The Christmas PJs That Barely Made It

Christmas Eve

My procrastination turned against me this time.  I'd planned on working on the pjs at the beginning of last week.  On Monday, Grandma came down with the stomach virus we battled last week so that ruled out heading over there.  Then on Tuesday, I took a tumble while carrying B across a parking lot and we ended up making a trip to the ER because she hit her head pretty hard.  Thankfully, we're all okay now.  There were also a few shipping woes regarding presents that required some last minute store shopping but it all worked out in the end.   

Therefore, Christmas Eve saw me struggling to crank out K and P's new pjs.  I used the Darla pj pants (Ottobre Design #39 06/09) and added a few inches to the rise and to the length of the size 134 I already had traced.  I then chose to make the Rudolf pj top (#37 06/09).  I traced a 140 and found it to be quite wide on both kids (especially P) with the sleeves being almost too short on K.  I did none of the top stitching and didn't even hem the shirts as we still had a Christmas Eve service to attend.  Despite all the rushing and not the best fit, the kids were pleased with their new pjs. 

M and B got nightgowns made from Kwik Sew 3105 view A out of JA's flannel.  I made the smallest size for both girls.  The sleeves could have been a little longer but other than that the fit is pretty good.  I did a rolled hem for the ruffles and sleeve edges.  

This morning

It's been a crazy Christmas overall.  We ended up with a monster snowstorm (for us) that started late on Christmas Day.  After all was said and done there was 14+ inches of snow on the ground.  The kids were a little over it since this was the 4th time it has snowed this month.   Plus, since we rarely get snow, we don't have suitable clothes for playing out in it.  

We're looking to hit 60 F this weekend, much to my relief! 

Hiding Out

I'm hiding out today, surfing the web, cleaning the house and all around avoiding work on my only handmade Christmas gifts.  They're nothing fancy, nothing complicated, only pjs for the kids which I hope to give them on Christmas Eve.  The patterns I'm planning on using are all ones I've done before which is maybe why I feel so meh, blah about sewing them.

Which brings me to a question...If you use a pattern over and over, do you trace off the next size up or just add what you need (length or a little more width) to the existing size that you already have traced off?  I have the Darla pj pants traced off from last year and I'm thinking that I might enlarge the pattern that I already have.  Both kids need the legs to be longer and I'm thinking of adding a little more ease around the waist/hips.  Or I could just trace off a larger size.  What do you think?

Snow!?!

We're getting a little taste of what our friends/family in the upper midwest got over the weekend.  Considering that our average high for December is in the mid-50s it's a little scary that this is the second snowfall with accumulation we've had this month.   

I finished M's Kitschy Coo Zippy Hoodie last week and hadn't had a chance to take a picture of her wearing it.  So, I forced asked her to model it before she changed into her winter coat and headed to school.  There was no coercion...the kids had been begging to go outside since the first flake started to fall.

I used the 4T size since that was what I had used for B's hoodie and was, of course, too lazy to cut out the 5Y.  I added 2 inches to the length of the body and to the sleeves.  It's a little big which is always good as it means it won't be outgrown by the end of the week!

The perfect solution to cold legs

My husband loves his flannel lined jeans.

His happen to be a little hideous in my opinion but I can't begrudge him wanting to stay warm.  Especially when he's working outside. 

In fact, I'd appreciate a pair if I wasn't concerned they'd make me look heavier than I am. 

So, it's B who gets a new pair of lined pants.

Karpalo Lined Pants, Ottobre Design 06/09 #6

I used a corduroy I picked up at JA's a month or two ago and lined them in a cotton print leftover from Easter dresses for M and K pre-B.  I was a little concerned about the fit since they only go up to a 92 and B is easily a 98 or even a little bigger.  We lucked out though since they are cut to fit over a diaper.  I did add 4 inches overall to the length because I want them to last all of this winter and next.  In the picture the pants are rolled up 2x.


I still need to add a drawstring or find a matching ribbon to use.



There's topstitching along the yoke and down the inseams. 

I think these are a cute pair of pants and similar to the miniBoden baggies in style.  I love the rib knit waistband for ease of dressing and comfort.  This particular pair is plenty long enough that M will be able to wear them too.

And I didn't ever clean up the sewing room, it's still in it's current state of  mess.  I finished the pants up at my parents house, in my mom's nice and neat sewing room (or at least it was until I used it)!

What a mess!

The reason why I haven't finished my current project or undertaken any new ones...

Rosebud Leggings

We had a delightful Thanksgiving in WI with my husband's family.  It was great to spend some time visiting and catching up with all the latest happenings.  It was a short trip with a very long drive but a much needed one.

Back home, I've jumped right back into sewing.  These leggings,  "Ruusunnuppu" from Ottobre Design 01/10, have been done for a few weeks.  I couldn't decide which color ribbon to use for the embellishment so they sat almost done until we came home.  I ended up going with nothing. 


I have no clue if I did the darts/gathers correctly on the sides.  It was one of those projects where the directions made perfect sense the first time I read them but when it was time to sit down and sew, I got a little lost.  It didn't help that I didn't sew the leggings in one sitting but rather worked on them 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there.  I opted to do a lettuce edged hem to maintain as much length as I could. 

Ignore the thread sticking out!

I used rib knit from JA's.  I love that stuff!  It has a little bit of lycra in it and is super stretchy.   I like how the darts on the side add a little interest to what would otherwise be a basic pair of leggings.  I easily see making more for the little girls!