I had bought this Piccadilly pattern for me…But that’s the joy of having a daughter that is a the beginning of woman size range. She can wear more ‘amture’ graments but since she’s petite, she has troubles finding the right length for her height.
So here I come! I can say that the last few months have been devoted to sewing pyjamas (Pine Coves and other sleepwear!).
The Piccadilly pattern
I will be trying and showing you the main features of a pattern in a different way so you can assess if you want to take the plunge! Tell me in comments if you find it useful (or not!).
Pattern features
- Short puff sleeves
- 3/4 sleeves
- Shorts
- Capri pants
- Elastic back
Technical skills
- Bias-bound edges
- Sewing a stand-up collar
- Easing sleeves in
- Buttonholes
- Understitching
Sizes range from UK 6 to 20. I found that Nina Lee Designs run a bit small in my opinion (see my first Kew dress muslin). I took accurate measurements of my daughter and she was just shy of the size 6 for bust and waist and a size 8 for the hips. So I blended these two sizes.
Her cute pyjama
The main feature is all of those bias-bound edges. So cute, but so time-consuming!.
I had this Art Gallery Fabrics lawn from my last Minerva haul.
It’s said to be a lawn on the Minerva website, but it’s a voile on the AGF website. I totally agree with AGF because it’s sheer and lightweight.
Bias is light grey satin. Not my best bet since the bias was heavier than the fabric, but that was all I had.
I really had troubles with the pockets edges. The fabric was flimsy, I should have interfaced it totally (+ lined). As a result, the pockets are just awful. I even thought to unpick them, but the fabric was so thin that even a size 70 needle left holes…
There’s also one part that left me wondering. I didn’t grasp how the bound edges at the hem joined correctly the facing .
Gabrielle asked for 4 buttons only and she was right. I shortened the top (- 4 cm) and she hates being constricted. I chose turquoise buttons to make them pop against the light background. I also used turquoise thread for the buttonholes.
The shorts are a size 8 with no alterations.
There’s a length of elastic at the back only. The front has a drawstring. I used some length of bias as drawstring! A good way to end my bias.
The front crotch is a tad long and full on her. I’ll need to modify it if she wants another Piccadilly set.
There’s some potential for a nice set with this pattern even if I’m not convinced by the top front hem/ facing junction. I hope to sew mine in the next months. Mine will be capri pants+ short sleeves, once I find the right fabric.
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