My new PJ Pants...
It was back to the boring basics this week. Last week I tried to avoid this project and aimed for some instant gratification by purchasing a RTW pair of PJ pants. I know, I know, quite sacrilegious. Once home, my sinful RTW purchase revealed itself to be a poor choice:
Aside from the irksome mismatch of stripes - just look at the distorted hang of this rear end. It was also distorted at the front.
Well, I took these back to the shop, issued a large and long sigh, raided the stash:
And decided to make something. With zero enthusiasm I have to admit. This came under the category of needs must sewing, and I really didn't want to have to make them! AND, I don't like sewing with knits yet.
I'm sure we all have sewing moments like this :)
The fabric is not a great fabric - it was something I purchased very cheaply at Spotlight a few years ago - $2.00 a metre. I think it is a poly cotton - it's quite soft and drapey. Good for practicing sewing with knits.
I used a pattern with minimal seams - McCalls 6173.
This is a one piece per leg leggings pattern:
They are supposed to be made out of two way stretch knit, and are supposed to be stretched taut. I use the large size in one way stretch knit to make pants, not leggings. I also add one inch at the waist so that they are sitting at my waist - low waisted pants fall down on me. The added extra also allows sit down room, with only one way stretch this is needed.
I have made this pattern before when I wanted quick and simple polar fleece pants for cold nights:
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find these here... |
(Gosh, I was looking tired and stressed there - that was while I was sorting out our two year crisis, with still a lot on my mind).
I also made this pattern up in a stretch cotton sateen - very successfully:
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find these here... |
But back to today's make:
The goal was some quick and simple PJ pants to solve the cold legs in the morning problem:
Yes, this gets a bit cold and breezy while doing all those morning chores. This is much better:
And has the added benefit of going with my very shabby chic nightie. Even they look happier about this new addition to the wardrobe.
I like the loose, relaxed fit as I really don't want to struggle to put these on when I am waking up. One foot in quickly, then the other, and that's that. Easy.
And the back doesn't really matter, it's going to be hidden, but as this is a sewing blog, I know you will want to see what they look like from the back as well. Nice and long, cover the back of the foot a little bit.
I think I cut the wrong length with these, but I decided that was a good idea - the extra length allowed a nice deep hem, and a few slouchy wrinkles flopping around the ankles to keep the breezes out.
I also put a ribbon loop at the back of the pants so that I could quickly feel which was the front and which was the back without much light to see which way is which:
These are far from perfect, but more than adequate for the job. And really, really comfortable.
And, it only took a few hours from beginning to end to make TWO PAIRS!!
So I'm rather happy with this result. The mark in the photo above is just water - I was giving the PJ pants a quick press before posting, and the iron 'blobbed' water in this spot :).
The only thing I don't like is the leftovers:
Yes, I know they must have it in factories too - we know all about the RTW that gets thrown out each year, but there is also the wastage. I usually try and eke something else out of waste, but the shapes of this waste would not allow this - I know, cos I pulled out a few patterns to see whether I could do something with it.
It was also the wrong shape to put into the basket of bit for making undies one day.
That's my sewing this week - I can start making plans again now I have these out of the way:)
Wishing you all the best for the week to come...
Sarah Liz
Yay! Fictional sewing may be boring at times but it sure comes in handy!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does :)
DeleteI actually quite like sewing my nightwear because it is a great way to use some unfavoured fabric (I hate waste) and because it is so easy I find it a great stress reliever. I can't think what you can do with the pink leftovers. I eventually find a use for my remnants even if it takes several years. Anyway your new pjs look very cosy and cheery.
ReplyDeleteThey are cheery and cosy - and I agree, if not needed instantly, this sort of sewing would be relaxing. I must schedule more :)
DeleteWin, win, I'd say! I have this pattern and never thought to use it for pj pants (don't know why?) but it makes GREAT pj's. I haven't been able to get in the sewing room all week. Been busy with yard and garden and I MISS sewing!!
ReplyDeleteJust make sure you cut them large - I am probably the smallest size but used the largest to give me room, and make them more pants like.
DeleteLove the pink pj pants!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary :)
DeleteWell at least your boring basic is well made. I need pj's too.
ReplyDeleteYes - and when you want a break from making those tops, you could make some :)
DeleteI love these!!!!! You look so great in slim-fitting pants, whether they are comfy pants or 'nice' pants. Like you, I also hate to throw out any bits of fabric. It's so bad that I finally sewed a 3-sided 'bag' to catch all my fabric scraps, no matter how teeny-tiny, with the thought that when it's full it will be used as a cat bed for our outside cat's little house for next winter. I've heard some animal shelters use these types of 'beds' too. Could you maybe save these for a T-shirt neckline and sleeve bindings?
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa - and yes, most of my scraps are saved, but these are the wrong pieces for bindings and necklines. What a great use you have found for scraps :)
DeleteSlim pants do look well on you ! I hear you about the necessity sewing. For me its Home DEc. I don't love it at all!
ReplyDeleteThank you - and I agree, Home Dec sewing is also tedious.
DeleteYou have been busy! I agree with Lisa, you look great in slim fitting trousers. Loving that oink colour soooo much :)x
ReplyDeleteThank you - and yes, this is a "Dawn"sort of pink :)
DeleteI'm so glad you were able to get this pattern to work for you. I had a waiat that I could pull to mh armpits and were super baggy. I also tried the view forbpants that have a zipper. This was too low in the waist.
ReplyDeleteI have a bag that I put my serger scraps to use for stuffing. I hate all of the waste in sewing too.
I have a very high rise (I'm very short waisted so I have to have a high rise!). Funny that the same pattern was so different when you tried the different versions - could it have been the different stretch factors?
DeleteI'm so glad you were able to get this pattern to work for you. I had a waiat that I could pull to mh armpits and were super baggy. I also tried the view forbpants that have a zipper. This was too low in the waist.
ReplyDeleteI have a bag that I put my serger scraps to use for stuffing. I hate all of the waste in sewing too.
Lovely leggings, perfect as they fulfil their function with masses of pink style.
ReplyDeleteAs for the leftovers - overlock the edges and piece them into cleaning cloths. The sticking out seams are really good on floor dusting cloths for your Enjo equivalent sweeper.
Thank you - and they do. What a great idea about the scraps - which has led me to think of one or two more of my own :)
DeleteI need to sew pj's too, for me and the whole family (my husband and son)
ReplyDeleteI love the pink color and your pj's pants is so lovely :-)
Your PJ pants will brighten your cold chore filled mornings!
ReplyDeleteYes, that was the idea :)
DeleteGlad your PJ pants worked out so well. Functional and pretty.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne - and what better mix could you have :)
DeletePink PJ pants, very cheery for a chilly morning. They look great.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathy - and the cheer was what I wanted :)
DeleteI think these are just 'the best' PJ pants ever ~ you just can't find anything at a reasonable price in the shops, and at least the chilly mornings are a thing of the past for you now ... J
ReplyDeleteOr a reasonable shape!! Yes, I'm pleased to say goodbye to the chilly breezes :)
DeleteThese PJs look great! You can probably wear them out to do grocery shopping too with a longer top. You look great in bright colours and prints!
ReplyDeleteThank you . I've got to put some more colour into my wardrobe, so thanks for your encouragement.
DeleteUse your scraps for collars, sleeves, facings,etc. it's always more interesting to use multiple fabrics in a design. As long as the color palate is cohesive, it's a great use. Try it.
ReplyDelete