Girls pyjama shortsI wanted a quick and easy pattern to make a pair of pj shorts for my eldest and came across the following website: PJ Shorts tutorial http://lieslmade.wordpress. com/2010/10/06/pj-shorts-tutorial-with-pattern/ by Lieslmade.
The printout pattern was very easy to cut out and put together. There were instructions for french seams, however I wanted a quick sewing experience and just overlocked and hemmed. Not having had much experience with elastic I searched the internet again to find some solid instructions and to find the right amount to cut and feel it has gathered nicely.
Boys shorts
The junior boy required new shorts and I found Burda Start2 9793 and made pattern C. I had old material sitting the cupboard intending for a business shirt, but it was cut into for this project.
As far as patterns go I enjoyed this one, it wasn't challenging at all and the stitching turned out better than I thought given that I hadn't sewn in quite a while. (I made these before the pjs to get some confidence back!)
The only problem arose when it was time for the elastic (a bit of a mental barrier for me) and I only had some old elastic in the cupboard. It seems to be too rigid for this pair of shorts and after finishing them, I realised I needed to buy new non-roll elastic and replace it. However, I tried them on the junior boy first and they were a bit tight and unforgiving so he will not wear them at all - not even with nice new elastic in them.
