In writing this blog, I have certainly have had the chance to make myself lots of new things to wear. Since I have all this fabric at home, it's hard to justify going out an buying something when I can make it, not leave my house, fight the traffic, not find what I like, etc. etc.
I need a new skimpy little nightie to wear when the weather is hot like it is now.
I need a new skimpy little nightie to wear when the weather is hot like it is now.
So, I pulled down some of my fabric boxes ...
And found these two cotton prints. I bought them a while ago for a Simplicity project and always liked how they looked together, but was told batiks don't photograph well, so they have been in a box for a couple years.
I couldn't find any pajama or nightie pattern for a summer nightgown. So, I decided to use the slip pattern that goes under this dress.
You may wonder why I don't just make my own pattern. Well, ever since I learned how to make patterns I don't complain anymore about how much they cost! Making a pattern is not quick. But, if you have a simple pattern to start from, making modifications is easy.
You may wonder why I don't just make my own pattern. Well, ever since I learned how to make patterns I don't complain anymore about how much they cost! Making a pattern is not quick. But, if you have a simple pattern to start from, making modifications is easy.
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OK, the problem was, I had very little fabric, about 16" of the polka dot and 30" of the batik. That makes a yard and a quarter and the slip pattern said it called for 2 1/4 yards!
So here is how I managed. The bodice was supposed to be cut double, totally unnecessary for a nightie, so I cut it one layer and cut the straps on the crossgrain. For the skirt, I just made it really short and added a small wedge piece on one of the side seams. Piecing like this used to be done all the time. I even have a blouse pattern from the 50s that tells you to piece the back near the side seam right in the guidesheet on the pattern layout. People used to be much more conscience of economy.
See the piecing I did. I probably could have done a better job finding a bit of fabric where the print would have blended better, but who's going to see when I'm in bed?
See the piecing I did. I probably could have done a better job finding a bit of fabric where the print would have blended better, but who's going to see when I'm in bed?
The bodice had distinct bust darts which I didn't want for a night gown, so I rounded off the points at the bottom of the dart and will gather in the fullness to fit the skirt.
I finished the neckline with some bias tape and to please myself, I added a bow. Aren't all nightgowns supposed to have bows? And green rick rack in the waist seam to coordinate with the green in the print of the skirt.
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