Pattern review – Carolyn Pajamas by Closet Core
I’ve had the pattern for the Carolyn Pajamas for a fair few months and have been putting off getting it started on account of my avoidance of buttons. And then there is the collar!
I should have had more confidence in the amazing Heather Lou (owner of Closet Core) as just like many of the great Indie pattern designers, her instructions, and online content is just like a sewing lesson.
The Carolyn Pajamas have an amazing chic loungewear style, which is what drew me to them in the first place. They are moderately tailored in fit and oh sew flattering.. I didn’t realise just how true this was until I buttoned up my finished top but this really flatters my curves in a way that buttoned shirts generally don’t
From a technical perspective this is described as an intermediate pattern and I definitely would agree. The notched collar and buttons were more technical techniques than I have sewed in anything else yet.
There are a number of options, shorts or trousers, long or short sleeves and the option of adding piping.. which I of course added.
The pattern is available as both a print or PDF pattern. You can buy it direct from Closet Core, from The Foldline, or from your locak fabric stores.. I bought mine from Miss Maude.
When it comes to fabric choices you can let your imagination run wild with your designs. Cosy fleecy flannels for winter, light weight wovens such as lawn or double gauze or get slinky with silky options.
Depending on the pattern version you are making the fabric requirements will vary a fair bit so make sure to check what you need… I was cocky and thought I could tetris my pieces into less than the pattern called for and ended up needing to ditch my intended long sleeves and narrow my cuffs.. not to mention a bit of discreet patching on the bottoms. See my make post for the detail on this.
You’ll also need
- Fusible interfacing (1 yard/.9m)
- 5 shirt buttons (10-15mm)
- 1.5″ / 38mm wide elastic – 2 yards
- Thread
- Marking tool
- Optional piping. Shirt = 3.5yds/3.2m, Pants/shorts = 2yds/1.8m
Pattern & INSTRUCTIONS
This is not a pattern to sew if you like to minimise pattern prep. There are a lot of pieces to this set, but the results are worth it. Pattern prep is not my most favourite part of sewing so I found this stage a bit long, but that is also an indication of the step up in sewing level it was for me. I was very nervous about sewing the buttons. I set out to sewing trousers with long sleeve top, with piping. I have never sewn buttons, a collar or piping before.
The pattern had a really easy to use button guide which got my button holes lined up just right.
Sewing Process
I went into this sew most nervous of the buttons, but I should have been thinking more about the collar. The collar was a tricky part of the sew and although the instructions written by Closet Core are generally awesome I did need extra help with the collar. Lucky for me, there was a step by step how to sew the collar on the Closet Core website that helped me out!
The pants were straightforward to make with the addition of the piping and cuffs an easy step with the instructions. The shirt in the most part was simple – collar excluded – and the buttons went seamlessly.. beginners luck perhaps.
I had been saving this tencel lawn that I purchased from Fabric Godmother for months. I loved it so much that I wanted it to be something special and as I was planning my PJs I had a vision of this paired with the Atelier Brunette Viscose crepe that I had in my bias tape stash. I worked even better than I had imaged. The colours paired perfectly and the soft luxe feel of the tencel is just perfect for such a chic lounge look.
I have to say I have surprised myself with how this has turned out. I am super proud of my awesome new flattering pajamas. I definitely don’t think this will be my last set.
Super Chic Loungewear for our age of lockdowns
Sew up a treat!
There is something very self-caring about sewing yourself a chic new pair of pajamas. Never more have we needed this than in this age of lockdowns and staying home more than we ever have before.
I only wish I had banished my button fear already as then I would have made more of these already 😉
And if you are looking for some inspo on what you can do with the Carolyn Pajamas pattern look no further
Buy the Carolyn Pajamas pattern here
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So pretty! I have this pattern, just waiting for the perfect fabric to flutter my way. I share your button anxiety, but it always goes more smoothly if I practice and practice and practice on a scrap first. I could see why you would be nervous about damaging this gorgeous fabric! Thank you for the PJ inspiration!