I’ve been on a sewing marathon. But now it is over. After three days of almost non-stop sewing, I feel good. (And tired of those machines.) The last project I did today was to make two sets of pjs for me.
Each pair comes from one thrift store knit sheet that cost about $2.99. I’m just calling the elastic cost incidental, but let’s just say the elastic on each set cost $1. That makes each pair $4. But that doesn’t really matter as much as – they feel great and they fit me well! 
Once again, I used fold-over elastic on the top. It is the same pattern I always use for my tank tops. I could wear these in the day, they are nice enough for my casual style. But they match the pj pants so that’s what they are.
The pj pants were cut from the same pattern as for all my other elastic waist pants, including these linen pants and comfy pants.
This is what I’ve sewn in the last three days: four tank tops (me), undergarments (me), two t-shirts (Jeff), a tote bag (friend), a custom skull cap (ordered), and then there was also the apron earlier in the week. What I love about it all is that at this point, I’ve worked out almost all the kinks in our basic garments. I’ve spent time tweaking patterns and getting to know the machines and trying easy/new techniques. It is paying off now that I am able to make garments easily, efficiently, and not much is tedious. I love that – I hate tedious. If it is tedious, I won’t do it.
Here’s my confession. You would know for sure that I avoid tedious steps if you saw my garments up close… I’ve stopped doing hems on knits. Truly. And I don’t think anything is lacking for it. The jersey and/or interlock I buy (whether quality bamboo or wool, or thrift store cotton knit), doesn’t run easily. To add a hem or a rolled hem either creates a seam that is susceptible to snapping, or the insertion of the needle weakens the fabric so it tears. Not doing a hem eliminates those weaknesses, and as long as I cut straight, I don’t believe that lacking a hem is noticeable in the least. It would take quite a bit to convince me to add a hem to a knit garment!
We’re leaving for our vacation tomorrow… I won’t be posting so much for more than a week. Definitely taking a break from gnowfglins, since I know I can’t promise to come up with stuff every day. Here I would like to share intermittently. Perhaps just pictures. So, I’ll see you off and on!
Wardeh,
The pj’s look comfy and I love the idea of no hem! Thanks for the tip, I think I try to make things too complicated when sewing and if I would scale back a little then I would probably enjoy it more.
Have a GREAT vacation!
While looking over your sewing creations, I read back on Luke Pepper’s beanie… Girl, what a wonderful story. It never fails, a stop at your blog always brings a smile.
BTW, my Grandsons are still, happily, growing out their hair and Mikah is a wonderful role model for the boys. Dhillon and Cam love being who they are, learning about the topics they love. Don’t know if you remember, but you responded to an email from me, back in Dec. or January. I was considering taking on the task of homeschool teacher for my Grandchildren, you were encouraging and the rest is history. We’ve hit some bumps along the way, I still have to resist the urge to conduct as if we are a public school, but the boys are full of confidence and learning by leap and bounds.
Keep Having Fun,
Grandma Jen in AZ