I’m almost embarrassed to say that it was only earlier this year that I discovered the wonderful sewing groups and communities on Facebook, and the many amazing online-only indie pattern designers out there. Where have you been? I hear you ask. The truth is, it hadn’t even occurred to me that outside of blogs and dedicated sewing websites, there could be a thriving community on Facebook about sewing. I know, I know. It is pretty disappointing for a millennial. And yes, I have since realised that Minerva, Instagram and YouTube are heavily used by sewers too!

The good thing is, though, that I did discover it. Better late than never, as they say! And I am impressed with so many of these indie designers that social media has helped promote, and the FREE patterns that many of them offer. Yep, you read that right. Free! Some are completely free, and others require you to subscribe to their newsletter or join their Facebook group.

One of my favourite free patterns amongst the bunch is the Movie Night Pyjamas by Sew a Little Seam. This is the kids version, and comes with a whole host of options! But what’s more? There are matching versions for women, men, and even your pets. Can you think of anything more adorable than matching PJs for the entire family?

I made a little PJ set for Freya in this sweet elephant jersey by Rico Designs. I love everything about this fabric. The mint colour, the cute blushing elephants, and the sparkling dark gold accent complement each other perfectly, and the jersey is of amazing quality, with a good amount of stretch and recovery. This is from the nursery collection from Rico, and is absolutely perfect for a little PJ set.

I had a hard time choosing from all the pattern options! In the end, I went for long sleeves and legs with cuffs, no front placket, plain sleeves, and yoga waistband. I made this in size 18-24m to get plenty of wear for my then 13-month-old. The cuffs and the yoga band (for which I used an organic ribbing from my stash) are not only comfortable, but provide a little bit of space to “grow with me”.

You can see that it is a little bit too long for the time being, but provide the right sort of width for my little chubster. Thank you, 5% elastane! I talked about the fabric design earlier, and just want to add that I often struggle, especially when buying online, with the size and scale of the print. It is one thing seeing the print next to a measuring tape, but making sure that it work for a garment can take a bit of imagination. With this one though, in my humble opinion, the scale is just right: not too small that it looks busy, but not too big that it is overwhelming. It really is a sweet nursery fabric.

Just because I’m wearing PJs does not mean that I’m ready for bed! I shall continue exploring until I am good and ready.

One thing that I’m massively proud of with this project is my twin stitching. This is something that I’ve struggled with time and time again. In fact, I think it is fair to say that I have tried everything. But somehow, this time, threading my machine calmly, with wooly nylon in my bobbin, I produced a hem that has no skipped stitching, first time round! I love it when a sewing project comes together nicely :)

Doesn’t that look professional? And look at those blushing elephants!

Finally, no mummy made clothes is complete now without a DIY size label! At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it makes life so much easier by telling us the size and which way is the back. And it’s so simple to add – check out my tutorial here!

Night, night, for now, my dear readers. Sweet dreams!

Alice from Queen of Darts

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