Pink Pajamas with McCalls 7696

I love new pajamas!  They signify the changing of the seasons, and this year, in particular, I was really looking forward to when I could wear something lighter and brighter! I don't see too many people posting about sewing their own pajamas, so either people are too shy to pose in them for photos, or they are happy to sleep in an old t-shirt- which I did for many, many years!  It wasn't until I bought a pair of high end pajamas at a store on clearance that I discovered how luxurious real woven pajamas can feel!

For these pajamas, I used a rayon challis in a coral pink lattice print.   For the pattern, I used McCall's 7696 which is a two piece pajama set with various sleeve options.  I chose the plain sleeve option and the longer pant length.  I left out the pockets on the pants, because I really don't need to put anything in my pajama pockets when I'm sleeping! 

I have to say- these are just extraordinarily comfy.  If you are wondering how I got the diagonal lines to line up on the front, so am I.  I have no idea how to line up a diagonal print- LOL!  With the facing overlap, and the fact that this design was a rectangle, not a true square, I figured it would be impossible.  I wasn't really worried about it because very few people will see these in person, but I got pretty close just by coincidence!  The coral peach Milly buttons are a perfect match.

Now, for some people, new pajamas would be enough.  But, I have a 15 year old black cat, and our morning routine involves him snuggling on my chest, right under my chin for at least 10 minutes.  After that, he's happy and goes his own way the rest of the day.  Since he has claws, if I just wore pajamas, my chest would be covered with claw marks, so I always have to wear a robe thick enough to block his claws.  For a robe to go with these pajamas, I used a striped cotton that has almost a lightweight blanket feel.  I made it into my favorite robe pattern- Kwik Sew 3644.

I've made this pattern several times now, and just love how it incorporates piping trim.  I used a red gingham mini piping to accent the shawl collar, pockets and sleeve band.

Inserting piping isn't hard at all.  Here you can see it in process, using a zipper foot to attach it to the front. 

And here it is again on the pocket and sleeve cuffs.  I like that the pockets are also sewn into the side seams for extra stability.  I cut the front facing, sleeves and pockets so that the stripes would be horizontal, and then the pocket top and sleeve band so that the stripes would be vertical. 

I can highly recommend this pajama pattern if you'd like to try to make your own pajamas.  Because it doesn't have set in sleeves, or a collar, it is one of the easier patterns for woven pajamas available.  It's very easy to sew, unfitted, and who doesn't feel great with new pajamas?

Happy Sewing!

Ann