Over the past few years, my friends and family have wised up to the fact that if they want a handmade gift from me at Christmas, they’d better get your orders in a few months early! Right now I’m in the midst of planning a pair of silk pajamas for my good friend Pip, and I thought these might be a good idea for others, too.
Loads of you have already made the lovely ladies’ Jane pajamas but you could also easily adapt Andre as silk boxers for the men in your life, too. Add a Marcel sleepmask or Alice slippers and you’ve got a great gift worth staying under the covers for!
If you’ve never sewn with silk before, it’s not nearly as difficult as it would seem. Silk charmeuse (sometimes called “silk ”http://www.burdastyle.com/sewpedia/show/96">satin") feels ultra luxurious next to the skin and is what a lot of super expensive lingerie manufacturers use. Since it’s a natural fiber, it lets your skin breathe and feels cool in the summer and warm in the winter, too.
You’ll need to use a small microtex sharp needle in your machine to avoid pulled threads, and cutting out slippery fabric can be made easier with some cleverly-placed paper. Once I made the mistake of sewing regular seams on a silk blouse, only to have it fray and unravel everywhere! Eventually I was forced to bias-bind all the seam allowances by hand to save it, but I definitely learned my lesson. Don’t make my mistake – it only takes a few minutes more to sew french seams in silk garments and you’ll end up saving yourself time later!
Does anyone else have any Christmas presents on the go yet?
Oct 2, 2008, 05.05 PMby MAldrich
My family is coming over to our house for Christmas and I sent them all invitations in July for “A Handmade Christmas” Everyone is to bring only handmade gifts for others. I’ve made summer (Jane Pattern) and winter (Sadie Pattern and a simplicity pattern) PJ’s for my mom, a few Charlies, an apron, and an alabama stitch skirt. Also I learned how to make felt for place mats. I’ve had various feedback from my family on whether or not they like the idea, but i think it’s fantastic and can’t wait to see what they make!
Oct 3, 2008, 02.55 AMby squirrellypoo
That’s such a great idea, MAldrich! I wish my family were more crafty when it comes to such things. I can’t wait to see what ideas you come up with…
Oct 3, 2008, 10.08 AMby easbrooke
I’m started some of my Christmas homemade gifts but haven’t completed any. I toyed with the idea of making pajamas for my sister, for Christmas or her birthday Dec. 4, but decided against it since I’m got a ton of other projects to do for Christmas and I’m already behind schedule! Maybe next time. :)
Oct 3, 2008, 11.08 AMby CarlaTV
I always make crochet slippers for my sister/mother-in-law for Christmas. This year I’m making them again, because they love them, but I’m also making matching color lounge pants from silky fabric with the warm flannel on the inside. I should make some for myself before I get over whelmed with projects.
Oct 6, 2008, 04.24 AMby Miss-G
I love the idea of exchanging handmade gifts for Christmas. It would be so nice to receive something that is made with love and not mass produced in a factory.