I got my sewing machine and buttonhole thing working and finished my entry in the vintage pillowcase challenge. Inspired by the wide-leg lounge pants in Amy Butler's InStitches, I made a version for little girls. I basically followed the directions in the book with a few exceptions. The main difference is that I used the hemmed "opening" of the pillowcase as the bottom of the pants (at the time, I was thinking "less sewing"). Here are some guidelines and tips if anyone would like to try a pair:
- Cut the top and side seams of the pillowcase and fold the remaining piece in half ( the long way...you should have four pieces of sheeting stacked on top of each other).
- Figure out the inseam and total pants length. For my daughter, the inseam was about 19" and the total was about 29" (from the bottom of the pants). Cut the crotch shape starting at the inseam length and then cut the top off at the total length. You will be using almost the entire pillowcase.
- Stitch the pants together as directed in the Amy Butler instructions. Because you are using the pillowcase hem as the bottom hem, be sure to line those pieces up before stitching.
- I used a pink grosgrain ribbon as the tie.
The softness of a vintage pillowcase is perfect for a pair of pajama pants and the wide leg on these is really cute. I had Ellen model these in a stance very similar to the picture in InStitches...cute, huh?
If anyone tries these, please send me a picture...I'd love to see different versions and think these would be really cute from a pillowcase with details or embroidery at the hem.
Here are a few links...cute, cute cute...
these are gorgeous. What a great use for a pillowcase.
Posted by: Sarah | February 14, 2008 at 11:55 AM
That's such a good idea - they look great! I'm such a sucker for the vintage sheet prints...
Posted by: Jen | February 14, 2008 at 12:58 PM
You SO totally rocked this!!!!.. I bet you win!
Maddie
Posted by: Maddie | February 14, 2008 at 01:18 PM
They are adorable.
I make big girl lounge pants from vintage sheets.
If you have the matching sheet, you should make a mommy pair for you. :)
Posted by: Karin | February 14, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Super cute!
(My most favorite PJ bottoms are made from a thrifted sheet. Comfy!)
Posted by: lera | February 14, 2008 at 03:16 PM
These are just perfect! Love 'em!
Posted by: bari | February 14, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Hi Julie, this is so clever!! What a fabulous idea and great execution, you rock! xo, suzy
Posted by: suzy | February 14, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Those are great!! Very clever use of a pillowcase! I think you are in the running to win this challenge! You are so talented!
Posted by: Michelle | February 14, 2008 at 10:09 PM
These are darling! I'd like a pair for myself! Tell sweet little Ellen to be extra careful going down any stairs with these on....the wide legs are easy to get tripped up in. I have experience with this... unfortunately. :)
Posted by: Jenn | February 14, 2008 at 10:52 PM
cuter than cute!!! oh I wish I could sew :( vintage pillowcases are one of my very fave things!!
Posted by: lulu sparkles | February 14, 2008 at 10:55 PM