We are extremely passionate about designing clothes that integrate into your life in a meaningful way, that look as good as they feel to wear, and that are fun and exciting to sew. We couldn't be happier to introduce the Fran Pajamas in the Closet Core catalogue, a pattern we suspect will garner TNT status in your sewing arsenal and in your dresser drawers in the years to come.
Yes, we designed another set of PJs! Our Carolyn Pajamas have been a bestseller since 2014, and while we continue to adore that elegant design, we were ready to take another crack at this silhouette. Fran is slouchier, comfier, a little faster to sew, and features a more gender-neutral design - the absolute perfect PJs for cozy sleeps, lazy weekends, and (depending on your fabric choice!) a super chic option for pajama dressing out in the world.
Fran is a two-piece pajama set, and each piece works as well on its own as part of a team. The loose-fitting top features a cuffed long sleeve, and buttons all the way to the neck with a sweet button loop under the traditional shirt collar. It also features a back yoke and deep inverted pleat (which you could easily convert to a traditional shirt pleat if you so desire!) Our favourite detail is the faced split hem - it adds an interesting architectural detail to this design. Overall, the Fran top is crisp and tailored with the perfect amount of comfy ease. I can't wait to see folks making this as a standalone shirt as well - it would be a fun take on a flannel shirt or shacket.
The Fran bottoms are straight-legged and roomy with a soft, comfortable elastic waist. The waistband also has a tiny paperbag edge which gives a nice textural effect. The pants have two slanted front pockets, a single back pocket, and a nice, deep hem. Since the fitting is so easy-peasy with these babies, they make the PERFECT pattern if you want to make PJ bottoms for the whole family, or other lucky folks in your life. If you're looking for me-made holiday gift ideas, the Fran bottoms sew up super quickly and would be a welcome surprise for a special someone under the tree this year.
Introducing Alpha Sizing!
We're super excited to introduce this pattern in our new alpha size range! Please note that instead of 0-20 and 14-32 like past patterns, Fran comes in sizes XXS-4X, and covers the full scope of our size range (up to a 62" hip). We worked hard to develop and test this new range, which we will offer for select future patterns in addition to our traditional 0-20 and 14-32 range. Our alpha sizing works best for less fitted and more oversized patterns, and we have another pattern planned for next year that employs the same conventions. One big benefit is that it allows us to go to print with a more size-inclusive range, and if you order Fran in print you will get sizes XXS-4X in your envelope!
If you're used to our traditional sizing, make sure you study the size charts to choose the correct size for your body. Fran is a slightly oversized style, but you are welcome to size down for a closer fit. Just make sure to look at the finished garment measurements and ensure you'll have enough ease!
Fabrics for Fran
We love how wildly different this pattern feels in different fabrics! For one sample we went traditional and menswear inspired with a thin pinstriped cotton. We also splashed out with a luxe, glam viscose print and we can't help but think Gucci, Gucci, Gucci whenever we look at the pictures. Can you imagine anything more chic then showing up at a dinner party wearing these babies? ICONIC!
We have a full blog post coming up about the best fabrics for Fran, but in brief, for a more structured look, choose crisp cottons such as broadcloth, voile, poplin, chambray, and other shirtings. For a more cozy set, choose cotton flannel or light to midweight linen. For a more glamorous or evening look, choose drapey fabrics like silk crepe de chine, satin, tencel, rayon challis, and viscose. The sky is truly the limit in terms of fabrics!
If you want a one-and-done solution to make your own Frans, we have a range of fabric kits over at Core Fabrics (with more to come in the coming weeks!) including the ones we used for our samples. Or, head to the Perfect Match page to find other fabrics we recommend for this pattern!
Who is Fran?
For this design, it felt only natural to name them after a true style icon. Master of elegant, menswear-inspired fashion, the Dorothy Parker of the 70s downtown scene, and truly one of the most wickedly funny people on earth, Fran Lebowitz will always be pinned to our vision board. No one brings more wit or style to everything they do, and if we could, we would make her a hundred pairs in the crispest striped Egyptian cotton. (And please, if you haven't, watch Pretend it's a City on Netflix - you'll get the spirit of Fran in spades!)
We hope you're excited to get your cozy on with Fran!
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