18 Oct Pink October – Closet Case Carolyn PJs
Thank you, Dear Readers for your warm, encouraging and thoughtful responses. Katie and I have read them all, and we felt your love in each message. We are sincere in our gratitude and please know how much your thoughts and prayers mean to our families through Katie’s cancer journey.
Tis the month for pink……..
Julie and Julia was a life-changing movie for me. Not only did it provide a blogging model for Goodbye Valentino, but I also developed an obsession for poaching eggs and wearing Classic Menswear Pajamas.
The scene of Julia and Paul sitting in bed in their silk pajamas made an indelible impression on me. While I’ve yet to own a pair of silk pajamas, I simply love slipping into a pair of crisply pressed pjs at the end of the day!
The Closet Case Carolyn Pajamas pattern is my go-to pattern for classic pjs and is truly worth the investment. (I do not receive compensation from Closet Case.)
The bilingual patterns and step-by-step instructions will clearly guide you through all of the details including when and how to add piping. Additionally, the pattern variations will take you through winter, spring, summer and fall.
For these pajamas I chose a cotton floral and gingham with pre-made piping in pale pink from Five Eighth Seams in Charleston, SC. I used the contrast fabric wherever I could, but the choice is yours.
My only tips and/or suggestions for this pattern are:
- Check the crotch fit. The rise in the pj bottoms sits just below the waist and the crotch may need adjusting.
- Follow the directions from start to finish.
- Consider monogramming the pocket!
When Julie and I were outlining A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing, we each came up with a list of 25 must-include garments, and the classic Menswear Pajamas was high on each of our lists.
Evenings at home are equally as important as evenings out so why not wear loungewear that make you feel as good as the rest of your wardrobe? These adult alternative to sweatpants and tees are easy to fit, make ideal gifts to sew and provide great opportunities to express your personality or mood of the moment! Stripes, paisley, polka dots, floral, plaids, solids, abstracts and more! For unending inspiration, visit the Carolyn Pajama Instagram Feed here with over 3,000 posts to date.
Classics go P I N K for a cause! I hope my pajamas serve as a reminder to take part in Breast Cancer Awareness month however one deems appropriate. I invite you to join me on October 27 in Charleston, SC, or hope you will consider participating in one of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks across the country this month.
Have a good weekend !
Caroline LAZZARA
Posted at 07:57h, 18 OctoberI read your Katie blog with tears but am thankful and encouraged by her knowing her body and that something wasn’t right.
I’m blessed to have a wonderful network that is sponsoring chemo care packs for underserved women in our community going through treatment. Something small but I hope these women will know they are loved.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:20h, 19 OctoberCaroline,
What a gift to cancer patients in need! Many thanks for your response 😊
Susan Kelley
Posted at 08:01h, 18 OctoberHave wondered where you have been. I had my cancer journey in 2009,sofar, so good. Am trying to get back into sewing just a little bit,but I keep getting distracted-family,friends,etc.Loved the Julie,JUlia movieThe 50ies vide was so like where we were stationed in Germany during our early years. Very nostalgic for me. Have watched it several times.Not to the PJ point yet.Need to find a good housecat pattern!. Hope you all are continued to be blessed with good health, my mantra to all is get thos emammeograms! Can’t beat early detection!
Sarah Gunn
Posted at 15:24h, 19 OctoberThank you so much, Susan 😊 I’ve found I have to set aside time for sewing because distractions are always around!
Jan Crews
Posted at 08:02h, 18 OctoberSarah, back in the 90s, Nordstrom sold the most wonderful silk charmeuse menswear-design pajamas in solid colors. I think over that decade, while playing piano in the lobby of the Pentagon City Nordstrom, I bought four pairs of these wonderful pajamas, and even had the pocket of one pair monogrammed with my JC. They’re worn out now, but I still have the red pair hanging in my basement in hopes of replicating them in the future. (Super comfortable waist with elastic and silk drawstring.) Your pjs are an inspiration and I thank you. The silk pajamas are going to the top of my list for summer break, 2020. xo
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:36h, 19 OctoberHi Jan ~ Oh how I miss the piano at the Charlotte Nordstrom at Southpark! The music always relaxed me and it’s just not the same with a non-distinguishable soundtrack.So thank you for your contribution to enhancing the retail experience.
I hope you can recreate those PJs for yourself soon!
Mary Funt
Posted at 08:04h, 18 OctoberGreat looking PJ’s and I love your design details. You look wonderful in pink. So happy that things are going well. The breast cancer walks do so much for awareness and supporting research.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:37h, 19 OctoberMany thanks, Mary! We’re so grateful for Katie’s response.
🙂
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 08:29h, 18 OctoberYou are so pretty in pink! Or any other color, for that matter. Happy that Katie is doing well.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:40h, 19 OctoberAh….. thank you, Cissie! Pink is a color I’ve always worn – one of my faves. Katie has had a nice break between treatments and is feeling good. Many thanks 😉
Roxanne Reynolds
Posted at 08:41h, 18 OctoberThose are great looking pjs. I have been praying for Katie since first learning of her diagnosis. She is a strong woman; no doubt inheriting that trait from you. The breast cancer awareness walk is such a worthwhile event.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:41h, 19 OctoberIndeed it is, Roxanne! Katie and our entire family appreciate you prayers and concern 😉
Rosalind Clayton
Posted at 08:48h, 18 OctoberYour pj’s are fabulous! I hope your daughter continues to feel a little better!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:42h, 19 OctoberMany thanks, Rosalind!
Martha Ann Murray
Posted at 08:55h, 18 OctoberHooray goidbyevalentino.com is back! You have made me want some Carolyn pajamas and I haven’t worn pjs since college. Ordering the pattern today!
Your post about Katie hit so very close to home, enough so that I considered not commenting. Eight years ago I reattached the umbilical cord to our then 41 yo daughter. We went through 33 radiation sessions, double mastectomy and reconstruction. She was not a candidate for chemo. Today she is healthy, vibrant and a talented artist, loving everyday of her life! My best wishes, positive thoughts and happy days for you both – it’s a tough ride!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:44h, 19 OctoberMartha Ann,
How wonderful and heartwarming to know your daughter is.a survivor – congratulations to her for being such a warrior!
You’ll love the pattern! 😊
Laura Casey
Posted at 09:19h, 18 OctoberWell well, great way to celebrate the month of Oct. in PINK…..beautiful make…..and a great alternative to anything made of sweats. Many a winter night I were beautiful loungewear to dinner at home…..and I do NEED a pair of these…..thanks for such a beautiful, colorful, thoughtful post….and glad you’re daughter is recovering as well as yourself…….
Happy Sewing,
Laura.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:45h, 19 OctoberThank you for your lovely comment, Laura! One pair will not be enough 😉
Andrea Birkan
Posted at 09:25h, 18 OctoberYour PJs are fabulous! I also love the closet case PJ pattern . I am planning to make a few pairs. I hope things continue to improve for Katie. I will keep her I’n my prayers.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:46h, 19 OctoberThank you so much, Andrea! We appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts 😊
Eleanor Pollack
Posted at 09:44h, 18 OctoberWonderful to find a notice of your post in my inbox this morning, Sarah. It truly is a one-day-at-a-time experience when your daughter, a young mother, must deal with breast cancer. We celebrate the small victories like learning that the checkups will be 4 months apart as opposed to 3. Slowly, ever so slowly, you stop holding your breath with each follow up check.
Thank you for sharing what Katie and you are going through. My belief is that when someone in the limelight, especially someone we have come to feel we know, has such an experience, It brings that home a bit more. Maybe knowing about your family’s experience will bring a bit more awareness to others or give some hope and courage to still others.
Your pink pjs are delightful and a perfect way to observe October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. It’s always inspiring to see your lovely creations.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:01h, 19 OctoberSo wonderful to hear from you, Eleanor. It was important to write the post about Katie once she was ready for me to share for several reasons.
Supporting breast cancer awareness, connecting with others who have experienced this situation, understanding the importance of trusting your instincts and letting readers know that life has changed all played a part in sharing Katie’s experience.
I’m delighted to know your daughter is doing well!
Many thanks for the nice comment on the PJs too 😊
Judy Duerson
Posted at 10:08h, 18 OctoberI love your pj’s. The choice of fabrics are so pretty! You did your usual great job!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:01h, 19 OctoberThanks so much, Judy!
Becky Riddle
Posted at 10:21h, 18 OctoberAs always, a lovely project finish from you. These are lovely, and they make me want a pair! Guess I should get cracking, huh? I hope your daughter has the very best of luck with her journey and finds she is cancer free very soon. Take care of her, but don’t forget to take care of yourself so that you can be there for the ones you love. Happy October!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:02h, 19 OctoberHappy October to you, Becky! We’re all trying to take care of each other as well as ourselves 😊
Janine
Posted at 10:49h, 18 OctoberI love the beautiful pink florals! And I also love the idea of something more elegant than a t-shirt and sweats for evenings at home. Thanks, Sarah, and continued love and prayers for you and for all of those facing this horrible disease.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:06h, 19 OctoberThank you so much, Janine for your prayers and positive thoughts! Pajama obsession has hit hard but that’s not a bad thing 😉
Doukissa
Posted at 11:53h, 18 OctoberAdorable!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:07h, 19 October😊😊
Rebecca Bagwell
Posted at 14:30h, 18 OctoberI love your PJs and you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:07h, 19 October….and I love you too!
Marysia Paling
Posted at 14:36h, 18 OctoberLove PJ’s and so huge thanks for mentioning the pattern you so love.
I was so sorry to hear about all your daughter and family have gone through,but hugely relieved that your daughter listened to her inner voice and kept of pushing.
Surprised that your darling was not sent for a scan and biopsy immediately. Whilst living in Turkey I was seen by a Consultant, immediately sent to another department for a mammogram, scan and biopsy and a bone density scan. I was so fortunate that they also found that I would need a hysterectomy. All the tests were done there and then, with no waiting. I can only imagine what a worrying time you all went through, until finally the diagnosis was confirmed.
Thank the Lord that she didn’t ignore how she was feeling and that she is strong and has such wonderful support from you all.
Wishing your family all good things.I hope there will be changes to the process in the future.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:10h, 19 OctoberI’ve had to use restraint in writing about the doctor’s misdiagnosis and patronizing attitude, Marysia. It really makes my blood boil, but the goal is to get Katie well first and foremost.
…..and you’re right, Thank the Lord she trusted her instincts. 😉
Christine Johnson
Posted at 17:33h, 18 OctoberIt is so good to hear from you and to see how lovely you look in pink! If you’re a member of the seamwork community, you may already know that their October magazine is devoted to breast cancer awareness. One focus is on several options for breast alterations, and one of them includes a method for pattern alterations after a mastectomy. There is also a focus on 4 women dealing with the effects of breast cancer treatment on changes in their bodies, with an emphasis on maintaining self esteem that includes how sewing provides opportunities for making pattern adjustments that enhance fit and are flattering to wear. Take care of yourself and your beautiful family.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:18h, 19 OctoberChristine,
Thank you so much for bringing the October issue of the teamwork community to my attention, and I will share it with others. It is so important for women to have options for dressing and sewing after a mastectomy .
I really appreciate your comment 😊
Deborah Findlay
Posted at 17:52h, 18 OctoberSo glad to see your post . Prayers and blessings to you your family and your daughter. Such a brave woman . As a sewer you maybe interested in checking out what happens here in Canada. The Cashmere Toilet Paper Company does a nation wide contest where every vote you make goes to Breast Cancer Research. You ask “what are we voting on? ” The most amazing creations all made and sewn with toilet paper from some of our country’s best young designers. You should if you have the time, check out the creations.
I absolutely love your classic pj’s and the colour combinations are terrific Maybe I will be brave and try making myself a pair because I only wear pj’s. All the best and Happy Halloween. 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:20h, 19 OctoberHow wonderful, Deborah! I will certainly check out the Cashmere Toilet Paper Company 😊😊
Many thanks for the comment and Happy Halloween to you too!
Brenda DeBord
Posted at 08:24h, 21 OctoberI am in the process of making my first pair of PJ’s by this pattern. I have completed the pants and working on the top. My first time using one of her patterns. It is going together great.