We're all for lazy Sunday morning lounging in a chic pair of pyjamas, so naturally, we jumped at the opportunity to review the recent release by Paper Theory, the Anges Pyjama Set! We've had a huge array of deadstock cotton arriving in stores and online recently, including a handful of ultra-soft double gauze cottons. Comfort, ease and style are a must for #MeMade pyjamas, and Agnes is ticking all of these boxes! Read on for more, kindly modelled by Ella from our HQ team.
Pattern Review
Paper Theory — Agnes Pyjama Set
We love that Paper Theory's easy-sew patterns are simultaneously cleverly crafted and simple in silhouette. The recently released Agnes Pyjama Set pattern is no exception, with cosy loungewear vibes and offering the option of shorts or long pants. The pant is a super simple elasticated waist with no side seams and the shirt is oversized with batwing sleeves, a convertible collar, patch pockets and a boxy fit.
We made up a size 10 Agnes for Ella using the long pant option with no modifications, and this used approximately 3.1m of our 144cm wide Reversible Double Gauze Cotton Check - Royal Blue / Salmon. The yield used was slightly over the recommended meterage due to the fabric's large off-set plaid pattern and we wanted to match the front of the shirt, pockets and the facings! This did take a little extra time to cut out, but made for a very satisfying result! We also used 80cm x 40cm of our Stretch Weft White fusing as well as five Trocas Shell Buttons in Ivory.
Both the Agnes shirt and pant patterns have a generous seam allowance of 1.25cm and with the option to sew with a French seam finish, or an overlock. We decided to construct the garment with French seams because we love that ultra-clean finish inside! If you aren't familiar with this, check out this tutorial here for tips on French seaming. Paper Theory recommend this pattern for an advanced beginner sewist, which we think is spot-on as the shirt does require a little experience for the collar and facing construction. The pants however are super easy to make up, with an elasticated waistband and minimal seams, so these would definitely suit a beginner-level sewist.
We loved how clear and easy to follow the instruction booklet was, peppered with practical little tips throughout, as well as detailed graphics. We especially like the tips on pressing the collar and buttonhole placement!
You can get your hands on the downloadable Agnes Pyjama Set pattern here on the Paper Theory website.
No side seams in the Agnes Pant make a handy feature for sewing with checks and stripes — no need for matching checks here!
Fabric Recommendations
Reversible Double Gauze Cotton Check - Royal Blue / Salmon
Paper Theory designed the Agnes pattern for woven, light to medium weight fabrics like cotton lawn, poplin and linen. We love how light and airy our version turned out using this 100% cotton double gauze! This fabric is reversible too, with a cute blue and white gingham on the underside, allowing you to use either variation as the outer. The two layers have been woven together by equally spaced single stitches throughout, with the pattern from both sides showing through the layers creating a semi-shadowy look.
We've spotted lots of yummy linen versions of this pattern over on Instagram, including this chic version from Elisa, Kate's gorgeous Heavyweight Mustard Linen shirt, these Gingham Linen beauties from Im and Charlie, and these fab shorts from Sara! If you're keen to try a linen Agnes of your own, check out our extensive range including Gingham Linens, Vintage Finish Linens, Heavyweight Linens as well as an array of stripes and checks, in stores and online.
Check out a few alternative options from recent deliveries below too, from top to bottom is our Reversible Double Gauze Cotton Check - White / Flamingo, Retro Mini Block Cotton Voile - Candy, Reversible Double Gauze Cotton Check - Pink / Plum, Micro Stripe Cotton / Poly - Royal Blue and Berry Branches Cotton - Cornflower / Green
We thoroughly enjoyed sewing this pattern and love how it translates well as an everyday wearing shirt and pant in heavier fabrics too! Get inspired over on Instagram here, and share your makes with us @wearethefabricstore using #TheFabricStore