Saturday, December 11, 2010

PJ top

I did finish the Villi Viikinki PJ top from Ottobre magazine yesterday evening.  I must say I am still enjoying my sewing experience with Ottobre!!  In fact, I made up my mind that I want to subscribe.  I told the hubby about that yesterday and he just looked at me and said "Uh, huh."  I must admit that he is a little more receptive to each sewing adventure I go into as he sees that I follow through.  Some years ago I used to want all of these different sewing items, but I would never use them, and they would simply amass in my sewing closet.  Well, no more!

This top was rated "easy," though it did take some time to make.  I didn't learn any new techniques while sewing this, but I did figure out how to sew raglan sleeves.  Everything I looked up on sewing this type of sleeve said that they were easy and simple for a beginner.  Right!  I tend to have issues with sleeves, and it took me a minute to sort out how to sew them.  In the end, they came together beautifully, and here is the finished product:

Solid brown fabric: Cotton interlock knit (fabric.com)
Print fabric: Lil' Zoo Cotton interlock knit (Joanns)

I did much better on this neckline binding as well.  Usually I have problems with stretching the band to fit the neckline, but this time it all worked.  I followed the Ottobre instructions to a "T" and alternated the use of my serger and sewing machine.  I really like how clean the insides of the shirt look as well.  I am beginning to get better at having a presentable garment on the inside as well.


I stuck with size 92cm for my son, and didn't make any adjustments.  After seeing my son in the shirt, though, I will have to add some length to the sleeves the next time.  I really thought it would be an ok length when I attached the sleeve cuffs, but they still came up a little short.  It's one of those things I notice, but is perfectly fine for him!



Also, I didn't have a twin needle attachment, so I had to make do in that department.  I tried to fake it as best I can, but I am still a little undecided about how the topstitching for the neckline came out.  I like one stitched line better than two, but I think that is only because the stitching is so noticeable.  

Other than those things, I am a happy camper.

Oh, and my son is a happy camper too!...



I will be making the PJ Long John pants to match his top and boxer briefs this weekend, so I hope it goes off without a hitch.  

Thank you to all of the people that left sewing tips that changed their sewing life!  I believe we can all learn from each other because what we don't know can hurt us.  If you think of a great sewing tip you would like to share, please do so here.  You never know, you might read a tip that can help you in your sewing journey as well!

Stay sew-filled!



8 comments:

  1. Very cute top! And your boy is adorable! Raise him well, he could be a real heart breaker in a few years "SMILE".

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  2. The top looks great!
    You know I'm addicted to twin needle stitching. If you buy a twin needle, make sure it's one for knits (i.e. a stretch twin needle, I use the Schmetz brand). I had to buy mine on the internet, and it changed my life!

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  3. p.s. here is the post where I write about how to twin needle stitch:
    http://vacuumingthelawn.blogspot.com/2010/04/success-with-twin-needle-stitching.html

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  4. Great pj top. I love the solid color sleeves with the print. Super cute and your boy looks very happy!

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  5. What a beautiful pj top. I love the zoo fabric, so cute. Your handsome son looks totally adorable!!

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  6. Oh it looks TERRIFIC! And your son is too too cute.

    I subscribed to Ottobre recently and haven't made anything from it yet. All those lines on the patterns kinda freak me out! This top looks great - so I think I am now inspired to have a go!

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  7. What a great looking pajama top. Nice job and an adorable model.

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  8. So cute!! And you're being too hard on yourself re: the neckline - I think it looks great!!

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Let me know what you think!