I have loved my first version of the Carolyn PJs so much that it was finally time to sew up another pair. This pattern hits all the marks for me. It’s fun to sew, has very professional results, and is super practical. Originally I was going to sew up the long sleeved with pants option, but after wearing my first pair so much I realized I would like some options. So, I opted for short sleeves instead and used the extra fabric to sew up a coordinating pair of shorts. That way I have the shorts set for everyday(night) use, but I have the pants for the times when I want a bit more modesty (like when my inlaws are visiting).
I made them up in more Cotton and Steel fabric, but this time in a really fun cotton lawn octopus print in teal
(although they also carry a really fun pink version
as well). The great thing about this lawn is that along with being lightweight and soft, it also is not see through, which can be hard to find in lawn. Guys, it’s so fun sewing with novelty prints and cotton! I am not someone who likes to use these types of fabrics for apparel sewing as I think they can often scew homemade or junior, but pajamas are the perfect excuse to use the fun, vibrant, and quirky fabrics that you couldn’t pull off day to day.
I sewed up a size 8 straight out of the envelope, except that I did shorten the pants by a couple of inches (I am 5’3″ so I always have to do this). Looking at the photos I probably could have taken an inch of length out of the top as well. But, I know that these fabrics are prone to shrinking and I wear / wash these so much that I think the extra length may be a good thing. As far as patternmatching goes, I only worried about it on the center front button opening and the breast pocket. It would have just been too crazy (and take too much fabric) to do it on the rest of the areas. I think it’s fine since it’s a busy print and the piping separates the bands giving it a natural break.
I already broke these in last night and I am a fan.
34 Comments
These are great! I’m making a pair of novelty print Carolyn Shorts just now, and I agree, I don’t usually go for novelty fabrics, but so much fun to just go wild with fabric selection when making PJs.
it really is great, especially since i am usually a black or gray kinda gal! can’t wait to see yours.
Here is the link to my Carolyn shorts. I went for french bulldogs…. http://attieanddora.com/2015/11/03/birthday-bulldog-shorts/
Awesome! Super fun and cozy looking pajamas. PJs do seem like the perfect opportunity to sew with novelty prints – and the octopus fabric is so fun.
thanks so much noelle. i feel like i am going big here with the octopus fabric. out of my comfort zone and loving it.
So cute!
thanks meg!
These look fantastic! I think I might have to buy this pattern now after seeing the arsenal of comfy-looking PJs out there. The piping looks spot on—great job! I made my BF a Negroni shirt out of this exact fabric, and he gets comments on it every time he goes out. If I were you, I might be tempted to throw on some black jeans and a long cardigan and wear the top outta the house….
oh my goodness, this in a negroni is pretty amazing. i love the idea of that. you have a lucky BF
If I only wore pj’s! These are great.
the carolyn pjs are the first real pjs that i have owned since being a kid and i am totally converted.
These are great! I love the fabric choice. I don’t sew clothes often, but these are tempting me! Who doesn’t need octopus pjs???
Your link for the fabric took me to Fabric.com–is this where you bought it? I ask because earlier this year I decided I had to write off Fabric.com as a source for fabric. Their service was so bad they seemed literally incapable of filling my order. I’d be interested to know what your experience is with them.
yeah i shop through them a lot. only had a couple issues. i like that they have free returns. that being said, its always nice to support a local shop when you can. they would have better service and faster shipping.
These look awesome Kelli! I love that octopus fabric, and what a great idea to make both the shorts and the pants. Your piping looks great too!
What fun fabric! These look great.
So cute!! I totally agree that novelty prints can sometimes look a little TOO handmade with apparel sewing…but PJs are definitely the perfect use for an awesome novelty print!! Now I just need to get my hands on some Cotton + Steel for my own set!!
Nice tentacle matching across the front!
Before I thought it would be crazy to spend so much time and effort on sewing your own pajamas, but since seeing all the wonderful pj’s on the blogosphere lately, I have totally changed my mind and now I want to join the fun!
Aaahh! I love these so much! I already love that fabric, but you may have just convinced me I need to make the pattern in that print someday, too. I like the length of the shirt, by the way. 🙂
Love these so much!! I haven’t made these up yet because I’m just not a pajama person, but I always wish I had a nice pair like this when I’m visiting family, or have people staying with us. The octopus print is AHmazing and I love that you made two pairs of bottoms for options.
Love these jammies! I have seen this octopus fabric used a few times and always adore it. Like you, I don’t really wear novelty fabrics in my day to day wear, but this is a great application!
pjs are my new fav. way for novelty prints. if cotton and steel keeps coming out with fun fabrics i am going to have a lot of pjs.
I agree with everyone–these look fantastic on you (such flawless piping and finishing!) and now I, too, have PJ envy. Definitely putting these on my to-sew list.
i never knew how much i needed pjs, but i love having homemade ones.
Ooooh! I need that fabric! Hopefully I can find it here in Europe.
Also, great matching across the front!!
thanks, i couldn’t match everywhere, but tried to be precise where it mattered.
[…] am IN LOVE with Kelli’s octopus pyjamas! Every time I see this print come up I fall in love all over again. She did a great job pattern […]
These octopi are too cute! What an adorable set!
I love your PJs! I have a few projects in front of this pattern, but I’m very eager to sew some Carolyn jamiies. All the versions I’ve seen are beautiful. It was a great idea to use the fabric you saved making short sleeves for shorts.
I totally agree with you on the novelty pattern front. I like a lot of novelty prints, but I wouldn’t wear them… except to bed.
Perfect timing for me to see this post, I badly need to create a new pair of pajamas. I received a bright neon green cloth as a gift and I have no idea where to use it for. I think it will suit if I use it for this.
[…] have seen this octopus fabric pop up here and there in the last couple of weeks. Oh, those lovely creations! The fabric is a Cotton and Steel cotton […]
[…] of Thread if you are in Vancouver (last time I checked). I chose this colour-way after seeing Kelli’s amazing Carolyn Pajamas, I love the combination of the soft teal and the bright […]
Hi, I just got this pattern and was wondering if the pattern includes seam allowance or it has to be added? Thanks, Rachel