The day has finally arrived! The lovely and multi-talented Karen Ball, from Did You Make That?, who also recently began writing for The Guardian Fashion Blogger’s Network, is hosting a Pyjama Party and we are all invited!
Also this month, two very gregarious and skilled sewing bloggers, Kat from Modern Vintage Cupcakes teamed up with Mel from The Curious Kiwi to host Indie Pattern Month, so I have also invited a few Independent Pattern Designers to join the Party!
Sewaholic Tofino Pants Pattern
Colette Sorbetto Top Pattern
Downtown DIY Sewing Book Lazy Morning PJ Bottoms Pattern
For the pajama bottoms, I used the Sewaholic Tofino Pants Pattern, and ‘frankenpatterned’ them by adding elements from the Lazy Morning PJ Bottoms pattern found in the book Downtown DIY Sewing by Alice Chadwick. I also added a pajama top to the mix and decided on Colette Patterns Sorbetto top. This is actually a free pattern and you can download the PDF for it by clicking here, then print it out onto letter sized paper and tape together.
I love the wide legs, shaped front and back and piping design element of the Tofino pattern, but also wanted to add the ridiculously adorable heart-shaped pockets and contrasting hem and waistband from the Lazy Morning PJ Pattern. Both the body and the contrast fabric for the pajamas are 100% cotton. I used ivory coloured lingerie piping, which is made of satin, (instead of the ready-made cotton piping), and the sheen really made the pajama bottoms look elegant. This type of piping would look great with silk or satin fabric.
I had just enough fabric for a small matching top, so downloaded the Colette Sorbetto, as it only used approximately 3/4 of a metre of fabric for the entire top. This was my first time making this pattern and I just love it! So simple, but the result is very polished. 
I used an ivory 1/4″ pre-made bias binding (although the pattern calls for 1/2″) as I wanted it to emulate the thin piping on the pants. An alternative would have been to make bias binding out of the contrast fabric from the pajama bottoms hem and waistband. Ultimately, I decided this would have been too ‘busy’ as the main fabric’s paisley pattern was already quite elaborate.
And now, you are wondering to yourself, “What is she going to do with two little heart-shaped pockets on the pajamas? What will she carry in there?” Well, I can answer that…
Kitty treats! For The One I Heart. 🙂
credits: First Picture of Pajama Party, circa 1927, taken from http://laughwithrosetta.blogspot.ca/2012/06/pajama-party.html
Gjeometry 
Wheeeeee! Thank you for being such a BRILLIANT supporter. I appreciate all your comments and encouragement. Now, more importantly, on to your PJs!! Such attention to detail! They are so pretty and work rather brilliantly with your bed linen. Enjoy your PJs and say hello to your cat for me.
Thanks Karen! I’m more than thrilled to support you and your endeavours!! Glad you like the pajamas! And, yes, the way I see it, there are plenty of places and situations to wear neutrals and solid colours of all kinds. When you are in your pajamas and in your bed, it’s free reign to enjoy colour and pattern to the max! 🙂 Enjoy the rest of the Pyjama Party!!
Oooh, I love the heart pockets! And such pretty fabric too.
Thank you Sabs! I could not resist the heart pockets, so cute, it’s almost dangerous!! Lol.
Lovely PJs. I used the Sorbetto pattern for my PJ top too!
Thank you very much! I had never made the Sorbetto before, and now I wonder… why? It’s so fabulous! And, great minds obviously think alike 🙂 (it makes a fantastic Pajama top).
Ooh, gorgeous PJ’s! I love that fabric combination, and the heart pockets are so super-cute!! (Hmmm… note to self – add heart-shaped pockets to the next skirt I make….)
Cute cat, too. 🙂
Thanks Kat!! I agonized over the fabric choices, but went big and bright because that makes my happy! And, I know about the heart shaped pockets, right?? I have to admit, I am also contemplating what else I can put them on, Lol.
Kitty thanks you for the compliment. He’s quite a famous Super Sewing Hero contributor to our blog. 🙂
Beautiful! I really like the piping on the pants – it really pops out!
And your kitty is so cute!
Thank you Catherine! I think the piping pops nicely because it’s satin and not cotton and the sheen is really noticeable. Especially when paired with the cotton. And, yes, Kitty knows he is cute, Lol.
Ooh, these pjs are just adorable! Love the heart shaped pockets especially.
Thank you Viv!! Yes, I could not pass on those heart pockets. The pattern called for one, I added two and actually had to stop myself from adding more!
Oh, these are toooooo special!! I love the contrast material and the little details!
Thanks Anne! “special” lol. With the hearts and the pink and the paisley and the dotted contrast fabric, AND the pink bow, I would lean more towards “precious”. 🙂
Hi, I’m glad I found your blog – it’s really lovely – and so is Kitty 🙂 I do like these lovely little pjyamas – I also found your post on 20’s/30’s pjyamas, which was superb.
Hi Sarah, I glad you found my blog as well and thanks for stopping by!! Thanks for your compliments on both my “pyjama” makes. Hmmm, there seems to be a bit of a theme, doesn’t there? Okay, next 10 things I sew can’t have anything to do with Pajamas.
Adorable!! Love the piping!!
Thank you Lori! It was my first time inserting piping and it was so easy!
Ooh, these are gorgeous – love the fabric choice and the bias binding round the bottom of the leg!
Thank you so much Caro! I had both these fabrics in my stash and they went so well together.
Kitty treats!!! Perfect use for heart shaped pajama pockets.
🙂 Right?? And, Kitty has to totally concur with that (obviously).
They look great! Good job 🙂 I’m glad you managed to take the photos!
Thank you!! And, yay, got the pics done on my own. But, as you notice, for most of them, I went with just taking pics of the pajamas. It was too difficult to coordinate myself, Kitty, the treat, the camera auto-timer and to find a place to rest the camera so Kitty didn’t keep knocking it down. So, just saved the ‘live’ shots for the Kitty treats at the end. They’re pajamas, it’s not like they are tailored, so I don’t really have to put them on to show fit or ask advice about altering, etc.
Everything about your post was so fun Gj (as always). You’re such a tidy seamstress, your PJ’s look pristine. I really like the paisley and perfect in pink. I hadn’t heard the term ‘Frankenpatterned’ but that made me laugh. The little heart pockets, are really cute and a necessity really. We must see Kitty make an appearance in your delightful posts.
Thank you Boomdee! I’m so excited that you find my sewing ‘tidy’. That’s a huge compliment and it’s something I’ve been striving for while learning to sew. Always room for improvement though, but that’s what makes sewing and designing such a great craft. There is always something new to learn or master. So, I try not to beat myself up when I make errors or am having trouble figuring out how to piece something together.
And, Kitty felt that at least TWO pockets were necessary (double the pattern) so that double the amount of treats may be carried.
These are sooooo pretty! I love the fabric and all the finishing details. Enjoy them!
Thank you Tia! I raided my stash as I didn’t want to spend money on expensive fabric for pajamas, and came up with these two fabrics that went together rather nicely. And, I enjoyed wearing them just last night!
Ah! These are the most awesome pj’s ever! I love your fabric choices, and that satin piping really does look terrific. Your heart pocket is so cute too 🙂 Love them!
Thank you so much Kacie! I sifted through my fabric stash to come up with the two fabrics, so it was a great stash-busting project. And, the heart pockets make me smile every time!! Although they now have a rather strong aroma of kitty treats…..
Too cute! I want a pair!
🙂 Thanks Faye! You are totally welcome to make a pair and come over for a pajama party with Kitty and I! The heart pockets come highly recommended.
Love your pyjama set! The pockets are so cute. I might make a set too one day, I have a matching hoodie pattern.
Thank you Helena! The pockets bring me super happy joy! Lol. Yes, I totally recommend making a matching hoodie for yours! Sometimes “matchy-matchy” is totally fun. And, I had JUST enough fabric for my Sorbetto top, so it worked out great! Waste not, want not. 🙂
So cute! I especially love the piping and the pockets!
I do the same thing with my pjs and sheets – the crazier and more colorful the better! =)
Thank you Brooke! And, yay to colourful and fun patterns. I don’t think kids should have ALL the fun! And, I really think you can do colour and pattern in a sophisticated way, as well. I would not necessarily wear the colours and fabrics from these pajamas out for street clothes, but I really enjoy infusing my wardrobe with more balanced colour and pattern matching. I figure I’ll be wearing neutrals and grey at my funeral, so now’s the time to enjoy a little spice!
Super cute… those heart pockets! The fabric! And kitty seems to be in fine form as well… Well done! As usual… I enjoying everything you make- you put a lot of thought in to each creation and it shows! ~Laurie
Thanks Laurie! That’s very encouraging for me, that you notice the thought I put into my sewing projects. Although I guess it can make for a loooooonger project as, problem is, I change my mind so many times, rearrange things, add things, subtract things, reverse things, etc. But, I have to say, I do really enjoy that part of the designing process, even if it means that weeks go by and I havn’t yet sewn a seam!
I’m guessing that, as I get better at both sewing and designing, colour and pattern matching, etc., that the time involved with the process will become shorter and shorter.
I think time spent is important. I kind of got in to trying to do a lot of quick and easy and simple (which has it’s place ofc!) projects but now I am looking back and wishing I had tackled one of the big, much planned, time consuming projects I dream about. I am not REALLY happy with a lot of what I have made. My favorite recent project is Juliette’s green dress I spent so much time on! And my China girl top. So, I am going that direction now and planning a grape, light weight wool blend coat from a pattern @katie_kid_md mailed me a few months ago. It is actually from the 90’s and I love it! A project I can get excited about. 🙂 So I am all for admiring the work you put in to things- I feel challenged by it! 🙂 And that seems to be a good thing.
Yes, I agree with all those points! Amusingly, this make (simple pajama bottoms and sleeveless top) are actually quick and easy simple projects. However, I managed to stretch them out to almost a month! With the fabric selection and pairing, fabric and colour choice for piping, width and colour choice of bias binding, should the main fabric be the contrast or vice versa? drawstring or elastic? cuffed hem or false hem? even down to the choice of thread (match the background, match the piping, match the design colour?). So much prep work for such a simple project, lol! To paraphrase a saying “There are no small projects, just small minds.” 🙂 That’s what I’ll keep telling myself, anyway.
What fun pjs! Love all the color!
Thank you Em! Although I wanted the colours to coordinate, I definitely did not want them to be subtle.
I just love your PJ’s and I’m sure these are probably Kitty’s favorites as well… especially as he knows now what goes into those cute little pockets.
Thank You Chris! And, you know Kitty only too well. These ARE, indeed, his very favourite pajamas. He follows me around, gazing up at them lovingly. 🙂
Your pajamas are beautiful! Love the piping and the heart pocket. Also, I’m a sucker for style history, and thus just loving the photo from 1927!
Thanks Samina! The pockets make me delightfully happy. 🙂 And, I loved that pic, as well. Ever since I did the research and posted about my 1920 Beach Pajamas, I’ve really come to love the fashion of that era along with the pics!! There is something strangely modern about all the pics I’ve come across from that time period. Love it. And, I sense there may be more in upcoming blogposts!
Ahhh love the kitty treat utility pockets! And the look on his face in the last pic is pretty great.
‘Treat Utility Pockets’ “Why don’t all garments have one (or nine) of these?” Asks Kitty and all cats everywhere!!
Perfect fabric/pattern combination and it looks like kitty has high approval too! 🙂 Of course, that could also be the secrets hiding in the heart shaped pockets, kitties are not above bribery, hehe – they look super comfy and very very stylish!
Thanks Mel, they are completely comfortable! And, yes, Kitties enjoy garments with added treat transport devices, for sure. Not sure if I thought it through completely though as the pajama bottoms do now have a distinct ‘savoury salmon / chicken tenders’ aroma. 🙂
Love the pj’s! The heart pockets are perfect. Kitty should really feel bad about eating your butter off of your toast now! 🙂
LOL, exactly!! Kitty ‘burn’! 🙂 I am going to go find him now and see if he looks at all guilty or remorseful. (Doubtful…)
Thanks, also, for your nice compliments.
So was Kitty remorseful? I’m betting not.
Kitty looked incredulous and insulted that I dared to confront him with no treats in my heart shaped pockets, then he attempted to attack my ankle. Remind me why I love him again?
These are adorable!! I want some!
Thanks Shannon!!
such cute pjs, I love the contrasting waist and hem on your pj bottoms – the fabric looks like a pink version of the green fabric I bought for my pjs – except I missed the party… I washed the fabric last night :S
I hope kitty found all the treats and you didn’t wake up in the morning in a mess of crumbled leftovers (speaking from experience of eating biscuits in bed!)!!
Thank you! Oooh, we will be pajama twins. You should find a coordinating green fabric for the waistband and hem of yours, as well. And, of course, don’t forget the heart-shaped pockets! Kitty is NEVER one to miss finding a treat. Even, if not actually given to him (thief).
great PJs
Thanks Kathleen.
these pjs look so cute & comfortable. What a great job you did in co ordinating the material & putting in all the perfect trims. Kitty probably wanted bigger heart pockets so you could put in more treats. sending this from the library. dial up will only do some things.
Thank you! Yes, Kitty probably wants a knapsack or duffel bag sewn into the pajamas filled with kitty treats. Well, kitty can’t ALWAYS get what he wants, can he?
Yay for wi-fi at the library!
I don’t know I think kitty feels that yes he CAN get what he wants.
Kitty feels this, yes. Doesn’t make it true….hard for kitties to accept.
I love these – the print is so fun and I just adore the little pockets. Yes, very perfect for kitty treats. I’m sure kitty won’t leave you alone when you wear these, now that he knows treats may be inside. 🙂
Thanks Kristin! Yes, I fell in love with the pockets and had to have them. And, of course, Kitty claimed them immediately. He just looks at me annoyed and tries to attack my ankle if he discovers there are no treats in them
These are so cute! I love the little finishing details!
Thank you!! I agonized for days about which colours, fabrics, sizes, etc. to use. Lol.
I understand completely! LOL the dilemmas of working with too many beautiful things!
I absolutely LUV those pyjamas! SO cute! Makes me wish I could get along with a sewing machine ;-/ … I’ve also nominated your blog for the Wonderful Team Member Readership Award! Click here for more info: http://knittingwithheart.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/the- wonderful-team-member-readership-award-nominees ❤
Thank you! If you have even a remote curiosity about sewing, I highly recommend taking it up! I only started several months ago and am obsessed with it, I just love it!
And, thank you so much for the fabulous award!! I am humbled and honoured!! I will pop on over and see the deets now.
It is my pleasure to nominate your blog 🙂 And if you can sew like that within just a few months… then sewing must be a gift that God stitched right into your heart! That’s how I feel about knitting ❤
Awww, ‘warm fuzzy’ thanks for saying that, it was so sweet! And, that’s fantastic that you have the knitting but in you! Love the stuff you come up with, as well. 🙂
Right back at ya, with my “warm fuzzy’ thanks ❤ And with so many crafts ‘n so little time, blogs are a great way to let us at least oooh ‘n ahhh over each other’s work 🙂
Your pajamas are so sweet! I love the details of the satin piping and those heart shaped pockets 🙂 Kitty loves them too I bet, since he now can have his treats everywhere haha!
Thanks Elise! Yes, these are definitely Kitty’s favourite garment ever! The idea of transportable treats is too much!!
Your Sorbetto and Tofino pants are an adorable combination! Of course, Kitty is just way too cute and fluffy for words – love it. 😀
Thank you so much! I think they work so well as pajamas, but I love the Sorbetto and will make a version like yours, for wearing out! And, yes, Kitty is well aware that he is just way too cute for words. Actually, it’s becoming a bit of a problem…..LOL.
Oh those PJs are great. I have plans for a couple of PJ pants and they are way way way less exciting and pretty and polished than yours. Kit wouldn’t be impressed at all lol.
Thank you kindly! And, I have to say, if your pajamas have any kind of pockets where you can carry kitty treats, then Kitty WILL be duly impressed, regardless of how else they may look. I’m looking forward to seeing your pajamas!
Gorgeous PJ’s! I love the fabric print; interesting, and pretty without being twee. The whole set looks lovely.
Thank you Carolyn! I’m not a huge fan of matchy-matchy except when it comes to pajamas. Then, I go all out. 🙂
Ooooh–I love these! And using the Sorbetto for a PJ top is pretty brilliant; it’s already loose and swingy and comfy. I have big plans to replace all my icky jammies with lovely me-mades and I’m totally going to use your idea.
My Oliver salutes your Kitty.
Thanks Jenny! I love the Sorbetto top, had never made it before. I look forward to seeing your new jammies.
And, Kitty says hi and he would like to request treat pockets sewn into all of your Pajamas for Oliver.
So adorable! I love love love these! 🙂
Thank you!! Although you’ll have to fight with Kitty to see who loves them more (at least when the treat pockets are full).