Tuesday, May 7, 2013

repurposed : pyjama pants


My five year old favourite pyjama pants were sadly wearing very thin. Comfortable yes, but they certainly were not the prettiest site. On the weekend I bravely picked them apart to make one side into a pattern piece. I had been planning this for quite some time, but I suppose I was waiting until they had well and truly had their day. This is the first time I've tried this method, because it is a little scary to take a favourite piece apart. Knowing that you can never wear it again, even if it is no longer very wearable. But I love this method and I now have plans for another well worn but holey top in my wardrobe.



What I loved about this pair is that they were generously wide legged, not too high in the waist and so a little more flattering than most pairs on. For me, they were the holy grail of pyjama pants. Once apart I realized that there was only one leg seam in each side, which made the sewing part a whole lot easier. The pattern piece itself seemed absurdly wide and short, but it does work.  I kept the faux fly detail, which although it took a little fiddling, was not really difficult.





The only flannel I had on hand was some old sheets, but it does feel good to repurpose something into a useful item for next to nothing. I quite like the floral mustard tones, something you don't really see much of anymore.




All in all this took just a few hours to whip up, over the space of two days. And I now have a comfy pair of pyjamas to replace my beloved striped pair. Another vintage sheet is at the ready to make another pair this week, with future hopes of a fancier version for holidays etc with perhaps some Anna Maria Horner flannel.





I guess it's saying something that I'm still wearing them past nine o'clock this morning. (Luckily Daniel took the kids to school).


18 comments:

  1. oh oh oh! I have been meaning to do this for the longest time, with some vintage sheets.
    All my winter pajamas have died at once and I can see this project is going to happen sooner now you've inspired me.
    What did you do about the elastic waist, sew it in at the end?
    Susie x

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would wear those in a heartbeat!
    Just fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm the same as Susie, this has been on my very long to do list! They look fantastic and I love the fabric you chose. mel x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Susie - yes, I did sew in the elastic in the end using the usual way, though I did topstitch all layers at the very top to stop the elastic rolling. I noticed they did this on the original design.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Brilliant. I love the way the flowers ended up more-or-less at your knees, too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a great idea...I would never have thought to do this and this sounds like a project even us (well me) novice sewers could have a crack at. Now I just need to find an old sheet!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Well done Tania, they look great. xxoo

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have this exact sheet on the bed at the moment. At least i know now that when it wears thin and eventually gets a hole i can transform it into a pretty pair of pj pants.x

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love these! Vintage flannelette sheets for pj's is such a great idea. I would wear them all day if I could xo

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love the vintage colours! Very clever, I keep meaning to do this with my teens fav pair of pjs
    Only 9am? Thank goodness I don't have to do the school run and get to stay in mine much longer!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very nice. I also make Pj's from vintage sheets. I'm wearing them now in fact!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I think I like the new ones even better than the originals! But, I do like those mustardy colors more than pink. Very good work. It is SO alarming to dissect something beloved in the hopes of making more. I have a dress that falls into this category, but like you I am waiting until it has truly had its day before going at it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Clever you - they look good too.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love how you've matched the pattern!
    Cheers, Rob xo

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a great idea!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Gorgeous! I have made all of our winter pyjama pants for several years now - my boys at 9/12/14 are still happy to come to Spotlight etc to choose material for their pairs which surprises me but makes me thrilled to bits! We then just wear thermal tops with them and hand them down to each kid too.

    ReplyDelete
  17. oh! I recently made myself some delicious comfy jammie pants out of some lovely vintage floral flannelette too.
    they are SO good.
    I wear them all day!

    ReplyDelete
  18. LOVE your new jim-jam pants. I'd want to wear them all the time. x

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving a comment. If you have any questions please check back later as I will do my best to answer any within the comments section.