The better part of ten yards

I made the girls some pajama pants - two pairs of pants and one pair of shorts each.  This happened about three weeks ago and I just haven't found the time to blog about it.  And they want me to blog about it.  So I am.

They wear the same size clothes despite being two years apart in age which helped make this a fairly easy project.  I didn't use a commercial pattern.  Instead, I took a pair of p.j. pants that fits them both well and used that to make a paper pattern.  The hardest part of that was adding the seam allowances.  Seriously.  I cut all 6 pairs out and then sewed them together assembly line style.  Fast and a great stash buster to boot.  I'm working on some embellished tank tops to go with them and then I plan on making a nightgown or two to round out their night time wardrobe.

I wish I had a better photo, but I don't. Our kitchen remodel has started and it's pretty hectic around here. I'm hoping to hole up in the studio for a good chunk of time tomorrow.  Cross your fingers for me.

Comments

[Grace]

That is the same way I make all of our pajama pants, as well. Super easy, esp. with the serger!

E has been begging for some nightgowns. Do you have a pattern picked out yet? I'm needing some inspiration there.

[Grace]

PS: I love the peonies in your banner! All that pink! Swoon.

[Sarah :: greenclogs]

That's on my to-do list for both of my kids. Gunnar's pj pants are all hitting at capri length now (but still fit around him - go figure). Why do they grow so fast?

So here's the question. The outgrown pants for both of them are all Heather Ross Lightning Bugs fabrics - vans, goldfish, seagulls, gnomes. Do I save the pants, or do I cut them apart for the fabric? Hmm....

I've been thinking of you with the remodel. Can't wait to see when it's done!

[Erin]

I don't have a nightgown pattern yet.  I might try to make one up for that too!

[Erin]

um, you cut them up. just like i did with that flea market fancy twirly skirt in the left hand column. ;)

[Grace]

You are braver than me. :)

[Grace]

Ack! You cut up that skirt?!?!?! Oh, well, at least it survives in photo form. LOL

[Mama Urchin]

I make pillowcase dresses (out of yardage, not pillowcases) for Katie's summer nightgown. Easy-peasy and they fit forever (a bonus). For winter nightgowns I use a basic raglan sleeved elastic collar shirt or dress pattern (extend the shirt obviously) and they also fit forever.

summer: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamaurchin/696636441/in/set-72157601521870188/
winter: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamaurchin/2166224123/in/set-72157600119835209/

[minnesota:madre]

I love that bottom fabric. So cute.
Kitchen remodels are no fun. We had that done when we moved into this house. Good thing is BBQ season!

[beki]

Lily has been asking for night gowns, so I guess I had better get busy with that. I'll probably be making it up as I go :-)

[PippaPatchwork]

I love making pajamas--and I do the same thing. No pattern, just my favorite pair to model after.

[mandy]

i know what you mean about brain bending when it comes to the seams. i usually just trace around my paper pattern directly on the fabric and then cut what seems to be about 3/8 to 1/2 an inch from the traced pencil lines; works up so super fast.

[Anna]

Fun fabric choices for pjs! I meant to do this with flannel over the winter but it never happened. Even have have an old pair of my hubby's stashed away to make a pattern out of for pjs him. Maybe it will happen for summer!

[leslie]

i need some more lounge pants!!!!!

[Sara]

Fingers crossed! (Toes, too!)

[natalie @ our old southern house]

oh, i love those fabrics!! can't wait to see the pants!!

[Molly]

Dang, how could you have anything other than sweet dreams in those? Though the stash-buster angle might be the best reason, really! Sending good re-model mojo your way...

[dorie]

It's a pajama jammie jam!

[Erin]

is that you, eren? ;)

[Islay]

I've had acres of striped green flannel sitting around for weeks waiting to be made into pyjamas - I think you've given me the push I need to go and make them (without a pattern!)

[blair]

so exciting about the kitchen. I wish I could make my kids some more pj pants. They're so tall (esp Ian) that I'm figuring 2 yards for each kid per pair for pants, yikes!

[Brandi]

I've been wanting to try this--but my spacially-impaired brain can't figure out how to trace the pants. I assume you fold them in half and trace them twice? Then cut it on the folded fabric? I have several thrifted sheets that went to the picnic blanket from Handmade Home, so the leftovers seem perfect for kids' jammie-pants.
Thanks!
Brandi

[Erin]

you are spot on - it took 2 yards for each pair of pants and 1 for each pair of shorts!

[Erin]

hi brandi - trace one front side and one back side, add seam allowances, hem and casing. don't cut on the fold - you want 2 fronts and 2 backs. sew the center seams together, then the side seams. finally sew the inseam of the legs in one big hem. hope that helps.

[Erin]

that's a great idea! i'll try that next time.

[Erin]

i am so happy we have a grill!

[Erin]

i always forget about pillowcase dresses! and lengthening a shirt pattern is another great idea. thanks, j.

[Brandi]

I will give it a shot...thanks!

[Steph VW]

Reading about your sewing always makes me want to run into my craft room and sew, sew, sew.

[Kate]

All of my surplus fabric laying around is girly and I've been blessed with two boys... they don't like flowery PJ bottoms so much. Sigh. You've inspired me to make them some new PJ bottoms though, so maybe I'll take a drive to the fabric store.

How do you do your waistbands? Elastic or drawstring?

[Erin]

I use elastic for the kids and drawstring for me!

[Chase l Oh The Cuteness!]

Wow! Sounds like quite a fun time, hope you stay sane through the remodel! It will all be worth it in the end

[Sara]

Thanks for reminding me about that show. I will check it out!

[sew katie did]

I can never get a good shot of pj bottoms, even with the cute hems.

My poor guy is Mr. Highwaters right now.