Sew Cheap March Free Pattern Review: Madeleine Mini Bloomers

Given the amount I've been sewing and posting lately you're probably thinking "does this girl have a life?". The answer being "no, not really" at the moment. So lets get on with it. For this month's Sew Cheap: Free Pattern make and review I chose the to make some PJ's! I made up a matching pair of Colette Patterns Madeleine Mini Bloomers and Sorbetto Top. These are both free multi-size patterns which pair perfectly for sleep wear.

I made them up in a lovely viscose from Darn Cheap Fabrics which has me thinking about Easter just a little too early. I've made the Sorbetto previously (oh, about seven times, six of which are posted here). I've noticed my previous tops are a little loose now so I made up a size 4 this time, as usual extending the length to a size 18. I can whip up a Sorbetto in just over an hour now. I used premade mauve bias binding on the neckline and armholes. I love how it turned out and might be tempted to pair it with jeans and wear it as a top. The Sorbetto is a great beginner pattern IMO - no closures and just two darts. 

Now to the bloomers. I'd seen that the bloomers were Very short on others in the blogosphere and also quite lowcut. Before cutting out a size medium I added 1"to the top and 2"to the bottom of the back and front pieces. I french seamed all seams in the bloomers and the top for a neater finish. Otherwise I followed the instructions. I had some trouble inserting button holes into this fine fabric (where the ribbons tighten the leg openings), and even more trouble unpicking them. After applying some interfacing everything turned out peachy. 

I love the look of the bloomers! The gathered effect on the waist and leg openings is super cute! I have a couple of complaints though. 1) Even with the added 1"at the waist I still feel that the crotch rides ever so slightly high. It's not problematic I just like a lower crotch curve on PJ's. 2) as much as I love the look of the double elastic at the waistline the elastic keeps rolling over in the casing and becoming twisted. I might have to go back and stitch on top of the elastic with a long stitch to stop it from doing this. 

The bloomers are labelled as a beginner pattern. It's a simple pattern with good instructions but I think a true beginner would have some trouble with the button holes (four in total) and the need for precise stitching along the waistband and leg openings. 

As you can see I decided against modelling my new favourite PJ's. But suffice to say the bunnies look fantastic on! You'll just have to take my word for it :) 

If you like this post, check out my Sew Cheap: Top Tips,  Sew Cheap: Free Patterns and previous Sew Cheap posts.