Hey everyone! Anyone who knows me well knows that I absolutely love a good co-ord. So as soon as I saw the Friday Pattern Company Saguaro set I knew I would absolutely love it. And true to say that it did has not disappointed. Since making my first version in this gorgeous french Navy double gauze from Jenny I’ve since made it twice more in a white linen for me and a beige linen for my sister. All versions of which we have been wearing non-stop.
I first picked up the pattern from Jenny’s shop as I live locally. Although she didn’t have the official pattern in stock she was able to print out a copy for me using her A0 printer. The thing I love about Jenny’s A0 printed patterns is that you can reprint them as many times as you need to cut out different sizes if you need to. For all the versions I made I cut out an extra small for the top and a small for the bottom (conveniently this fit both me and my sister so I only needed to print out the pattern once). I made no alterations to the pattern and it fit pretty perfectly, even for my petite size!
It was a pretty tricky decision for me to choose the french navy double gauze as Jenny has so many other gorgeous colours in the shop, but I thought I’d start with the navy and I if liked the pattern I could always make it in more colours later… I chose the french navy double gauze because I knew it would be the perfect ‘basic’ colour that I could pair with lots of different things in my wardrobe. The other thing that I loved about it was how soft the fabric is and honestly since making the set, it’s by far the most comfy thing that I’ve ever made.
I really enjoyed working with double gauze and it was really stable while sewing and cutting out - apart from when my two trusty helpers, Bonnie and Tommy, wanted to play (turns out spools are a great form of entertainment/distraction)! I always lay out my fabric on the flat (with no folds) and then arrange my pattern pieces so that I can get the most out of the fabric. I often find that the fabric layouts given by most patterns are placed on the fold and by cutting on the flat with a slightly different pattern layout you can often waste less fabric. Using this technique I used about 1.75m of fabric in total for both the top and bottom and managed to use just one spool of thread for this pattern (but cutting it close)! I also used Jenny’s tutorial for making bias binding which meant I could use some of the larger scraps to make the bias binding needed.
This pattern was super quick and really easy to make, and I managed to sew each set in a single evening. There were no zippers or buttons needed other than two button holes for the front ties for the trousers. There’s also no darts or sleeves to set in so very little fitting was needed which was added to the ease of sewing. I also love that the pattern has an elasticated waistband and band at the bottom of the top which means it can easily accommodate those holiday dinners and it makes it super comfy to wear and fit. I opted not to add the front ties to the top because I preferred the look without them but would recommend adding them if you want a slightly more covered up look. To compensate for the lack of ties I did cross over the front top by about 1cm extra just for a bit of security!
Overall, I can hands-down say that I LOVE this pattern. It’s super comfy, can be dressed up or down, looks super chic and can be worn together or as separates - so many options! It looks great made from a double gauze or linen and I reckon it would also look fantastic in a floaty or even sheer fabric with a lining underneath. I have already got plans to use the trouser pattern to make a replacement for a striped black pair that I have had so much wear out of and even I’m tempted to make a winter version of the top by lengthening the sleeves and perhaps elasticating the cuff for a bishop sleeve type look. So many possibilities for a great and easy sew.
My verdict: this pattern is GREAT.
Rheanne xxx
Jenny Says:
"We all love secret pyjamas and Rheanne's Saguaro Set certainly nails the perfect combination of comfort and effortless style!"
Inspired to make your own version? Here's what you'll need:
Disclosure:
Rheanne was provided with the materials for her project free of charge and received a gift voucher in recognition of the time spent on her project.
1 comment
Looks fantastic. Good to know that double gauze is easy to sew with. Will have to look at Jenny’s bias binding tutorial. Love the cats :-)