In Bed with Fran

 Dear Points of View, 

 Why oh why have I waited so long to make the Close Core Fran Pjs?

 It's a good question! With a fairly basic answer....

I couldn't see that they were that different to the Carolyn PJs on first reflection. They just looked bigger.  

Having made the Carolyn PJs a few times - they are beautiful but quite labour intensive, which is what has prevented me from whizzing up lots of beautiful bed wear.  Here are some from 2023. I love them but I find you have to be in the mood for piping and a revere collar. 

This year I have been trying to clear a bit of my stash fabric and I had about 3 meters of cotton rayon from Cloud 9 called ' Celestial Transit'. This had been set aside for a dress but I just went off the idea, and fabric. As the length was quite voluminous I figured it would make lovely pajamas. The print definitely lends itself to the 'night' vibe. 

After chatting with fellow sewing group ladies on Sew Virtual, the Fran PJs were getting absolutely rave reviews. It being January, pajamas seemed the perfect project for this month of hibernation and living that 'indoor life'. 

Sizing - I cut a 16/18. This was what the pattern suggested and I went with it. I had been told that most people size down 1 or 2 sizes however I am always a little reluctant to do that as I'm a broad beast and sizing down alters the back measurement for me. The top as a 16 worked fantastically and I think fits as it is supposed to. The bottoms at a 16/18 were a little too big around the waist and so I did take some fullness out of the waistband. They are probably more like a 14 waist and 16 hip. Whilst still a bit fabric gathered at the waist, they are PJs so I don't think it really matters too much. 

The Fran PJs are like the Carolyn's slightly cooler cousin. Being a fan of Closet Core I should have realized there would be some excellent but subtle details that elevated the pattern from basic to beautiful. 

 Exhibit A: this little additional button under the collar! Designed to wrap the top right around you when you are cold!

 Exhibit B: lovely side vents giving movement and a gentle shape to the front and back.

Exhibit C: The massive pleat at the back, perfect for movement and comfort. An exaggerated version of a shirt, with purpose. (The yoke should be 1 piece however I had to play pattern Tetris to fit it all in). 

The pattern comes with a multitude of pockets for the bottoms, which I completely omitted as I didn't feel it necessary to have my keys and wallet on me at all times. The pockets are vast and therefore very fabric hungry, taking the full requirements to over 4 meters. The bottoms are therefore just basic (in the best sense) elasticated waist pajama pants. Nothing wrong with that!

For my own dabbling about and pleasure I added some contrast binding to the cuffs of both the top and bottoms. The stash provided as I had this bias binding left over from another project and the colour went together so well it almost looks like part of the fabric.

The fact that there is a top and bottom to this make was fabulous as it meant I could use both sides of my Cosy Club Handmade labels. 

 

How cute are they!? This was a really enjoyable sew to start the year as I put time and effort into making them without trying to rush myself to finish. I think that paid off in the end as they feel quite well made.

I think both the Fran and Carolyn PJs have their place. These definitely feel more wintery and have that Scandi vibe for some reason. The Carolyn look great in lighter brighter prints perhaps? Certainly both a pattern I would remake again!

More Closet Core is on the horizon at the moment if I can get myself psyched up for a more complicated make.  I have my eyes on the Rika Pants and Blanca Flightsuit!

Wishing you all well - to the next time x

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