Category Archives: Nightwear

Hummingbird Nightdresses

Hummingbird Superking Duvet Set

You are probably wondering why there is a picture of a Superking Duvet set in a dressmaking post. Inspired by Mel of Ditsy Tulip I wanted to investigate the possibility of making clothes using fabric previously in the form of bed linen. Dunelm were having a sale so I visited the Salisbury store to check out for some bargains. I struck Gold! I ended up buying three sets of Superking duvet covers. The cheapest was a mere £14.99 and used to make a dress which has already appeared on this blog. Hummingbirds however was not reduced but at £32 it still represents great value for money.

I chose this particular pattern as I was looking for something in Duck Egg Blue colourway to coordinate with our bedroom décor. I also needed a set of nightdress and dressing gown to take away with me on my upcoming travels.

Having made the dressing gown using the Duck Egg Blue background side of the Duvet cover, I turned my attention to the reverse. This was a White background but had the same design print so would coordinate beautifully with the dressing gown.

Butterick B6024 – a TNT pattern

I had previously made at least two versions using my TNT pattern Butterick 6024. I used version of view B with the short sleeves from view D cut out at full length so that the nightdress would be just 1 inch shorter than the dressing gown.

Full length Nightdress

The tucks are a feature of the nightdress and I took time to mark them up carefully. All seam raw edges are enclosed in French seams and the hem of the sleeves and the body of the nightdress are double turned before machining in place.

Short version

Having completed the long version I was delighted to discover that I had sufficient fabric to make a second nightdress using the same pattern. This one is shorter and has a frill around the hem (to extend the length). Again all raw edges are enclosed in French seams and hems are double turned and machine stitched.

I now make a point of ‘wafting’ around in my nightdress and dressing gown for at least 20 minutes every morning!

Humming Bird Dressing Gown

Super King size Duvet Set

You are probably wondering why there is a picture of a Superking Duvet set in a dressmaking post. Inspired by Mel of Ditsy Tulip I wanted to investigate the possibility of making clothes using fabric previously in the form of bed linen. Dunelm were having a sale so I visited the Salisbury store to check out for some bargains. I struck Gold! I ended up buying three sets of Superking duvet covers. The cheapest was a mere £14.99 and used to make a dress which has already appeared on this blog. Hummingbirds however was not reduced but at £32 it still represented great value for money.

I chose this particular pattern as I was looking for something in Duck Egg Blue colourway to coordinate with our bedroom décor. I also needed a set of nightdress and dressing gown to take away with me on my upcoming travels.

print detail of the Hummingbird

I had previously made at least two dressing gowns using my TNT pattern – Simplicity 8486 and so having laundered the duvet set and unpicked all the seams, I cut out a full length version of View A.

Simplicity 8486

The only alteration to the pattern was to reduce the length by a couple of inches and the sleeve length also by 2 inches. I added a narrow hanging loop on the inside of the centre back neck. The pattern calls for concealed side seam pockets but I substituted patch pocket.

Lace-trimmed patch pockets

Initially, I thought that I would use the reverse of the duvet cover which is the same print but on a White background (as shown in the picture above) for the nightdress full length View B, details of this will appear in another post.

I was fortunate that I had an exact colour-match of thread and all raw edges are enclosed in French seams. I added some lace detailing on the sleeve cuffs and patch pocket tops. In very quick time the dressing gown was completed and I am delighted with the result. I now make a point of ‘wafting’ around in my gown for at least 20 minutes every morning!

My new Dressing Gown – especially for ‘wafting’!

Sewing Plans

I have a few projects that have been hanging around for a while so I really must get those completed. So for January/February I have identified the following:-

There are a couple of stuffed toys/pincushions that I made last year that were stuffed but not stitched up!

Kitty Cat who looks more like a dog!
Nellie the Elephant – turned out much larger than expected

Then on the list is a Black Corduroy Pinafore Dress that I plan to decorate with some felt appliqué (similar to the denim jacket that I made in 2017).

Vine lines on front bodice
Vine lines on back bodice

There are a couple of small patchwork quilts that need binding and a ‘Jodi’ top by Tilly and the Buttons that just needs lengthening with the addition of a frill.

In addition to the usual dresses and some raglan sleeved tops I also plan to make a coat using the Vogue pattern V8346 that I received in my KB pattern swap.

Vogue V8346

The Pippi pinafore dress from Jennifer Lauren Handmade.

Pippi Pinafore Dress by Jennifer Lauren

some Piccadilly PJs by Nina Lee (to wear to the Sewing Retreat on the Isle of Wight)

and another larger version of the Companion Carpet Bag by Mrs H.

Small version of the Companion Carpet Bag by Mrs H patterns

That is it so far but you know how it is – the well-made plans of mice and (wo)men often go awry!