Fiske Sleepwear Set PDF pattern

sometimes being slow pays out in the end

I've wanted a classic set of pajamas for a long time. I even bought another pattern, fabric and buttons 8 years ago. But I knew I would have to adjust that pattern and so I kept putting it off. And then this pattern was published. Since Cashmerette patterns fit me without adjustments and they are a joy to sew and wear, I exchanged the patterns. Then my favourite bed linens weren't mendable anymore and I wondered if the good bits would be enough for another set of PJs. I finally made them and as always, the pattern went together perfectly and the fit is great. I love both sets but the one made from my bed linen (it was enough fabric for long sleeves and legs) is very special to me. It was my first time using piping too. I used the nightgown pattern last year for practise as I wanted to make my first bra later that year. It was much easier than I expected and I love that I have some sleepwear now where my boobs stay where I put them :)

Great pattern

I love sleepwear and have spent a lot of time and money looking for a pattern with great tailoring details that fits my 34G self. This is it! My first Cashmerette pattern but not the last for sure. One comment on fit: if you like a lot of room in your nightwear, go up a size. My first try fit *perfectly* but I will size up next time as that’s my sleeping preference.

Fiske Nightgown review

I have now made 3 Fiske nightgowns with a variety of stretch materials for the outer portion (double brushed poly, athletic knit, velvet plush) and sheer cup lining/power net for the lining. All three fit well and are very comfortable for sleeping. I made 1 toile of the lining (bra component) prior to making the nightgowns. I used the measurements in the pattern to determine my size for the toile. I found that the recommended size was 1 cup size too large. I reduced the cup size, but kept the band size when making the nightgowns. In discussing it with others, I heard others also found the recommended cup size to be too large. I would recommend making a toile of the lining to check to make sure you're in the right size before making the nightgown. The instructions don't specify the stretch percentage for the band elastic. I found that the band elastic I had needed to be cut 1 band size smaller than what the pattern called for (but left the lining pieces cut at the underbust size). I'm 1.5 m tall and the finished length was just at the knee. I added 15" to the bottom in order to have full length nightgowns. The instructions and illustrations were detailed and easy to follow. If you're new to bra making, make sure to pay close attention the "DOGS" (direction of greatest stretch) when cutting your fabrics. DOGS make a difference in how bras fit (or not). If you're using power net for the first time, be sure to look online for instructions on how to determine the DOGS for that fabric. The estimated amount needed for the outer fabric is about right, perhaps a little on the generous side. It was sufficient for directional fabric. Depending on the width of the fabric, you may not need additional fabric to lengthen. My velvet plush (directional) fabric was nearly 70" wide and I didn't need extra yardage to add 15" to the pattern length. I'll likely make a couple more of these.