Monday, May 18, 2015

By the Sea

I adore the beach! And having moved from a landlocked corner of the midwest, I was quite lacking in the beachwear department. So way back in January, I started a pair of beach pyjamas.


Beach pyjamas were popular in the 1930s. They were worn for beach wear and also for lounging. They feature wide legs and could be one or two piece sets.


I had previously made a lounging version that was very fun to wear around the house. Unfortunately, they are made of polyester and not so great for hot days at the beach.


For this version, I knew linen was the way to go! Breathable, drapey and easy to care for. I found a great striped linen and some coordinating green linen that were oh so yummy!


The pattern is Wearing History's Lounging at the Lido pattern.  I've previously done a pattern review so you can pop over if you're interested in making up this pattern. But, really, they aren't too difficult to sew up and the belt at the waist means that they don't have to be perfectly fitted. You do have to know how to use bias binding as a facing and how to do button holes. And the pants have a huge hem because they are fabulous and full but it's worth it.


For this version, I decided to do a color blocked version instead of all one color with contrasting ties and collar. There's no yardage given for this type of fabric combination. I ended up using about 1 yd for the bodice and about 2.5 yds for the pants, collar and ties. Both were 60 inch wide fabrics.


And this weekend, I finally got a chance to take pictures of me wearing my beach pyjamas at the beach. And look! I match the sea grass.


My church does beach baptisms during the summer and this is wear I wore these. Since I had no plans to actually go in the water, it was perfect. I don't recommend beach pjs for swimming. All of that fabric in the pants would make it difficult to swim.


I did get to dip my feet in the water. One of the nice things about linen is that it dries quickly especially in the warm Florida summer sun.


I got heaps and heaps of compliments while wearing this! I was a bit surprised. Beach pjs are definitely one of the odder vintage fashions and it's always a bit scary when you wear something particularly different for the first time.


 Guess I was worried for nothing. I had several ladies ask me where I got them. Perhaps I need a few more pairs of these beach pjs.

14 comments:

  1. SO CUTE! I've been pondering making these, but I was unsure of how they would work for me. I'm loving your version, and I think I'll have to try them out!

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  2. Does the hem get all sandy? I would be worried about that with a long hem and beach.

    Also, BEACH BAPTISMS? I don't even know how to feel about that other than "that's hella not the church I grew up in :-P" Wow. Must be a Florida thing!

    -- Tegan

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    1. If I don't get it wet, it actually doesn't pick up that much sand. Just give it a good shake on the way out.

      Yeah, my church is pretty cool. In the fall/winter, they do baptisms in a swimming pool. It's a pretty big pool. On this occasion, over 100 people got baptized, which would have made for a very long day if they did everyone in a traditional baptismal font.

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  3. I think these look great. The only thing that's stopped me from making them is "if I have to pee, do I have to take the whole thing off?" Is there a trick? Real question.

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    1. Yeah, it's one piece so you do have to take the whole thing off when nature calls. There were two piece versions that were more like pants and a top that would solve this problem.

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  4. I have a pair of beach pyjamas and they're great! So good for loafing around in. I really like the colours you've chosen for yours.

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  5. These are amazing! Linen was the perfect choice and I love the stripes.

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  6. They're nothing short of magnificent!!!

    ♥ Jessica

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  7. I have had my eye on this pattern for a couple years now, but have put off purchasing because I'm only an intermediate seamstress and pants frighten me! But you pull these off SO well and they look just elegant and timeless that I've decided I either have to commission a seamstress to make them for me or just bite the bullet and do it myself! Bravo!

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    1. These are pretty easy as far as pants go-no pockets, topstitching or front flys.

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