Peppermint Samford Set Kids Hack

Ellis has asked for some satin traditional pyjamas with a notched collar for Christmas. It was surprisingly hard to find a kids pattern in that style, and it doesn't help that Ellis is too tall for most kids clothes ranges now which often only go to age ten ish (which is his age, but hes generally in 12-13 age clothes). I did find a suitable kwik sew one, but it's out of print or at least not available to buy anyway that I could find. 

I asked on instagram for pattern recommendations but everyone recommended women's ones! I suppose it makes sense because I almost exclusively sew women's clothes and so it makes sense that people who follow me are the same. But obviously something drafted for women is not gonna be ideal for a prepubescent boy.

In the end though I just couldn't fine anything, and I did have the samford set pattern already, so I thought I'd give adjusting that a shot with some stash fabric. 

The top is dartless, and accommodates boobs by being very wide. Ellis chest measurement actually matched that of the smallest size (size A0, and I adjusted it by taking out 2 cms off each side of the side seam, so 8cms altogether. That worked pretty well and I don't think the width needs any further adjusting. 

The top is also cropped, and I planned to lengthen it by 4cms. Alas, I forgot to do the same on the facing, and ended up taking all the length out again in favour of all the insides looking nice and tidy. Ellis is happy with it, but I think it definitely should be lengthened next time.

The trousers were more of an issue. Ellis measurements were quite a bit smaller than the smallest size there, but the pocket construction meant grading down isn't that straightforward so I decided to just go with it as drafted and gather the waist more with the elastic. Again Ellis is happy, but I think this one definitely needs a bit of adjusting. The shorts are a bit flared and ever so slightly skirt like. I think I may need to do another toile before I have a go with the satin.

So I think that's all there is to say about this one, but I'll just leave you with what Dave says it looks like the villain from Lilo and Stitch

Uncanny!

Anyway, I’ve swithered so long about hgow much fabric to order for the satin version, and I can’t find any viscose satin IRL, it will have to wait until after Christmas