance (and yes, I did watch too many surfing movies this winter).

Happy weekend, everyone!

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