I had one day to sew this past week that was a nice quiet day. No phone calls with fires to put out for a change. Such a delight to just loose myself in a project. But what to sew? I needed something I could complete in a day or less as I have nothing out for Stashbusters so far this month! In moving some things around to create space on my table, I remembered the rayon fabrics that I wanted to sew into pajamas. I picked out the lovely Japanese style purple flower on a black background, and lay out the pattern to cut.
This pattern is one I have used before, but this time I wanted to adjust it for an elastic waistband all around instead of just in the back. I taped some Golden Threads tissue to the top and marked a new cutting line equal to the backside. The French curve ruler helped to make a smooth line up to the new cutting line.
But when I got it cut, I realized the underside was not even with the top side. I put a bit of paper in so you can see the problem. Crap on a cracker! Now I’ll have to re-cut the pants.
I had enough fabric to do that, but with only this much left, I won’t be able to get the top to go with it that I planned.
Ah, well. It can be worn with a t-shirt. So, on to cutting.
I really like using my serger for fabrics like this that ravel, plus it goes really fast.
Sewing pants is just so easy, I don’t need instructions anymore. Inseams, crotch seam, side seams, waistband, hem, done.
The pants are laid on the table to check the length of the legs before proceeding.
Then I serged the edge of the waist to finish that edge.
I’m using lingerie elastic, and turned the waistband down to fit.
Then the waistband is sewn, leaving an opening in the back to insert the elastic.
The hems were serged and turned in the same way. I added a little bow to the front so I can easily tell which way they go. With pants like this, it is sometimes hard to tell the front from the back.
All done, in just a couple of hours.
Whew, at least now I have some fabric out for Stashbusters. First report of the year is a week from today! Did you sew this week?
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From My Carolina Home 
You are so good with your stashbusting! And those are a cute idea. The only thing I’ve pulled out of my stash was a bunch of buttons to make fridge magnets with. Of course, I had to buy the magnets to glue the buttons on, and two dozen buttons out doesn’t count for much, does it?
Those are really cute and I’m sure very comfortable. Love the idea of the bow on the waistband.
Great job on your pajama pants. Sorry there was a slight hiccup and you weren’t able to make the matching top. Funny you mentioned Stashbusters today. I did the same thing yesterday when I realized I wouldn’t be finishing my quilt 100% by end of today. Instead, I sewed up a dog bed for my guild’s charity group. It’s not much but at least it’s an out! Have a great weekend!
You know all the tricks…yes I am sewing..Finished my grandsons cowboy shirt and now working on little Bubbas shirt to match..dark blue fabric and thread..am I going blind …I don’t think so but goodness I should have done a contrasting color for the top stiching..
The 1st stashbusters already! There has been plenty of sewing going on, finishes not so much. I now see the downside to block a day, week, month sewalongs. They can take a long time to reach finished stage. I’ve made 115 blocks in January but all I’ve finished are 2 little table mats.
Those are cute, and do look pretty simple to sew! I’ve never tried making any pajama pants, but I would like to. How is sewing with rayon different from sewing with flannel or quilting cotton? Do you have to adjust your stitching in any way?
Thanks, Diann. Sewing with rayon is a bit challenging because the fabric is slippery and a bit stretchy and you can mis-cut easily. Use lots of ball point pins. Using a serger makes it easier because the differential feed keeps the layers together straight, so you don’t stretch the bottom layer. I use a universal needle with a slightly rounded point for straight sewn seams, and about 12 stitches to the inch.
Those are lovely pajamas, Carole, even if it is only bottoms! I have finished just a couple of things this month, but they all came from stash, so I’m happy about that!
What a lovely piece of fabric. Seems a shame to hide it in bed but you’ll feel pretty swish on retiring to the bedroom. 😊
Mary :))
What cute pajama pants. Since I don’t sew, I appreciate your amazing talent, Carole!
I’ve sewn pajama pants or lounging pants as I call them. I can’t sleep in pants or shorts. I’m a restless sleeper and get tangled up! TMI? They do go quickly and I too put an indicator on the front waist seam. Mine are not as cute as yours, I usually use a small gold safety pin. Don’t have a serger, so use cotton mostly.
What is name of pattern you use for pjs
It is an old, discontinued Butterick pattern.
Hi Carole, When I made my pjs I embroidered a flower cluster to top and bottoms. So pretty and an extra bonus to be proud of.
Alexandria
What a lovely idea!