I don’t think I’m alone in feeling the need to “snuggle down” on winter evenings. And to be fair, on a weekend, I’d rather just lounge around in something comfortable than get properly dressed if I’m not going out anywhere; but equally I don’t want to look a total state when answering the door to take in the inevitable swathe of parcels that are arriving here ready for Christmas wrapping!
Enter the comfiest, most luxurious “pyjama” set I think I have ever owned! In fact they’re a little too luxurious to be called pyjamas. Let’s go all Margot Ledbetter and call them “loungewear”, lol!
The luxurious element comes in part from the style of these trousers but also the use of this delicious modal and silk mix jersey from Fabric Godmother. I’ve used the slate colourway (also comes in teal, plum & burnt orange) here in combination with a small amount of marl jersey in stone. It’s always tricky to relay the feel of a fabric in a blog post. Both of these jerseys are soft and drapey and similar in weight. But the terms were surely invented for the modal silk jersey. My oh MY! Gah! SOOOO soft. The picture bottom right shows the underside and you should just be able to make out that it has a slight “fluff” to the underside. Yeah….the side that sits on your skin…I’m in love…
In terms of working with it, it’s very stretchy. Hence the amazing drape. But that also means playing with your serger settings. I upped my differential feed half a notch to combat some slight stretching out under the presser foot (the marl is more stable). My Janome hates stretchy knits. Like crazy hates them. So I didn’t go there. (The tee and trouser hems are left raw on my makes).
The Top and trousers are both from Wendy Ward’s “The Beginner’s Guide to Dressmaking” book. It’s a book that focuses on simple styles that are simple to sew which regular readers will know puts Wendy and I firmly in the same camp. (Except she’s a best selling author, teacher and designer and I totally fangirl her, lol!). For me, the top is not a resounding success. For me, a lover of loose boxy styles, it’s a little snug around my hips/tum. (I suffer with bloating that can make me look pregnant; making snugger fit tops unwearable some days). So next time I may add in a little more fullness there. By contrast I’ll probably reduce the width of the neckline. I wear a bra ALL the time and hate my straps showing. So there’ll be a little adjustment there too. All part of trying out a new pattern for the first time. The neckline construction is actually a pretty neat trick and I observed some subtle shaping in the drafting of this pattern which I found interesting. Subtle curves to the shoulder line and hips…that kinda thing. Nice.
The TROUSERS though….were a win straight out of the gate!! I LOOOOOOVE these and am never taking them off! If you want a super quick, easy and comfy pair of pyjama bottoms to sew up for Christmas…stop looking….you’ve found em! The waistband is a folded over band of jersey into which the trousers are gathered to the back, with deep pleats at the front. I cannot overstate how comfy these are. All over but especially the tummy. I would have loved these when I was pregnant, but they’re also perfect for days like yesterday when my tummy was particularly tender. They’d make the perfect handmade gift too. The only alterations I made were to the waistband and hems. The fabric is super stretchy. So I had to cut the waistband much smaller than the pattern to account for this. The drape and stretch of the fabric also equated to additional length at the hems! I’ve left them long in these pics so you can see that…and how the fabric drapes and pools like liquid….sigh…
So….what do you think? Poshest pyjamas ever?
Wendy & Josie have joined forces to offer you a fantastic double giveaway in time for Christmas!!! One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of Wendy’s book. She’ll dedicate it in whatever way you like. So keep it for yourself or gift it to someone else for Christmas. PLUS Josie is offering 2.5m of the Venice Modal & Silk Jersey . Enough to make the trousers! This is a “follow to enter” set up so there are a multitude of ways to enter and each one gives you an additional entry into the draw so an additional chance of winning. You can enter by following:
Wendy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or BlogFabric Godmother on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or BlogMe on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Bloglovin
So that’s 12 ways to enter! And a possible 12 entries into the draw. Remember to leave a comment here letting me know which of these you have done so I can tally up how many entries to put in for you! (If you already follow any of these, let me know too as that counts 😉 Giveaway is open until Sunday 13th December Midnight GMT.
Don’t forget…Fabric Godmother has 10% off for my readers when you use the code PORTIAXMAS at checkout until Christmas eve. I’m told there’s a limited amount of the slate left 😉
GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED
I am following 8/12! I am also a huge Wendy Ward fan, when I found out she was from Sheffield, it completely sealed the deal for me! Rock on Wendy, crackin’ loungewear Portia!
fabulous pjs! 3 entries for me please, two fb follows and a blog follow 🙂
I’m already following all three of you! I bought some of the modal & silk jersey at Josie’s open day recently so it is great to see how it makes up – beautifully. You’re right, it is THE most gorgeous fabric! I’m still viewing my new overlocker with trepidation and I think I’ll wait until I’ve had a go on some less gorgeous fabric before I tackle this one.
Those PJ’s look amazing – so cosy!
I follow all 3 of you on Bloglovin’
Thank you
Amanda
I follow all three of you on Instagram and would love to enter.
Six entries for me – three Instagram and three blog follows 🙂
I was interested to see you thought they’d be good to wear when pregnant, as I’m trying to figure out what to make for my pregnant daughter. What mods do you think would help?
Thanks!
None really! Especially in this fabric as it has alot of stretch. The pattern is a very deep waistband that is worn folded over. In the early stages of pregnancy these would be perfect like that…then later unfold it to accommodate a larger bump and have the waist seam sit under the bump!
Thank you! I’ve been stressing out about this, as I don’t want to stuff it up, and it’s been a long time since I’ve made any maternity clothes: -)
Hi 6 for me please. IG and blogs. Thanks for the chance they look amazing K xXx
Hi, 6 entries for me please, Instagram and Facebook! These look super! I already have the book for myself and love it, but I wanted to get it for my sister for Christmas.
These are the best pjs ever! I’m a massive Wendy Ward fan too (she’s my sewing teacher!). I already follow all 3 of you on Instagram & bloglovin, and Wendy & Josie on FB 🙂
Hello! I’m following all 3 of you on instagram, twitter a and Facebook. Thanks x
Thank you so much for such a generous give-away. Everything about these pjs are perfect. My college daughters would absolutely love them.
Sorry, I forgot to mention that I am following in all the 12 ways and am so glad.
What a nice pajamas! I would looove to have bothe the book and the fabric, thanks for the chance ! One entry for me (blogloving follower)
Following your blog, and love that fabric!
Your pajamas are fabulous! I would loooove to have both the book and fabric, thanks for the chance! One entry for me (blogloving follower). Sorry if I have two comments, my computer is acting out
I followed all 3 on Instagram, Wendy’s blog and you and Fairy Godmother on Facebook = 6 entries ?
These pyjamas are amazing. I want to come and steal them but maybe planning to make my own is less likely to freak people out/get me arrested. I follow all of your blogs, on Instagram and have just liked your and fabric godmothers fb page. Thanks for such an amazing giveaway
9 entries for me please, I now follow everywhere except Instagram where I don’t have an account.
I really like the look of the fabric and can imagine gliding my palms up and down it, which is what I do with silky fabrics. I think it also suits you really well especially as you combine the two fabrics to give it some contrast.
I follow your blog, so one entry for me please! Is this international?
I follow the three of you on both Facebook and Instagram ?
amazing PJ!! so inspirational.
i am already following all 3 of you on instagram. 🙂
Lovely jams. I’m following all 3 on Instagram & via Bloglovin.
You are definitely not alone in wanting to snuggle down! I’m following all three of you on Instagram and you on Bloglovin’ – thanks for the giveaway!
Looks great. I follow all three of you on IG.
I have followed all three accounts on Twitter (@Natterjacktoad7)
I am following both Wendy and The Fabric Godmother on Instagram and Facebook, as well as you on Instagram, Facebook, and Bloglovin.
These pants are to die for , especially in that gorgeous fabric. Yummy!
Hi Portia
I’m now following you and the Fabric Godmother on Twitter so please enter me into the draw.
Thanks!
I am following all 3 on IG. Xx
Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com
These pjs are so posh, I’d wear them everywhere if I were you, haha. I follow you all on Instagram and Bloglovin.
I’ve managed 9 as I already do some following but am not a FB person. I’m having a sewing slump at the moment and need to read kindle the mojo & that fabric has me wondering about an over locker…..
Thanks for the chance to win a book and fabric – two of my favourite things!
I follow all three on IG.
I was already on it with 5/12 but have now jumped completely on the bandwagon and can find out what everyone is up to all the time – following 12/12!
H.
Love the pants. Long sleeve tops are needed here in the winter.
I follow the three of you on instagram and you on bloglovin. And the pyjamas are great they look amazing, I want a pair of my own 🙂
I follow Wendy on Instagram and started to follow you and fabric godmother today, after Wendy’s post of your incredible pj’s! The soft feel of the fabric totally comes across in the pictures. I would loooove to win something.
Looks amazing! And what a great giveaway 🙂
Follow all three of you on bloglovin. Hope this is international?
It is ?
Such an exciting project for the holidays 🙂 I follow you all on fb and instagram plus you here on bloglovin. That makes 7/12 for me 🙂 Fingers crossed!!
Gorgeous jammies! I just signed up to follow Wendy and Fabric Godmother blogs. I already follow you, of course. Thanks for sharing links to these other blogs. They look fabulous.
Hi I’m following all three of you on instsgram and Facebook? 6 entries for me please.
Wendy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Blog
Fabric Godmother on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Blog
Me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Bloglovin
I have done all of these – FB is clairesamuel / Twitter is @clairewoods32 / instagram is @clairesamuel1 and I signed up to the blogs with email clairew137@yahoo.co.uk and bloglovin is clairesamuel.
These look like clothes, not jammies! I follow all three on Instagram. I also have you on my Feedly since I don’t use Bloglovin. 4/12
I follow all 3 Facebooks and instas.
oh wowser these look AMAZING!!!!
I’m following all 3 of you on instagram and facebook 🙂
fingers crossed!
Ok so I went on a bit of a fit and followed allllllllll the things. Really need me some new jimmy jammys.
Ahem…. sorry so that makes it 12 entries for me 🙂
I follow all 3 blogs. Gorgeous pjs, thanks for the giveaway.
have done all 12 entries, these look great and I have my fingers crossed xx
Wee looks sooo good.
I’ve entered 9 times, bc i dont have twitter.
Hya Portia, your pyjamas look great. I would love to make a pair but with a looser top as you say. Thank you for holding the giveaway. I already follow you on Bloglovin and have just signed up to follow both Wendy’s blog and Fabric Godmother’s blog. I have also signed up for all three of you on Facebook.
Sorry, that makes 6 entries for me.
ive done all 12 I’m very new to sewing so maybe a bit ambitious for me as yet but I would love to try I am a huge pjs fan and i think these are lovely
Great post – love a good pair of pj bottoms!! I follow all three on insta, Wendy on Twitter and your blog so I guess that makes 5 ?
Ooh I seem to be a serial-follower as I have a big fat 9/12 already (I don’t twit and I don’t intend to start!) Gorgeous PJ’s Portia and congratulations on all the mag articles x
Thanks Susan 🙂
What great pj’s! Following all 3 in instagram, and Fabric Godmother on fb.
Love your pj’s! They look soooo soft & comfy. I would love a pair but with a bigger, looser top. You can mark me down for 12. I follow all three on facebook, instagram, twitter, & the blogs. I also subscribe to all three newsletters. Thank you for the giveaway & the opportunity to enter. I posted once but got an error message, I hope it don’t post twice.
Please disregard the email in my previous post as I no longer use it. The email I use now is listed in this post. Thank you.
These are lush! I think I’d wear them all the time, which might be a problem ? I follow all the blogs, plus all of you on Instagram and Facebook
What an amazing giveaway– those pajamas look so comfy! Please put me in for 6 entries– three Instagram follows and three blog follows. Thanks!
What a great prize!! I am following Wendy on FB,Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin, I am also following FabricGodmother on FB, Instagram, Twitter, Bloglovin, and finally, I am following your good self on FB, Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin, so I think that makes 12 entries! Hurrah!
loving the pjs especially the “pooling pants”. 9 entries please all except the tweets from me. xx
They look like such cosy, comfy PJs!
6 entries for me please – 1 follow all 3 of you on Instagram & follow all your blogs
3 facebook, 3 instagram, 3 twitter and bloglovin x
Hi – great giveaway – have been lusting over that silk jersey for a while!! 6 entries for me please – as I already follow you on bloglovin and have now followed wendy and fabric godmother and liked you all on Facebook too. 🙂
Lovely set! I follow you on Bloglovin. Thanks!
Thanks for another giveaway!
I love the design of that t-shirt! I’ve been wanting to try some fabric godmother loveliness but need my stash to go down first…but if I win some that’s ok right haha
Could I get 9 entries, I’m following all of you on everything but Facebook 🙂
I am following all 3 on Facebook
Pauline
perry94022 at hotmail dot com
Ooooo how exciting! I’ve followed all three of you on Bloglovin and I get emails from Fabric Godmother blog posts. I love the silk modal jersey, so soft! I have just 1m in teal, but can’t bear to cut into it, must buy more!
All 3 liked on Facebook & Followed on Twitter – thats 6/12
have entered this fab competition, thank you
I would love to win this xxx
Followed Wendy, fabric godmother and miss p on Facebook xxx
lovely pj’s following on twitter x
Following all on instagram @ericaprice6, all on FB and bloglovin as Erica Price and all on Twitter @ericahughes. 10 out of 12
I have:
Liked Wendy on Facebook (Laura Pritchard)
Followed Wendy on Instagram (Isis1981uk)
Followed Wendy on Twitter (@Isis1981uk)
Liked Fabric Godmother on Facebook
Followed Fabric Godmother on Instagram
Followed Fabric Godmother on Twitter
Liked you on Facebook
Followed you on Instagram
Followed you on Twitter
Followed you on Bloglovin (Isis1981uk)
I am following you on facebook and on bloglovin
Following @cruisefanuk ,sidwales, Stan theman
I’ve followed Wendy on Instagram and Twitter, Fabric Godmother on Instagram and Twitter and you on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin. I LOVE the PJs. I’d be tempted to wear them out somewhere nice 🙂
I’ve completed all twelve entries. Thanks for the opportunity! What lovely pyjamas!
Pyjamas are one of my favourite things! I would love to enter please – I have followed all three of you on Instagram (thebouncyfrog) and you on Bloglovin (victoriaprince5). Thank you!
I’ve followed all on twitter (@kimonosensei) and instagram (@kimono22) and also you on bloglovin (kimberleyhazelton)
Facebook all 3 as Claire D Ward