Mix & match PJs

 I managed to finish the PJs this weekend. Even though these are straightforward patterns, which I have made multiple times, it still takes a while to get them sewn.

Especially when you make silly mistakes, and then the same mistake again!

I find this crinkly type fabric just a bit of a challenge to sew, if only because I am never sure how to press it! 

Carolyn PJ pants

I used the crinkly cotton for this, and remnants from the tank-top project for Ottawa daughter, for the contrast. No adventures, but all of the inside edges are nicely finished, so it takes time. I used HongKong binding for the CB back seam, as well as the faux-fly detail. I used French seams for the inseams and side seams. All other seams are nicely tucked into a band (waistband and cuffs.) I also added flat piping to the cuff.

They look nice; they feel a bit stiff, and rough. I wonder if they will soften with wearing and washing.

Kelly Watch the stars top

I think there are a couple of things I need to do to finesse this top. The bust darts are 'off'. And I should remember to stay-stich the neck area. It is a very wide neck opening, and usually lays flat enough... but not when I make a silly error! (More on that in a moment.)

I had to piece the back in three pieces. Both front and back are normally cut on the fold in one piece. I was able to cut the front in one piece. Then I had enough to cut one half of the back, and then I had to cut the other half in two pieces. I really thought I had matched the plaid. But nope! Apparently not on that top or bottom piece.

Then I sewed the front yoke to the wrong side of the bodice. Had to unpick that and resew (all these mistakes also add to the time it takes!)

Then I pinned and sewed the neck binding on before noticing I had sewn it to the wrong side. I did not feel like unstitcing that, so decided to make it a design feature, and fold it to the right side. It looks fine. But it does look a bit stretched out!

I had decided to use a bigger variety of presser feet after last month's pop-up sew along on presser feet. But I had trouble with the edge-stitch foot today. An edge-stitch foot has a 'rudder' which runs along your seam (for example), and helps you stitch straight - for top=stitching. I could not figure out why I could only use this foot by adjusting the needle to the left. It really made it awkward to stitch, since it was the wrong side.

Only afterwards did I realize that I was using the blind-stitch foot, not the edge-stitch foot. I corrected that for the hem binding 😀

I also broke two needles! Switching from the edge-stitch foot to the 1/4 inch foot I forgot to put the needle back to the middle, so it hit the presser foot and broke. I can't remember how the other one broke.... 

Pencil case

I also sewed up a little pencil case for my student teacher (to go with a set of 4 white-board pencils ).

Aren't the clamatis lovely in the background?