The top to match the bottoms
In keeping with the “things I saw two years ago when I was a newbie sewist and wanted to try but didn’t” theme, I turned to Nancy of Belle Epoque and her Tie Tank Top Tute to make a top to match my new pajama bottoms. Again, I found it quite simple to make, now that I have some basic sewing experience.
It’s constructed in a similar fashion to a child’s pillowcase dress, but it’s more flexible in that you cut the cloth to fit your measurements. That said, I knew there would be a problem when the instructions included a step that essentially amounted to adding 16 inches to my hip measurement. Perhaps a super skinny girl could look good in a shirt with that much extra fabric floating around, but I just couldn’t pull it off. I tried. I made it as instructed, but then narrowed the whole thing by about 4 inches around. It’s still pretty big, but being that I intend to wear it as a pajama top, big is ok. Comfy, even.
The ribbon I used for the ties was too wide, I know, but even so, I am not a big fan of ties on my shoulder, and am thinking that I will just sew the ribbons together where they’re supposed to tie, and do away with the bows.
I think I would like to try and make this shirt for normal everyday wear – I imagine it would be really cool on those hot days – but first I have to figure out if there’s some way to cut it so that I don’t end up looking like I’m about 300 pounds in it… Any suggestions?
We’re heading out to see fireworks tonight, and my plan is to spend some time today making Blueberry-Raspberry Pound Cake to bring, and new bandana pants for the boys – I found bandanas that look like American flags. Those boys are either going to look really cool or really dorky. I’ll report back, when I can, to let you know which it was. Hee hee.
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Cute! I like your ensemble. I might have to give this a whirl.
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I agree with you about the ties. I can picture myself rolling over in bed and laying on them, thus ensuring a sleepless night. I’d sew them down, too.
.-= See Marty’s latest blog post: Summer Things =-.
Your top is very cute. Add that to my list of 1000 things I want to make but may or may not get to.
Have you thought about making some waist darts? Just nip it in at the waist, but still leave enough room to pull the thing over your head. You can try it with safety pins first before committing to stitches.
.-= See Suzanne’s latest blog post: Weekly Sewing Update and a Giveaway =-.
I don’t really have the hang of darts just yet, but something like this is probably a great way to practice. Thanks for the suggestion!
What a beautiful summery pajama outfit, Lisa. I agree with you about the ribbon bows. Personally, those would bother me to lay down in. I also agree with Suzanne about the waist darts. I’m not much of a sewer but could you add some elastic in the darts so it would be easy on and off? You’re inspiring me to get myself (or make myself) some loungewear. Love it!
I can’t really picture how elastic in the darts would work, but I don’t think it would be necessary on something that’s already so roomy. Maybe on a closer-fitting one, though.
I love that top! might have to give it a try myself.
Oh, and I made “american flag” bandana pants for my boy last year and they were not dorky at all. He (still) loves them and gets plenty of “those are awesome!” from the older kids around, so I am certain yours will pass the “not at all dorky” test too!
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You’re right – they did end up being pretty cute and the boys have been wearing theirs since yesterday afternoon, so they must be in agreement
they look fab Lisa, I just bought 2 pretty pillowcases from the op shop to make some summer pj’s for my 6 year old, hope they look as cute as your set.
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lisa i love that set!!! i just made me a pair of capri ones…come take a peek. whosies.blogspot.com
oh, maybe you could just gather the center of the shirt at the collar center and then don’t gather the rest. that would give you flat side seams and not all gathery everywhere. oh, or pin tucks..that would be cute!! tutorial here: http://indietutes.blogspot.com/search?q=pin+tucks ok. that was a lot.
.-= See becky’s latest blog post: S.W.A.P.S. =-.
I bought that same sheet at a garage sale a couple years ago. I love what you did with it and now I might have to give it a try!
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Lovely set. Reminds me of lounging on the deck at the cottage with a tea in the wee hours of the morning before the kids get up. I suppose that could become reality if the weather would get up past 20 and no rain here. Unusual for Southern Ontario …but i’m not complaining!
I have an idea! Why don’t you cut it a tad longer and shirr the bottom? SO easy with elastic thread!
That’s an interesting idea… I’ve never done anything like that before. As long as it didn’t end up too clingy, it might work! Thanks for the suggestion.