boxer shorts | organised castle

I have done several sewing jobs over the past couple of weeks so I thought I would gather them up and share in a single post.

These boxer shorts which are pyjama bottoms were both made from other garments which belonged to my mother. One was a nightie which she had made and the other was a dressing gown. They had been sitting in my stash for nearly 4 years with the vague notion of using them to make sleepwear. My hand was forced when my 2 existing pairs of boxer shorts became so thin that they ripped. Both had also been made from salvaged fabric and had a good life.

Of course, there were smaller pieces of fabric left over so I cut them into squares ready for future patchwork projects.

This pair of trackpants had been waiting since I bought them at the op shop a few months ago. They were definitely not a priority as we were coming into warmer weather. When I tried them on it was quite hilarious to discover that they were a bit too short in the leg for me. Those of you who know me will understand but for everyone else – I am 5’2″ or 157cm tall so clothes being too short is not normally a problem for me. The also had an odd angled raw edge at the bottom which is not really my style so I straightened it up and added contrasting cuffs. I bought them because they are a neat fit, not at all baggy and will be perfect for winter days at home.

Finally, I used up a few more pieces of fabric by making 3 more bags which I have donated to the Community Pantry.

Here we are back at Sunday evening again so it is time to share what sewing I have done this week.

Firstly, this is what I have finished.

A pair of bloomers as part of summer pyjamas – Size 4.

A pair of boxer shorts for pyjamas for me.

I have been working on my next skirt. I can’t do anymore until I get the zip. Then it will just be the facing and hem that need to be handstitched.

I mentioned in this post that I had discovered that the polo shirt I was making for The Duke was too big so I would have to recut it. I tried that today but unfortunately it was not successful as even when I got the width of the body right, I was not happy with the shape of the armhole and sleeves. I decided to cut my losses and that is going to the op shop in the hope that someone else is the right shape for it. In the interests of my sanity, the pattern is going as well. If it did not work this time it will not be any better in the future.

My next foray was more successful. This is a piece of fabric I bought about 6 weeks ago so it is not strictly part of my stash but if I don’t make it up soon it will end up being added to the pile. I bought it to make a top for myself. It is a knit fabric but not super stretchy. I found a basic pattern to use in the pattern-making book. and here is the result so far.The original pattern had a round neckline but I prefer a vee. I have done the basic construction and now need to finish the neckline and hems on the sleeves and lower edge.

All in all, I am pretty pleased with the results of my sewing for this week. I wish I had more time to sew as have so many things planned and I am just itching to get started.