So, someone I know gave me gist of her conversation with a someone she knows, and it went thus:
My someone: I am traveling tomorrow o
Her someone: PJ ?
My someone: *blank confused stare*
Her someone: (ever so casually) Private Jet
My someone: (amused laugh) ah no, commercial
Who’d have thought that private jets would become so mainstream in certain circles, considering the harsh economic realities in Nigeria (ignore the gasp-inducing outlier that is the senators’ salaries)?.
Perhaps, it provides room for the less fortunate to be inspired and to aspire to be whatever it is that affords one the PJ life, but the wide income gap is rather disheartening.
Well, I made a lovely new dress and I flew commercial with Burda Air :-D. It was my first time purchasing a commercial pattern as I’d always been concerned that the sizing would not suit my body frame. I did not see the point of spending time adjusting the pattern to fit perfectly, might as well draft one from scratch!
But this one was great, I selected a size with bust-waist-hip dimensions that were close enough to my own measurements.
Description -Raglan sleeved dress with panels and cargo pockets.
The Burda Cargo pocket dress pattern was pretty easy to assemble, it was fun in a “one plus one equals two” sort of way. The instructions were in a clear, connect the dots format. I printed out the pdf pages, joined them with sticky paper tape and cut out my size.
I chose to sew a “wearable toile” to test-drive the pattern and I used a cheap but nice-looking synthetic silk fabric and cotton lining. Red is always so eye-catching.
The sewing process was pretty easy too, the only thing I was concerned about was ensuring that the panels were perfectly aligned. So, I used my tried and tested technique by first arranging and then pinning the adjoining bodice and skirt panel seams at the “meeting points” before sewing.
To finish the sleeve edge, I hemmed using double fold bias binding which I cut from the shell fabric, and stitched in the ditch. I used black lace hem tape at the hemline and blind stitched by hand, the scallops are very pretty 🙂
I made mine without the pockets and at the front shoulder seams, I added black piping for some contrast, which was made using some cotton twine and the faux leather that I bought at Tejuosho Market . I also shortened the sleeves by 6.5 inches.
Pattern verdict: I had a smooth flight!
PS-
EOI: Ah! If you are interested, a governor is currently shopping for buyers of the state-owned Bombardier Challenger 604 Private Jet, purchased for $45 million in 2012, to relieve him of the burden of maintaining it.
UPDATE TO POST: In response to both Timi and Skinny Efik Girl’s humorous comments about how the slang “PJ” has traditionally been associated with pyjamas, which is how I, myself have always used it, I shall now proceed to explain the differentiating phonology for the benefit of others.
Yes, this is a “Public Service Announcement”, and I might or might not have had my tongue-in-my-cheek whilst typing 😉
PEE.Jay: (Pyjamas) – Emphasis is on the Pee. You would recall that people either pee in their pyjamas, in the case of children, or get out of bed to pee while wearing said pyjamas.
Pee.JAY: (Private Jet)- Emphasis is on the Jay as in JET. You could even add flying sounds for special effect e.g.- “Whoosh!”
For a while back, I forgot you actually were talking about sewing. The way you describe the materials and general process seems quite romantic. Maybe that’s just me lol. You make me want to sew hahahaha
The Undersestimated Power of Money Sickness
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Hey Nedu! Until another post comes I am in Backtrack land, first of all that dress is great for this season: all red and festivilious! As for the PJ ting, nawaaaaO, but its a question I’m going to have to ask this Season with everyone flying for family and whatnots, and I cant WAIT to get that blank stare, before I break it down for them gleefully! Have a gd wkend hon! ( :
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Hi Lady!
Thank you so much for reading, You’ve reminded me to blog more consistently. Lol
You always crack me up! Yes o, there will be lots of flying about this holiday season, so the opportunity to pop that particular question will present itself more than once. Try to keep a straight face while asking. XD
Have a wonderful rest-of-the-week!
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Great Job with the dress!
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Thank you so much Onyee,
Commercial patterns really make the sewing process easier, which is a huge plus. The main minus is the sizing.
Welcome back to blogville! 😀
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About the sewing aspects- I have new things to learn. Thanks. I do not mean that sarcastically. About the other- private jets commonplace? I don’t think so. General observation- you definitely like midi dresses and skirts. Rock you!
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I am still learning new sewing techniques, thank God for Google, I have typed a gazillion “how to…s” into the search box 😀
It’s definitely not commonplace at all, but seemingly so in certain circles.
Lol, Yes! You are absolutely right! I’m a little obsessed with the midi silhouette, I quite like how it exudes “demure, lady-like and grown-up” chic.
I sure will, thank you 🙂
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You look good!!! Thanks for stopping by, babes.
Ebonyduchess.com
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Merci beacoup (silky french) :-D.
I am so glad you came by.
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Private jet now has an acronym? What is going to happen to PJ for pyjamas? lol..
I like your writing. Lovely red dress. You made sewing it seem so easy. Now I want to learn. With your help of course!
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Dear SEG, lemme explain the phonology of it all.
PEEJay: Pyjamas – Emphasis is on the Pee. You would recall that people either pee in their pyjamas, in the case of children, or get out of bed to pee while wearing said pyjamas.
PeeJAY: Private Jet- Emphasis is on the Jay as in JET. You may even add flying sounds for effect e.g.- “Whoosh!”
Lol, Don’t mind me o, I am so glad you stopped by. I like your blog.
Thank you so much! Yes, sewing is very learnable, I am working on putting up a ‘tutorials’ page on my blog 😀
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Thank you Nedoux. A sewing tutorial would be fantastic. I look forward to that and more from your blog…
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Oh and thanks for the very educative update on PEEjay and PeeJAY (with a “whoosh” sound)… that’s hilarious. lol
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Lol, you are most welcome. I am always happy to help.
Thank you dear.
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Lovely dress. Color compliments you well. Great job!
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Thank you lady! The colour is rather delicious 🙂
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Lovely RED dress…..keep it up my dear Sis….I’m so proud of you.
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Thank you darling 😀
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I love the dress. I’m glad you opted to do without the pockets. Red is your color it looks lovely on you. The hem lace detail is pure elegance. One day I will give it a try…..I just despise hand sewing. 😕
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Hi Lady,
Thank you so much. Yes, the pockets would have made it seem rather casual.
Very elegant indeed, if I had my way, I’d wear this dress inside out, just to show off the lace 😀
Lol, I know what you mean, the hem tape charmed me with her beauty and I forgot how boring hand stitching can sometimes be.
I am glad you stopped by!
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Lovely red!
I’ve learnt something new- PJ also means private jet. I only associated the term with pyjamas 🙂
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Hello Timi,
Abi? Really lovely shade, thank you.
A new day, a new lingo learned 😀 . Yes, reminds me of boarding school, we called our pyjamas – “peejays” too.
Enjoy the rest of the day!
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Hi Timi,
You may find the PSA update to this post rather helpful 😉
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PSA? Link please?
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Oh, no link, it’s in my tongue-in-cheek PostScript.
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Lol XD Helpful tip 😉
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My friend used to work for a PJ airline and somehow thought I’d be the one to ask to use their services. After I laughed at her, I decided to humor her a little and ask how much it cost, and she told me $1000/hour – and you have to pay round trip, regardless of if you’re coming back with it. I wasn’t sure whether to turn the laughter to crying.
Cute dress too, and the pattern looks easy and very doable.
Berry Dakara Blog
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Hey Berry,
Your comment cracked me up o 😀
Thank you. Yes, doable indeed. Commercial patterns add ease to the sewing process, the only downside is the sizings.
I’ve come to realise that two women could both be a shop size 8 but still have different bust-waist- hip and torso length measurements.
Have a lovely week.
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u make the art of sewing seem so easy! u wud make a great teacher do u know that? thats a nice dress. i would prefer another kind of fabric tho, but it looks great on u and its nice that u added ur personal touch to it-the piping and lace hem.
http://www.folasoasis.com
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Hello Fola,
Your comment made me feel warm and fuzzy, I’m still smiling. Thank you so much 😀
I am working on putting up a tutorials page soon to describe the techniques of dressmaking even better. DIY sewing is very learnable.
Yes, the piping and lace hem add detailing to an otherwise plain dress.
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Nicely done, the leather piping adds a slice of edgy to the demure dress.
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Hello Eky,
Thank you. I know, right?! 🙂
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Lol PJ. I stumbled upon a post on Instagram some days back of some big girls in Lagos who’ve got their own (entrepreneurs) walking into a PJ.
God will do it my dear lol.
Each time I see a post from you I feel I owe my sewing machine an apology or something 😦
You did good and I like how it wasn’t super tight, a little bit alté, leaning to a shift dress.
Bookiekunlere.com
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Lol, I am very inspired, but still surprised by the “tale of 2 cities”- ness of it all.
*in your sewing machine’s voice* “Bookie, USE ME!”
Thank you, I love how comfy the fit is, no need to suck belle to make the shirt fine 😀
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I will use her oh (I even gave it a name but now I’ve forgotten lol).
When I’m ready and willing, will you be kind enough to tutor me on the pattern drafting? I can only remember how to cut pencil/a-line/flare/pleated skirts. 😀 😀
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Lol @ “I even gave it a name but now I’ve forgotten”. I named my first sewing machine “Sisi Clara”.
Of course, I will be more than happy to tutor you 😀 I’ll also recommend books and online tutorials that have helped me tremendously.
I am working on putting up a “How to…” page on my blog.
Have a lovely week!
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Whoop! Looking forward to the “how-to” page.
Thanks a lot hun.
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Wow, you have a talent young lady. And you are very pretty too. And by the way, come to England and PJs will not be that irritating. The homes Nigerians own will do that for you.
Enjoy your evening x
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Hello Yvonne,
Thank you so much 🙂
I find the economic disparities rather baffling, lol
Have a great week!
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Absolutely gorgeous. Nedy so so beautiful.
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Thanks sweetie 😀
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Lol @ The PJ life.
I really enjoyed reading about the detailed sewing process, the lace hemming is very pretty.
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Hello Nana,
Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Ah yes, the lace hem tape is my favourite detail in the dress.
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I just got onboard the boeing 701 ‘Red’ express. Was never a fan of the color but I seem to be tilting towards it these days. Well done with the dress. I like.
http://www.epiphany29.com
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Hi Grace,
Hahahahaha, welcome aboard! 😀
Thank you, red always adds spice effortlessly.
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