I’m so excited these are finished!
I was so excited, I did a flapper dance.
And then I had silly time with my boudoir doll!
And then did ridiculous self portraits.
^this is my “I survived the pajamas without going (too) crazy” face!
Seriously, I started today with a super low self confidence. But sometimes pep talks from your best friend and crazy silly dress up time do wonders for morale.
These were a pain in the butt to make, because I was having a bad sewing streak where you’re unmotivated and do dumb things. And I gave myself a pretty nasty iron burn that’s about 6 inches long that’s still healing. But if you want more info, check out my previous post about these with more details.
The Challenge: Innovation (using rayon fabric, pajamas for women, and art deco as influence)
Fabric: Rayon print, and coordinating lightweight rayon twill
Pattern: Butterick 2657
Year: 1929
Notions: Two buttons, elastic
How historically accurate is it? Pretty darn close!
Hours to complete: About 6-8ish. But spread out, because I was having C.A.D.D. and didn’t want to work on them.
First worn: Today for photos!
Total cost: I think I paid a pretty penny for the pattern, but I don’t remember how much. The fabric was super cheap- about $9 total.
Those old Butterick patterns are a pain sometimes! I ignored all my best advice for other seamstresses and didn’t mock up and didn’t do flat measurements of the pattern pieces, so these ended up WAY too big! Oh well, they’re just pjs. They’ll be comfy. I also found the illustration kind of deceptive. There were other quirks that come with working with old patterns. But they’re done and wearable! Yay!
I totally want to make all the 1920s things now. I’m addicted.
Evie
February 3, 2014 at 5:07 pm (10 years ago)These are adorable!! And these pictures are super fun :)
Jessica Meade
February 3, 2014 at 5:09 pm (10 years ago)Love these! You did a great job. I just finished a 20’s flapper dress and a McCalls 1938 blouse. Between both of those patterns, I have a new appreciation for the ease of modern patterns! I also agree that jammies are better with some room to lounge and with all that style no one will notice.
Chastity
February 3, 2014 at 5:52 pm (10 years ago)Honey works great on burns, even better if you can mix in some lavender oil.
Cassie S.
February 3, 2014 at 6:19 pm (10 years ago)I am planning on starting up with Sew Fortnightly too!
These turned out wonderfully!!!! So amazing!
Love your pictures!!
I love your blog! Just started following a few days ago!
Siri Andersen
February 3, 2014 at 9:33 pm (10 years ago)These pajamas are wonderful! I am in the process of planning a pair of PJs for myself, but for some reason I have always just thought of flannel for them. Maybe I should go for rayon instead? It looks so flowy and luxurious, but I worry about sewing with slippery fabrics… Might take the plunge now!
Your photos are so fun! Thanks for sharing :)
Corinne
February 4, 2014 at 4:38 am (10 years ago)Well all I can say is these are adorable, you seem beyond happy. I don’t know if that is because they are done, whew! or that you like them so much! (smile) In any case, a great accomplishment because the old patterns are a bit of a challenge to us. The measuring of flat pieces is essential I think. Haven’t used one for a long time but found that to be very helpful. The twenties fashions are beautiful to me, much like current fashion in so many ways. Now the big question, are you going to make another pair?
Green Martha
February 4, 2014 at 4:49 am (10 years ago)Those are adorable, and your pictures are fabulous ! They brought a smile to my face, thank you :)
Brigid Boyer
February 4, 2014 at 4:58 am (10 years ago)They turned out really cute! The fabric is perfect for that pattern! And no one’s ever going to know the “mistakes” you made on them. :)
Deborah H. Allen
February 4, 2014 at 5:30 am (10 years ago)I’m about to release the third novel of my Kingsland Series, and it starts in 1928. Last year, to get attention at the arts and crafts fairs I attended, I dressed up as a Victorian lady. This year I’ll be a flapper, and will be watching with interest to see what kinds of 20’s clothes you come up with!
Tiffany
February 4, 2014 at 6:33 am (10 years ago)The pajamas are adorable–but you are even more adorable! I’ve stopped taking pictures of myself because I was so down on my body. You’ve inspired me, not because of body shape, but because you were clearly having a ball taking pictures! Going to start keeping record of things in pictures again. By the way, I think many women wore their clothes a little on the too big side then–I’ve got hundreds of pictures of my Great Grandmother and her friends in the teens, (she could somehow afford to take snapshots by the droves) and then in the twenties, and quite a few of them wore their clothes waaay too big based on comparison from one decade to the next…just because they could, I guess. They were quite wealthy (wish it had made it to me!), and wore expensive clothes, so I doubt it was due to just poor fitting or craftmanship.
Patricia Lynn
February 4, 2014 at 8:57 am (10 years ago)Lauren, I love them. They’re so cute. Great job!
Gaidig
February 8, 2014 at 8:03 am (10 years ago)Youch! I hope you heal quickly.
You photos are so fun.