Homage to Tilly
Hey, guys! I thought it was about time to host my first ever sewalong – the Pyjama Party. This was inspired by two events:
- My favourite pair of pyjama bottoms finally disintegrating.
- A conversation with Marie of A Sewing Odyssey about how much we love our favourite pair of pyjamas, to the general disgust/surprise/consternation of our loved ones.
I can’t wear these any more – sob.
Are you the same? Do you change into your jim jams as soon as you get home? How many pairs do you own? Flannel, silk or cotton? Drawstring or elasticated waist? These things are important, people, and this is your chance to create your very own bespoke nightwear. My own recent new make, pictured above, took only two hours’ of sewing and cost me £5.
THE PLAN
I’ll host a small series of tutorials for a pair of pyjama bottoms, based on the Simplicity 2721 pyjama pattern. Please note that I’ll be adjusting this pattern. Their instructions use a drawstring at the waist. Myself, I don’t want to fumble with a knot when I’m rushing to the loo in the morning. (Or is that just me?) I want a nice, easy elasticated waist! (Too much information?!) So I’ll be amending the instructions accordingly.
WHEN DOES THE PARTY GO LIVE?
I want this sewalong to be an amble, rather than a race to the finish line. People should have chance to order their pattern, mull over fabric choices and relax into the sewing. So only on Saturday 28 April, we’ll go live with final reveals of our makes.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be photographed wearing your pyjamas if you don’t want to. (Though that would be lots of fun, wouldn’t it?) You can snap them neatly folded on a pillow, if you prefer.
THAT’S NOT ALL.
As well as hearing about your new jim jams, I also want to hear about or see your bedtime reading. What book is on your bedside table or loaded onto your ereader? Graphic novel, YA fiction, trashy mag, sewing book – bring it on. I work in publishing, I love hearing about these things! We can all get loads of new reading recommendations, as well as pyjama inspiration.
WHO CAN TAKE PART?
Anyone! That’s the beauty of this sewalong. It’s open to novice Sewists and expert Sewists alike. New to this game and want something not too taxing? Done! Old at this game, but frazzled and just want to remind yourself that you can sew? Done! This is your chance to let loose with crazy prints, or luxurious fabrics for creating your perfect sleeping attire.
You don’t even have to make these pyjamas for yourself – if you want to use this as an opportunity to sew for the kids, go ahead. (I’d love to hear what they’re reading, too.)
You don’t need to have a blog to take part – I would love to hear via email about your pyjamas. Or, you know, you don’t have to get in touch at all – just have fun sewing!
If you’re looking for inspiration, you might visit this blog post by Tilly and the Buttons, or this one from Stitch and Witter.
Photo courtesy of Tilly and the Buttons
If you don’t want to use the Simplicity pattern, you can use anything else you have. There’s a link here for creating your own pyjama pattern. Does anyone else have any patterns they’d recommend?
WHERE’S MY BUTTON? I WANT A BUTTON!
You can right click the button below:
Just leave a comment to let me know if you’re interested in taking part. And if you’re still in doubt about joining the fun, remember that new pyjamas mean you have the chance to do this:
