Gemma’s PJ Set

Life has changed pretty drastically here in the UK as a certain C-word pandemic has taken over. We are now pretty much always at home, and we have more time on our hands (to some extent depending on work circumstances). I have managed to make a dent in my to-sew pile, but have to admit I haven’t always felt in the mood, especially knowing that it’s unlikely some of the things I’m making might not get worn in the near future. So for this months make, I wanted to create something that I could wear at home but still look nice, during those slow start self care mornings when all you want to do is read and give yourself some time, and what better garment to make than a PJ set (or casual loungewear to give it a more posh title!)

I had every intention at the start of this uncertain time to still get fully dressed everyday, but that has now fallen by the roadside so to speak, and some days I just wear whatever is most comfy for a work day or sew day at home (and that’s ok!) I haven’t actually made myself anything to sleep in before, not sure why, perhaps because I know no one would see my fabulous make but me (and the other half, so I guess that counts), so I was very excited to come up with something that looked great and was comfy! Luckily this month’s fabric is a lovely soft cotton poplin that not only ticked the box for having a cute print on, but is a great fabric for making simple garments. It’s lightweight and easy to sew, so perfect for beginners or those that want a straightforward make.

Obviously being me I wanted to make a complete matching set, so set to work trying to figure out what I would be most comfortable wearing. I did initially think about a shirt like the Closet Case Carolyn pyjamas, but because I’ve made several shirts lately I fancied something different, and to be honest I wear vest tops in bed most of the time. Hayley was the one who came up with the initial idea to make the Tilly and the Buttons Margot Pyjama bottoms – from there I decided to make my tried and tested True Bias Ogden Cami top to go with them, as well as an eye mask, from the new Tilly book ‘Make It Simple’. I really rate eye masks for bedtime – as someone who has trouble falling asleep I find these a big help in forcing my brain to switch off by blacking out light.

Construction wise, I kept the top and eye mask to the pattern. I decided to go rogue when it came to making the bottoms – partly to do with how much fabric I had and partly personal preference – and went with the idea of making shorts instead of full length PJs like the pattern. To do this I just cut out my fabric where the shorten line was on the back leg piece, and measured the same for the front. This gave me the short length I preferred, the great thing is this is easily adjustable, so you could make them however long or short you like! I also added in-seam pockets (what a surprise!) because I think pj’s without pockets is just a travesty really! Sewing wise, all three of these patterns have great instructions, and I managed to sew mine up in an afternoon. The Margot pyjamas are a good roomy fit, and then you add a tie to pull them in. I used the ribbon from a previous box which I think matches perfectly!

All in all, these patterns are satisfyingly simple makes, and being able to create something adaptable for the predicament we are currently in makes me feel a little better – I cant believe its taken until now for me to make sleepwear! I plan to make a few more, I imagine brushed cotton would take the cosiness value up even more, and look forward to wearing them and feeling put together even if I have nowhere to go!