Guessing by the illustrations on the front of the pattern envelope, this Kwik Sew pattern is of a certain vintage, perhaps the 1970's or 1980's.
Although there is no date stamp on this pattern there are some clues. It is a Kerstin Martensson design. Kerstin Martensson is the name and designer behind Kwik Sew patterns. Her pattern company began under the name Sew Knit and Stretch in 1967 until 1974 when the company changed it's name to Kwik Sew. Based on the name, the pattern is obviously post-1974. Yet the design has an earlier vintage vibe to it when it came to the pajama bottoms. There is a upper back piece that I've not found in modern pajama bottom patterns.
There are only two pattern pieces used to create the bottoms.
It was an interesting design to sew, something new. A few simple changes, there was a drawstring added to the elastic casing. And the bottoms were lengthened by three inches and the hems finished with a rolled hem.
The sleeves on the pajama top were also lengthened and instead of piping throughout, I opted for a small piece of seam binding in the pocket design. I really liked Martensson's instructions and her method for sewing the piping and finishing at the pocket and sleeve band.
The buttons were from the button stash, a score from the menswear department when Eaton's closed down many moons ago. I added one more as three didn't appear to be enough. They happened to be a perfect match for this 100% cotton fabric. The fabric was pre-treated with a wash and tumble through the dryer followed by a good old pressing before it hit the cutting table.
Fabric: 3 metres
Buttons: 4 - 3/4"
Elastic: 1 metre - 1 1/4"
Twill tape: 1 metre
Bias Tape: 0.20 metres
Additional Tools & Supplies: Pattern weights, scissors, tailor's chalk, iron, ironing board, pins, sewing machine, walking foot, buttonhole foot, hand sewing needle, screwdriver, threads, serger, buttonhole cutter, cutting board, hammer, safety pins, seam ripper, and some tea.
Although there is no date stamp on this pattern there are some clues. It is a Kerstin Martensson design. Kerstin Martensson is the name and designer behind Kwik Sew patterns. Her pattern company began under the name Sew Knit and Stretch in 1967 until 1974 when the company changed it's name to Kwik Sew. Based on the name, the pattern is obviously post-1974. Yet the design has an earlier vintage vibe to it when it came to the pajama bottoms. There is a upper back piece that I've not found in modern pajama bottom patterns.
There are only two pattern pieces used to create the bottoms.
It was an interesting design to sew, something new. A few simple changes, there was a drawstring added to the elastic casing. And the bottoms were lengthened by three inches and the hems finished with a rolled hem.
The sleeves on the pajama top were also lengthened and instead of piping throughout, I opted for a small piece of seam binding in the pocket design. I really liked Martensson's instructions and her method for sewing the piping and finishing at the pocket and sleeve band.
The buttons were from the button stash, a score from the menswear department when Eaton's closed down many moons ago. I added one more as three didn't appear to be enough. They happened to be a perfect match for this 100% cotton fabric. The fabric was pre-treated with a wash and tumble through the dryer followed by a good old pressing before it hit the cutting table.
The Stats
Fabric: 3 metres
Buttons: 4 - 3/4"
Elastic: 1 metre - 1 1/4"
Twill tape: 1 metre
Bias Tape: 0.20 metres
Additional Tools & Supplies: Pattern weights, scissors, tailor's chalk, iron, ironing board, pins, sewing machine, walking foot, buttonhole foot, hand sewing needle, screwdriver, threads, serger, buttonhole cutter, cutting board, hammer, safety pins, seam ripper, and some tea.
Happy Sewing!
Very nice. That is an interesting back on the bottoms.I wonder why it was designed that way.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why it was designed that way, but it does have a retro feel to it with the slim fitting legs.
DeleteNicely done! I love to use (and collect) Kerstin's patterns and books.
ReplyDeleteI can see collecting her patterns and books, she does offer some fantastic methods for construction. And I find the patterns extremely well drafted. I've never had an issue.
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