Capucine set made with FS Bleached Signature Finish Midweight linen

What is more luxurious than linen pyjamas? (Okay- that is a rhetorical question because everyone has their own vision of luxury.)

Linen pajamas evoke slow mornings and leisure. They are more elevated than your partner’s old sweats and a toothpaste-stained sweatshirt…which tends to be in rotation for me regularly this season. As I was preparing for this project, I was shocked to remind myself that I have never made myself a linen pajama set, let alone for anyone else. That had to be fixed!

I have said this before, but I tend to not sew for others. I never know if the recipient will love, hate, or…. maybe worse– be indifferent to the handmade gift. Despite those internal fears, I wanted to make my mother something very special for her upcoming birthday and the Capucine pattern was it. An elevated pajama set in a beautiful, softened linen- luxury that every mom deserves but might not buy for herself.

Capucine shirt detail made with FS Bleached Signature Finish Midweight linen

The Capucine Pattern includes three different views, 2 of which are a top and bottom set. I decided to make the set as my gift using the All-Purpose Bleached Fs Signature Finish linen (a mid-weight linen that feels appropriate for something substantial but comfortable for most California seasons).

This pattern is the perfect pattern for an heirloom gift. The construction is professional and elevated (don’t expect to bang this set out in an hour or two) designed with beautiful finishes like French Seams and Flat Felled seams. Meaning- this garment set can be completed on a regular home sewing machine! The included instruction booklet walks you through each of these finishes with detailed written and illustrated steps. Although the pattern is marked as an Intermediate pattern, a Confident Beginner could work through the garment step by step!

Capucine trouser made with FS Bleached Signature Finish Midweight linen

Although I think this pattern has amazing finishes and great instructions, I would say overall, that for pajamas, it’s more finicky than I would have liked.

When I think of linen pajamas, ”luxury” is not the only word that comes to mind. I also think “fuss-free”, “easy going”, and other similar descriptors. As a sewist, I want the making process to align with the project. I was a little shocked to see how involved the set was- referring to the extra pattern pieces, and design choices that require specific construction techniques.

Capucine trouser made with FS Bleached Signature Finish Midweight linen

The top view, a collared button-up, features raglan sleeves which require a curved shoulder made from two separate pattern pieces. I suggest going true to size for the top, for the shoulder curve to fit as intended. Sadly- this is not the pattern to use if you want to size up for a cozier top. I give that advice from my experience- when I sized up one size, the garment looked like I am missing shoulder pads! Oopsie.

The bottom view of the set doesn’t fit my measurements in the way that I want. Although I landed on the size my mom measures into, I would personally prefer a higher rise, no pockets, and adding some extra width to the tapered leg. Shame on me for not sewing a muslin, but to sew is to learn!

Capucine set made with FS Bleached Signature Finish Midweight linen

I don’t want you to walk away dismayed at this pattern. Every pattern has pros and cons, and this pattern is beautifully constructed, it just isn’t the pattern that I would make more myself. Luckily this is a gift and I think that it will be perfect for my mom and her preferences.