I won a Decades of Style pattern as part of a prize in the Sewalongs and Sewing Contests Facebook group and, after much dithering, I chose the Kitchenette Pyjamas pattern from the 1930s, which I thought was rather fun.
The pattern envelope shows colour blocked pyjamas
I chose to use one piece of fabric – a rather bright piece of silk from Potters, which I got very cheaply because it had “a couple of flaws, which can be cut round”. Yeah, right! This fabric is riddled with flaws, so it malingered in my stash, even though I liked it a lot. For some reason, I felt that the Kitchenette Pyjamas were the perfect use for it.
I did a fair bit of googling on this pattern and there was some consternation about fit, so I knocked up a quick toile, and am ashamed to say that I didn’t even bother turning on the iron!
The front looks ok. The pattern says to choose the size based on bust size, which worked well, except then the pyjamas were too big in the hips, and I have a minor case of elephantitis at the back!
The hole for the wrap belt should be in the middle of the bodice, but I just left a gap in the seam. I also moved the belt to the edge of the backs. Just these little changes made a difference to the fit, but the back was still rather weird.
Off to my pattern making class with Sarah with it then! It makes such a difference when there is another person to pin out all the excess fabric, and having an expert makes it even better!
And there was a lot of excess fabric!
New pattern pieces were developed for the back, and I finished up with the left and right back bodices being the same, which is not how the original was.
Sarah made me toile it again, and here is how it looked – so much better!
I was initially going to make this from a light cotton lawn which is rather diaphanous, meaning that it would need to be lined. Then the pink and white silk showed itself, and the rest is history.
I really like these pyjamas, so I’m going to overload you with photos!
How good is the back wrap now? Although I do think they are supposed to be baggy at the back, I much prefer this sleeker look.
I used self binding on the neck and armholes, hand stitching it down on the inside. I think it was meant to be visible, but I decided to hide it. This pattern has some gorgeous style lines, which are hard to see in this patterned fabric, but they are there! There are tucks on the shoulders, giving the kimono sleeves some shape. The top also extends into the trouser part of the pyjamas in a really stylish way – here is a screen shot of the pattern picture. The pockets sit in the pointed part, and imitate the shape.
Please note the teeny tiny pockets – I can just get my fingers in them!
I took so much fabric out of the pyjamas that they have finished up a teeny bit short, but they are perfect with flats.
My verdict? I have a strange liking for these pyjamas. I feel vaguely glamorous floating round the house in them and will enjoy wearing them for casual social events in the summer.
Perfect with flats – do you usually wear your PJs with heels?? These are completely fabulous. I love everything about them and if you wore them out for dinner, no one would bat an eyelid
Swansdown heels are the thing with pjs Megan 😉
Very glamourous – I wouldn’t restrict them to the house either. They need to be shown to the world.
Thanks Norma, my son was horrified when he thought I was going to wear them for shopping!
Gorgeous.
Thank you Christine!
Where can I get this pattern?
https://www.decadesofstyle.com/collections/1930s-sewing-patterns/products/3001-1930s-kitchenette-pajamas. Thanks Beverly, I should have provided a link!
Looking at these photos, I was just thinking what you said in conclusion: this glamourous pj would be a hit in public. You look radiant! So interesting to watch all the steps leading to the final garment (this Sarah is a gem!). An indie designer could certainly be inspired by the concept and rework the construction to produce a very contemporary pattern.
Yes, Hélène although there are a gazillion jumpsuits out there!
Beautiful. These pyjamas are so flattering. Definitely glamorous and appropriate for social outings.
well, I would call this a perfect party suit but not Pyjama’s… or am I getting this wrong now..
here Pyjama`s are worn to go to bed… it looks fantastic, great work Sue.
ciao ciao Christa
Haha Christa, I think they fall into the category of lounging pyjamas! I shall be wearing them for cocktails in the garden!
Since the pattern has a 1920s chic about it, I can only say that the pyjamas are ‘the bees knees’ and the fabric is ‘the cat’s pyjamas’ ! (What else!) And you look just ‘ritzy’ in them! 🙂
Thanks Trish. The pattern is from the 1930s and I forgot to say that in the post so shall amend.
Oh this outfit is just divine! It is too good for wearing to bed, that’s for sure. I think I might have to make myself a set for breezing around in summer.
Yes, I think they are more lounging pyjamas than sleeping pyjamas!
Looks fantastic S
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Suzanne! Thank you 😘
What a fantastic outfit! You look great in them – well worth all the hassle of adusting the fitting. And thanks for sharing the process. I’m sure you will receive lots of compliments when you wear them.
What a beautiful make and what a difference all the alterations makes. It suits you well just like the color of the fabric. Another great make Sue.
Thank you Sonja, I am quietly pleased with these
Sue, they are simply fantastic! I can see them in a whole range of beautiful materials — I might even have some in MY stash!! As I look out over the valley here at Nannup, I am visioning a party on the verandah in the cool of the evening, with you swishing around in silk loungers, and Mark and Brian swishing down a red! We are here and settled!! Hope to see you soonx.
Thanks Thel. We called past your on Wednesday but you didn’t seem to be home. Will email!
Oh I love them so much. You look fabulous. Perfect for summer entertaining. I might have a go at this pattern. I love Swanning around in the yard. At Christmas.
Oh yes, perfect for Christmas and swanning! Just be aware of the back issues though.
Just fabulous Sue. Far too nice to hide away, you really must wear them for cocktails! The alterations made at your class transformed this project.
They would be fabulous for our upcoming Frocktails but I think it will be too cold 😟
Oh, how sad. Thermal undies? 😉
Maybe!
These are terrific. I, also, think you should wear them out for a party!
Yes, wearing them out is the overwhelming consensus so I suspect that I shall!
Love the this on you . You will be able to take it away with you as there is no sun in Perth! x
I might take it to Tasmania – it’s warmer there ATM!
Oh yes, please do wear them out and about as you look gorgeous in this sleek jumpsuit!! Hard to believe how the back began, as you’ve captured a beautiful fit there now. The entire outfit suits you well.
faaaaabulous is the only word for them – you should be very proud of your efforts here Sue, they look terrific.
You look very glamorous. I wish I had half a dozen “lounging pjs” so as soon as I got home from work I could get really comfortable!
Way way too glamorous to stay in the kitchen! They are FABULOUS.
oh my gosh, these ARE fabulous! Just exactly like a glamorous evening gown. Hi thee and obtain for thyself those swansdown slippers! 🙂
So beautiful! The colour is just gorgeous, and you look even MORE elegant than usual.
What a beautiful and elegant pj/jumpsuit!! Your fabric choice is perfect and it needs a party to go to!
These look so stylish and it realy does make a difference having someone to assist with the pinning and adjusting.