This is the time of year that I go through all the children's clothes for the next season to see what they've outgrown and what still fits. After clearing out a lot of clothes of my daughter's I was pleasantly surprised to find that she only needed some kind of pajamas/nightgown. I usually don't make her nightgowns, but she said she'd try one this time.
The fabric is a burnout knit that I got from Metrotextiles in NYC. I believe that Ann at Gorgeous Fabrics has this same fabric if you like it and can't get to NYC. Because of the sheerness of some spots, we opted to line it. She had her choice of aqua or purple rayon jersey and she chose the purple (I got that from Gorgeous Fabrics, too).
The pattern is one that I got from Marji in a box amongst some other things. I'm pretty sure it is out of print, as it was published in 2001, but I didn't check. I used it as a starting point for the right shape and then used the Jalie tank top pattern to get a better fit. To line it, I bascially made two nightgowns and then joined them at the top edge, right sides together, making sure to sandwich the straps in between. I purposely cut the purple layer longer and hemmed each layer on the serger with a rolled edge hem.
The straps are regular bra strapping, which is different from the self-fabric straps of the original pattern. This was easier, since I already had a compatible color and the hardware. My daughter wanted adjustable straps anyway, so this made it easy.
I was a little leery of the wide neck of this nightgown, and for good reason. When we tried it on, it was just a bit too wide for her body. To solve this little problem, I made some pleats at center from and just top stitched them about 3/8" from the top finished edge. We've seen this look in RTW and patterns recently and it was an easy fix for the too wide neckline.
She wore it last night and really liked it. I suppose if she decides she doesn't like it, I'll hem it to tank top length and make some matching shorts!
Parting Shot: Nap Mat. No sooner had I put the 3 Studios Challenge Quilt on the ledge out of the way than I found Wellie sleeping on it. Sigh. I can't put anything down in the workroom without him checking it out.
10 comments:
Nice! I am planning to make some nightgowns too, next fall. For me and my little girl. She only had pjamas until now and I think she would love a nightgown!
That turned out great - but based on the weather that we see you are getting, this may be premature!
What a lucky young lady! That is a wonderful nightgown, and I will admit, that I also recently purchased some pretties for that specific purpose. Time to toss the flannels and grow up!
You can't help but win the challenge now that Wellie has done his particular voodoo charm to help you win. Great little night gown.
Very nice nightgown. I like the idea of using regular bra straps.
Wellie sure likes to take care of your things :)
Lovely nightgown.
Cuuuute!
but but look at that face! Wellie can't help it, you know. It's the best most cozy spot in the house!
What a lovely nightgown.
Wellie looks very contented!
I've done that same thing - added center front and center back pleats to my daughter's clothes! When she was a toddler, she was so skinny, her sleeveless dresses would just fall off her shoulders.
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