FABRIC REVIEW: Night to Daywear Using Crisp Percale Cotton
Growing up reading magazines from the early 2000’s day outfits transitioning to night wear seemed to be a big deal. An essential fashion skill for the modern adult. Now that I am an adult that designs and sews my own clothing I find quite the opposite to be true. My ultimate goal is for all of my me-mades to function seamlessly as night to day wear.
I want to be able to roll out of bed wearing something comfy enough to sleep in, but chic and interesting enough to layer or accessorize into a day outfit. I want to dress myself in the morning knowing that I could melt into a cat nap at a moment’s notice without having to change my clothes. I want to float through life in incognito loungewear, or as the instagram sewing world lovingly calls it, “secret pajamas”, at all times.
This is where Fabrics Store’s new percale cotton fabric line comes in. It is the perfect crisp cotton, structured enough for day wear and comfortable enough to sleep in. I used the blue and white striped pattern to toile a new pattern I am designing, which required a lot of sewing, seam ripping, re-sewing and adjustments. I am really impressed with how well the fabric maintained its integrity despite the tougher than typical sewing I put it through!
I didn’t have to deal with any fraying and shockingly didn’t come away with any accidental holes from my enthusiastic and frequent seam ripping. It was also really nice to have a clear right and wrong side and it held a press well! All of those are great signs of an excellent fabric choice for a beginner sewer or a first make of a new pattern. I was even able to nap and play test it with my 2 year old and it passed with flying colors! Looking forward to sewing more garments and homeware with this lovely cotton.
2 Comments
Anna Z Gunza
I remember my mother giving me a present and the slightly horrified look on her face as I exclaimed ” This is great! I can wear it, then sleep in it, and wake up all dressed!” My Mom, always polite, replied,” Yes, I can see you doing that”. Thanks for bringing back that memory. Oh, I have not changed. Looking forward to trying the percale!
Patricia Saab
What fun to read your post this morning, Sadie! I’ve been eyeing these cottons but haven’t purchased any yet. Your “house dress” is perfect! Sounds like a easy fabric to work with!