We’re completely charmed by these beautiful pajamas Asmita made using two of our patterns and this beautiful fabric. Here’s our advisor to tell you about it in her own words:
I have never been much into wearing formal night wear, and thus never really dedicated any sewing energy to making myself a fancy pajamas. This changed recently when it suddenly dawned upon me that the elastic-waist Montauk Trousers could make very decent and comfortable pajama pants. The Camp Shirt, another of Liesl’s patterns which I had been fiddling with for a while, could make a top, and thus I was to have my official first-ever night suit (as we say in India).
My measurements: high bust 33”, bust 34-35”, waist 30″, hips 39-40”, height 5’4”.
First, about the top. I made it in size 4A/B making my usual modifications:
- 1/2” forward shoulder adjustment
- length shortened by 3” (I also changed the shape of the hem curve)
- lowered bust dart by 3/4”
- reduced dart length by 1 1/2”
The shoulder width on the Camp Shirt was still slightly wide for me, so I also reduced the width by 3/8”. (The blog has a great tutorial for this modification).
The sleeve however, continued to present problems, as you can see in this photo of my muslin.
I realized I had not accounted for my forward shoulder and thus the curve of the sleeve also needed to move forward in the armscye. This resulted in rotating the sleeve also forward by 1/2”. (Thanks, especially to Lyndsey for helping me figure this out.)
My other additions were really simple: I added side slits for more ease and flat piping to sleeves and pocket for a pajama top look.
Sewing the pants was complicated in different ways. I made a size 10 straight with the following alterations:
- I changed the shape of the leg by straightening both inseam and outseam. The width for these pajamas is now 1 1/2” wider than the trousers as drafted. (There’s another excellent tutorial on the blog for changing the width of pant legs.)
- The shape of the back rise did not suit my own shape. Liesl suggested I compare the shape of the back rise on these pants to a well-fitting pair of pants (in my case, the Hollywood Trousers). I did so, and changed the Montauk curve by lowering the seam line at the bottom of the curve.
To keep things really basic, I skipped all pockets and simply added the same flat piping to the pants’ cuffs. In case of both the sleeves and pants, I added cuffs in a way similar to one described in Oliver + S Sleepover Pajamas. Truth be told, I think I could still probably do a better fitting job for the pants on me.
As I sew more and more, I realize that I spend a lot more time thinking about fitting my upper body, and not so much about my lower body. Making these pajama bottoms was a realization in that direction. I know they are far from perfect, but I still love them. It also means that I am planning now to be a better dressed person at night. The fabric is hand-blocked light cotton from @houseofekam. It’s a tad too light for pants but will work perfect for terribly hot summers.
Fantastic! I would never want to take these off!
🙂 Thanks Lyndsey.
Awesome job – and I am officially adopting “night suit” – I love that! I am psyching myself up to start sewing clothing for myself and my adult daughter – If I can ever tear myself away from the kids patterns for my grandkids 🙂
I had the hardest time separating myself from the Oliver+S patterns so I completely understand. 🙂 I hope you start sewing clothes for yourself soon. I find it poses its own set of challenges, but is incredibly rewarding in its own special way. good luck!
These are really beautiful pajamas, Asmita!
Thank you Erica!
Lovely! They look so pretty and comfortable. I always look forward to seeing Asmita’s projects.
Thank you MC!
Thank you Asmita for the detailed modifications. I really learn so much from your posts.
Oh, that’s very kind of you. I find that I learn the most from others when they describe their own process, and so I try to do something similar. So glad it was useful to you.
Beautiful night suit, Asmita! I always enjoy your reviews — your photos and writing are lovely.
Asmita-what a great job you did & what a lovely outcome. I have a few specific questions. Do you usually have to make a narrow shoulder adjustment on Liesl patterns? Have you made the Fitzroy blouse? The shoulder on the Fitzroy fits me perfectly but the shoulder on the 8D of the camp shirt is 1.5 inches too wide; too much for a narrow shoulder adjustment I fear. Any thoughts that might help me out?
Thanks, linda
Hi Linda. Apologies for the delayed response. I haven’t made the Fitzroy blouse, but I have made a couple of other Liesl+Co patterns. This is the first time I have had to make a narrow shoulder adjustment. Perhaps this style is a little more relaxed? I found that when I made the muslin for the camp shirt without the narrow shoulder adjustment it was much too large for me. Even with the 3/8″ adjustment it is not at all uncomfortable even for a pajama shirt. Hope that helps.