Week 8 Entries

Welcome to the Semi-finals of the Great Avery Lane Sewing Bee!

The semi-finalists faced the PJ challenge. They were all given the PJ Set pattern from Me & My 18″ Doll and asked to create some sleepwear. They were allowed to change width or length to most of the pattern pieces, to accommodate their nightgowns or PJ sets visions however they chose. They were allowed to embellish however they liked. They were also allowed to change sleeve and pant hems styles. (I even suggested bloomer style bottoms, since I’ve tested it and know it looks really cute. I just haven’t made the time to make a proper pair.)

I’m a sucker for cozy pajamas. I love hanging out in pjs. I’ve made my kids lot of PJs. I still make my own. PJ day at school was also always a favorite for my kids, despite me always making them change into clean pjs, instead of wearing the ones they woke up in.

So, this week I was excited to see their takes on the challenge. I was not disappointed. They all look really sweet.

At first, I was planning to allow other patterns into the brief for this semi-final challenge. I changed my mind, because a lot of pattern designs can be made to look more like sleepwear. Peasant tops and high-waisted bodices are quickly turned into night dresses with a selective fabric choice. I’ve done that for my daughters many times. I demonstrated that in Doll Studio Boutique with this summer sleepwear set.

I wanted to see how the competitors did with fewer choices, which can be challenging. And for me, sometimes a design just screams comfort wear, snuggle up under the throw blanket kind of garment, like my wool socks are the sign that it’s soup weather around my house.

That’s what the PJ Set from Me & My18″ Doll does for me. I designed this pattern to be PJs. I wanted to design a PJ set that made most sense as sleepwear– something snuggly.

I can’t think of this pattern as anything but PJs, which I redrafted for the smaller dolls in my latest book of patterns (Doll Studio Boutique). It was designed as a comfy pj set for both girls and their dolls, and meant to be special that way. Of course, changing the embellishments and fabric would also transform it into a play outfit quite easily, but I won’t be doing it myself.

Let’s look at the cute and cozy PJ’s the challengers created for their semi-final entries.

I’m not sure about you, but I think these are all adorable. Deciding which will be the garment of the week and who is not entering the finals are going to be a huge challenges, as I think they’re all so sweet and comfy looking.

~Erin