Vintage Simplicity 5786 Flamingo Pajamas

These pj’s are all about the fabric! I’ve been eyeing Lady McElroy prints for awhile –such gorgeous botanical prints– and had to have this flamingo print. So perfect for Florida! Serendipitously, my mom had just given me fabric money for Christmas so I could splurge a bit more than usual.

I’ve been really wanting some elegant pj’s. I mostly wear tees and yoga pants around the house and wanted some prettier pieces to make me look a little more put together at home. I have a great daytime wardrobe but my home looks are still a bit sloppy. Comfy but not stylish. I want to look just as put together at home as I do when I go out. This is hopefully just the first of many pretty loungewear pieces.

A few months ago you may have seen my early sketch for these pj’s (above). I was looking for a cream colored base with a tropical print with a contrasting black piping in a classic silhouette. This make was my trial run to perfect that look. I went with a Vintage pattern, Simplicity 5786 in Size Medium 14/16 circa 1982. A simple classic silhouette with a notched collar. I really love how these turned out and I love that this pattern has so many different options, short sleeve, dress shirt and robe.

All the Details:

Fabric-

LADY MCELROY BOTANICAL FLAMENCO LAWN WHITE, Harts Fabric

(click on image below to be view/buy this fabric)

Pink flamingoes wade through a pale garden of artistic flowers on this sophisticated cotton lawn from Lady McElroy. With a lovely smooth texture and a slightly crisp but ample drape, sew up tropical tanks, beachy caftans, and graceful kimonos.

Harts Fabric

Pattern-

Simplicity 5786, Misses Tailored Pajamas Nightshirt and Robe, Platter Matter 2 on Etsy

View 1- Long Sleeve Top with Pant (bottom right image of lady with the bowl cut-check out those poses!)

I really like the construction on the top. It went together very smoothly though I will make some modifications next time. The shoulders are a bit too wide but I realized if I took them in at this point my sleeves would end up too short. So I’ll fix that on the next go. I didn’t bother with a muslin on this make since it’s pj’s.

The pants are a one seam pant that I modified. I wanted an inseam cell phone pocket so I slashed them based on my sloper at what should be the side seam and added an insert that I piped on both sides. The right side has a center panel pocket just large enough and deep enough to hold my phone securely. I did add about 4″ total width to these pants. The original is a very slim pant. I don’t really need actual pockets in pjs other than to hold my phone. I just love the black piping added throughout. It really gives it a nice crisp look.

“Near the end of his life, Henri Matisse’s preferred attire was evening wear,
by which I mean pajamas.”

Holland Cotter

The best part though is that these can easily be worn as separates. The pants are really comfy and look great with a black tank. This will extend the wear of these to year round. They have a simple enclosed elastic waistband. Nice and lightweight. My daughter saw these pics and told me I look like I’m rich. She said my pj’s look like they cost $1000 which is high praise from an 8 year old!

Good timing on these as we’re now at home, practicing social distancing. I’m so glad we’re in our new home and can enjoy our lovely little patio/outdoor space. My garden is looking great with all the wildflowers coming up. My indigo is growing like crazy and I have some giant cabbages. I setup another table for the kids to work at outside doing crafts and studying which is really going to come in handy. My work will start slowing down now (I’ve actually been really busy with work until today) while the kids start online learning next week.

We’re still technically on Spring Break here with virtual learning starting next week. For now I’m setting up a little schedule for us to keep busy at home. It’s not too different from our usual summer schedule, just no trips other than virtual ones. Thank goodness for all the tech we have now so we can chat with the family. Zoom calls with my mom and the kids are really saving my sanity! Especially since the kiddos are much more extroverted than I am. The dog gets us out for lots of walks and we’re doing yoga or dancing to keep fit.

Our Family Agenda:

• Make something Monday
• Virtual Trip Tuesday
• What’s Cooking Wednesday
• Thinking Thursday
• Fun Friday

Stay safe and Happy Sewing!