Winter Wardrobe - Flannelette Pyjama Pants

In preparation for winter (that I thought had started a few weeks ago but apparently not quite yet judging by the weather today) I thought I would whip up a couple of pairs of new pj pants.  I found these flannelettes at Spotlight this season and knew I had to have them, I mean dandelions are my favourite and who could resist cute cartoon animals wearing glasses?!

I used an old simplicity pattern for these, so old I have no idea where the envelope is and couldn't tell you the number for anything.  I've been using a traced copy for as long as I can remember.

I do think these are a little on the large side for me, but I would prefer them to be a bit baggy because they are pj pants after all. 

I do have a few little tricks when I make these though, just to make them a little bit nicer and add a few other touches too them. 

The first one is adding a tag ( I just use ribbon) at the back so you know which is the back and front.  I find this especially important if I'm not adding a ribbon or embellishment at the front, which I haven't to these.  You might want to make sure you check which is the back and front before you add it in (NOT that I'm speaking from experience or anything.....)

The next one is to stitch the elastic in at the side seams.  This is helpful as it keeps the elastic even around the waistband and keeps the gathers even so they look a bit nicer.  I do this as I tend to have quite a lot of material for the amount of elastic. You can see the little row of stitching in the ditch in the photo below.

I got my overlocker back from being serviced a day or two ago, after a few teething (read tension) issues, I'm pleased to report it is working much, much better than before! So much quieter and nicer to use.

I've also linked up with Amanda over at Crazy Mom Quilts for Finish it up Friday!

How often do you get your sewing machine/overlocker serviced?

Sewing Tip - what to do when you don't have an iron

As I've mentioned I moved recently. I've moved half my stuff but with each load of stuff I move I find stuff I need but haven't moved yet. It normally results in me leaving beind stuff I actually wanted to move too.

Anyway, I needed a break and am working on a cute little project for an adopted niece. The problem arose when I was first missing my cutting mat and rotary cutter (I have the ruler?!), but no worries I just skipped that step for now and worked around it. Pressing proved to be more challenging as my iron and pressing board still aren't here. 

Thankfully I remebered an email i relieved from Colette Patterns last week about using a hair straightener as an iron. I'm pleased to announce it worked!

Though if you are like me and your hair straightener has an automatic heat setting, just use it on cottons or linens so you don't burn your masterpiece!
 

 

 

What are your sewing tips or shortcuts?

 

Emma