Carolyn Pajamas and Cotton + Steel

I’m back! I’m a little over two weeks postpartum, and feeling really good. I did forget how very little sleep you get with a newborn, and that has been a bit of an adjustment. I’ve been itching to start sewing again over the past few months and I’ve finally found some time to make a few plans. Now, let’s just see if I can find the time to execute them!

On to this post! While I was browsing Cotton and Steel’s newest Rifle Paper Co. Collection, Amalfi, this floral print instantly caught my eye. I pictured a really gorgeous pair of Carolyn Pajamas with white piping, and there was no going back. Since I’ve had a lot of down time in the past few weeks, I thought I would make something a little nicer for when friends and family might stop by to visit the new baby, but I don’t quite feel like putting on real clothes. It’s also been nice to have something a little nicer to wear while I’ve been stuck in the house that feels a little more put together than sweats. (I’m a big believer in getting ready every day, and always feel so much more productive when I do).

I made these pajamas while I was still pregnant, and recruited my younger sister Laura to model the fit for me. I’m really grateful for my two sisters and their willingness to model all my handmade clothes for me while I was too large to even try them on!

I picked up a paper copy of this pattern from Indiesew. I made a size 6 based off of my bust measurement while at the end of my pregnancy. I would normally go with a size 4, and that’s what my sister should probably be wearing too. BUT I accounted for the fact that I won’t be a size 4 for a few more months (or many) and I hoped these would fit in the hospital (which they didn’t) and after the baby comes. I was able to fit into these about a week postpartum. It’s so hard to know what your body measurements are going to be after having a baby. I do like to wear things more loosely, so I don’t mind the idea of them being a little bit bigger once I get back to my pre-pregnancy size.

I love the silkiness of this rayon! It’s so soft against the skin, and light and airy to keep you cool at the same time. I chose to go with the short sleeve option for my top; I like this look for spring and summer. I also love that they button down the front which has been great for nursing.

This pattern came together easily. The pattern instructions were clear to understand, and I’m happy with the fit too. I will be adding one more button to my top, the neckline does fall down a little lower than I would like. (My sister has her top slightly pulled back in these photos). I didn’t make any adjustments to this pattern. I used pre-made piping that I purchased at Joann’s.

I’m totally into the pajama top trend happening right now. I tied my Carolyn Pajama top into a knot in front and paired it with high waisted jeans. I think this totally works for an everyday look. This basically takes secret pajamas to a whole new level: night to day in one shirt! What do you think?

Thanks for reading along and happy sewing!

Fabric for this post was provided by Cotton + Steel; pattern was provided by Indiesew, but all opinions are my own.