Sometimes you can work on a problem for ages and just not be able to see the solution.
And so it was with my pyjamas. I had bought a paper pattern, cut out all the pieces, completed the bottoms (except the elastic, which I didn’t happen to have any of) and them came to the top. Ah, the top, which was supposed to have a rather nice contrasting binding round the neck, cuffs and bottom. The pattern describes itself as ‘easy’… well, pah to that! There is nothing easy (for me) about creating a bound edge on a V-necked garment… with a seam at the V that means… as far as this pattern goes… that you end up with five layers of fabric in a tiny point. I tried several times to get it right before setting it aside and wondering if there was any way to make a crochet ending for it (I’m a much better hooker than seamstress*).
An easy solution
And then I went to visit my mum. She really is a great needlewoman and, as soon as I described my problem, she was able to offer a solution (and confirm that the binding was ridiculously fiddly). An easy solution… something that I could do without any trouble. ‘Forget binding,’ she said ‘and just make a facing, with no seam at the V’. And so I returned home and completed the neck without any further issues. It means that it doesn’t have a contrasting edging, but I really don’t care. In fact, I then bought some ready made binding for the sleeve and bottom edges and made the whole process even simpler.
Just goes to show that sometimes you need a fresh perspective to help you onto a different track. Thank you mum.
The bottom and sleeves are fancy and were easy to do.
-oOo-
* Honestly, this is a really funny joke if you are a Terry Pratchett fan.
The Snail of Happiness 
Linda Winn
/ December 1, 2014Hurrah for seamstresses of all types! xx
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ December 2, 2014I’m sticking to being a hooker from now on!
LikeLike
nanacathy2
/ December 1, 2014Very smart!! Pun intended
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ December 2, 2014Thank you… I’m pleased and relieved to have it finished!
LikeLike
davidprosser
/ December 1, 2014There you go again with the foreign languages, bindings, facings and the like. At least I understood hooking.(?)
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ December 2, 2014Should I be providing a glossary with each post?
xxx hugs xxx
LikeLike
narf77
/ December 1, 2014If crocheting equated to miles of walking I would be one skinny hooker! 😉
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ December 2, 2014Oh, me too! How I wish!!
LikeLike
narf77
/ December 2, 2014I wouldn’t mind the skinny bit, not so sure I am up to the hooker bit though 😉
LikeLike
wscottling
/ December 1, 2014Patterns are merely suggestions anyway. 🙂 Do what works for you!
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ December 2, 2014You know, that’s something I tend to forget when I’m sewing, but you are spot-on… I would never dream of following a knitting or crochet pattern as strictly as I follow a sewing pattern… I guess it’s a confidence thing.
LikeLike
thecontentedcrafter
/ December 1, 2014Looking rather stylish Dr Snail! It’s always great to get another viewpoint, especially when you feel you might be at the edge of a scissor attack. 🙂 I’ve never read Terry Pratchett. What am I missing out on?
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ December 2, 2014You are missing out on some very astute commentary on the world… all written as ‘fantasy’. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but there are some fans who read this blog. My post on boots will give you a little taste: https://thesnailofhappiness.com/2013/11/20/boots-the-world-according-to-sam-vimes/
LikeLike
thecontentedcrafter
/ December 2, 2014I went and read and am now a fan. Next step is to read a book 🙂
LikeLike
katechiconi
/ December 1, 2014Good joke, even better solution! My alternative would have been to make the neckline rounded rather than V shaped, and use bias binding. No seam, no corner to turn. But then, I’m not your mum… It’s a good solution you have there, and if you still want some decorative trim, sew some of that nice ready made stuff on flat, about a centimetre from the edge. Do we get a modelling shot, complete with crochet slippers…?
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ December 2, 2014You know, a round neck was what I really should have done, but by the time I realised, I had cut out the fabric. I like your idea for decoration.
I can’t bring myself to model the ensemble… I hate having my photo taken!
LikeLike
arlingwoman
/ December 2, 2014I’m periodically musing on some problem to my mother, who then says “why don’t you [x]?” It’s often the perfect solution and quite simple. Your PJs look quite cosy and do you proud, whether you hook or sew…
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ December 2, 2014That’s what mums are for… however old we get, they give us sound advice!
LikeLike
katythenightowl
/ December 2, 2014Seeing the lovely result of your efforts (and your Mum’s wise advice) makes me wish I used my sewing machine more than I do now – lovely PJ’s Jan! 🙂
As for the great and good PTerry – I’m in the middle of re-reading his books right now, and laughed aloud at your comment – so very droll 🙂 Lol
LikeLike
Nice piece of work
/ December 4, 2014“forget binding” – your mum and I would get on very well ! I’m all for ignoring the extra fiddly bits.
LikeLike