I just realized, it has been quite awhile since my last blog post. So much has happened since September 2020! Covid is still around, but with vaccinations, I hope a return to normalcy returns soon. I’ve been fully vaccinated as of the end of January. Yay!
Along with covid, I’ve been staying home more and sewing more. Which brings me to my exciting news: I’ve been approved by insurance to have a breast reduction done this summer! I have been suffering from back pain for awhile to which the chiropractor has done minimal to lesson the pain. Massages help, but even standing to cut out fabric causes so much pain. For those who are curious, I am 5’7’, around 170 pounds, and a UK 32GG. Very excited to require less full bust adjustments! I have also been working to lose weight (started around 180, so making progress!).
So, with that in mind, my sewing has been related to making post-surgery recovery outfits. Currently, I have finished up two items: the Carolyn Pajamas using the short-sleeved shirt and shorts with my first time making this set with piping and the Hawthorn by Colette patterns. I have plans for at least one more pair of Carolyn pajamas and a few other pieces.

First, the Carolyn Pajamas by Closet Core patterns. Love these! I’ve made several sets (shorts, un-cuffed pants, un-cuffed long-sleeved shirt). This time, I made a size 12 for the bust with no FBA, graded to a size 14 at the waist and size 16 at the hips. Overall, they fit great! The instructions for Closet Core patterns are always excellent.
Now, I bought pre-made piping from my local fabric store, Textile Fabrics, so to ensure it was within the seam allowance, I basted a line of stitching at the 5/8” seam allowance, then placed my piping along this line, then stitched the piping down before stitching the collar, facing, and cuffs together. It’s an extra step, but so worth it! Then when I sew the piece with the basted piping to the non-piped piece, I follow the basting lines on the piped piece. You can see the nice piping below. Side note: I did not try to pattern match the breast pocket at all.

Love how they turned out! the cat knitting fabric is perfect! It was purchased from another local store, Craft South. I didn’t have quite enough for the cuffs and facings, so I did those in a contrast color. So comfy!

Since I used the size 12 bust, the top is plenty roomy. I was between a 10 and 12. Since I wanted comfy pjs, I went with the 12 for a looser fit.

Now, second up is the Hawthorn dress by Colette/Seamwork. I made this is in Version 3 with this gorgeous floral cotton voile from Mood Fabrics.

Overall, directions were good. When I got confused, the Colette sew along posts were very helpful.

The only pattern change I made was to add inseam pockets using the pocket pieces from one of my Gertie dress patterns. Generally, these are placed around 1-2” below the waist. I just used the notch marks off the Gertie pattern and applied them to the skirt pieces of the Hawthorn. I made a size 10 bust graded to size 12 waist/hips. This turned out to be a little big in the waist, so I nipped in the sides 2”, 1” on each side. Perfect! I didn’t do my usual sway back adjustment. If I make this again, I definitely will. Usually this entails taking a bit off the bottom of the center back and grading up to the sides. 1” usually does it for me.


And these buttons! There are a total of 13! So thankful for my automatic button hole feature of my sewing machine! Also, per my Janome manual, I machine stitched my buttons on. Overall, this is really simple. You turn off the feed dogs, use a wide zigzag, then pull the strings to the back and knot them. The buttons were purchased from Etsy. What is really awesome about them is they were produced in the 1940s, so they really are vintage. They are listed as mother of Pearl vintage shirt buttons from AddVintage seller on Etsy.


Also, I made my own bias tape for the shoulders using this Seamwork tutorial. I needed 1/4” double fold, so I used 1” strips and my bias tape maker from Joann’s.
Overall, very happy with these two makes!