Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Sewing PJ'S / Simplicity 8493














Along with outgrowing shoes, Little Boy is also outgrowing his clothes! I made him this pair of winter (flannel) PJ's this week. He picked out the fabric - actually he wanted 2 different prints and I told him we could go back to the store to get the 2nd print after I finished the first pair. Because he is in constant motion these days it was a bit hard to get a photo that isn't totally blurry- the fabric has rockets and planets on it.
The pattern is Simplicity 8493. Personally, I don't think Simplicity patterns have a nice fit, and are sometimes clunky, but since PJ's are fairly easy - I went ahead and bought the pattern. And sure enough - The pant legs and sleeves both had this weird flange thing going on - so I chopped that off - who needs that? And, the waist came up under Little Boy's armpit - even though he is within the height range for the pattern! The pant leg itself is just about right - next time I will add extra take up room. The sleeves are too long (which is fine - just tuck the extra up inside and then you have room to let it out later - and I don't use elastic at the bottom of the sleeve like the pattern does). I use 1/2" elastic on the waist band instead of the called for 1/4" - that just seemed way too narrow to me. And, the bottom of the shirt is like a huge A-frame tent and maybe a bit on the longish side. Hummm - got to take that in next time around. The pattern calls for 3 buttons up the front, but I don't use buttons - I use 2 velcro dots - so much easier! I will say though - the top is a neat and easy design - just a pull over and then you lap one side over the other, so I would still recommend the pattern for that alone!
All I can say is that I am happy that I know how to sew clothes - a beginner might be frustrated with these things! If you don't sew alot, Very Easy, Very Vogue is my favorite line - very easy to understand, great instructions, good fit, etc. etc. Oh - and a tip - when I start to cut out a pattern I put the cut pieces into a good sized freezer bag (the zip lock kind). Freezer bags are excellent for patterns!
Anyway, for 2 yards of fabric Little Boy has new PJ's and there is even a bit of fabric left over to go toward quilting! So, now that I know the pattern and know the adjustments to make - we are going to go back to the store and get another print so I can make up another pair. In my free time, ha, ha, ha!








18 comments:

Melanie said...

I love them! It brings back memories, I used to make Chelsey PJ's and have enough fabric left over that the cabbage patch doll also got new jammies too. Is there a teddy bear needing a new set?

I know you're a great mom....
Melanie

Joyce said...

I often buy patterns at thrift shops. They are usually 10 cents each and often the very used looking ones are a good fit. Especially for things like kids PJ's. They don't go out of style and people get rid of them because the kids have out grown them.

quiltpixie said...

i'm sure little boy will be rocketing away to the planets in his dreams....

Saska said...

Brings back memories of making PJ's for my boyz. Mine were always excited about something Mom made.

Looks good..keep it up.

Jeanne said...

Aha -- another happy Little Boy!!!

I used to make clothes, a long time ago. Your pattern adjustment remarks brought back memories ...

Jeanne :)

The Calico Cat said...

YAY He looks like he loves them!

Any good patterns for ladies (aka hippy with big thighs - so I guess that should be womens) pj bottoms?

Hanne said...

Cute PJs on a cute Little Boy :-)

Doodlebug Gail said...

Cute! I make PJ's for my kids and since they've been very little they've loved new winter flannel PJ's. DS is almost 12 and he's graduated to flannel pants and a long sleeved T-shirt, DD is almost 7 and has already chosen her flannel for this year's PJ's.

Linda C said...

so it was not just your imagination that he was looking older, bigger? First shoes and now clothes. Weird pattern especially since you had the length part right. He's not tall enough for armpit length quite yet

Sweet P said...

Adorable PJs! Makes me wish I could have a pair just like them.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh little boy is soooo cute in his new PJ's! And now he will get another pair! I forgot how fun it is to have little ones who love what you make them!

Finn said...

Really neat jammies Evelyn! You did a great job, and his taste in fabric is excellent(as would be expected..*VBS*).
It's so much fun to sew for the little guys and how much pleasure they get from what you we make for them..*S*

ForestJane said...

I like Melanie's idea of a matching shirt for the teddy bear. That would be cute!

Granny said...

He's growing so quickly! What cute pj's! I'm sure he loves having things his mommy has made for him!

Judy L.

Passionate Quilter said...

Cute--just love the pj's on that "just woke up" little boy. They are so precious looking when they first wake, aren't they? And that's one reason why I don't like to sew clothes...they just don't fit! AAARRRGGHHH!

Vicky said...

Rocket man in motion! He's adorable! And it's easy to tell that he loves his mommy and his proud of his new PJs!

((HUGS))

Shelina said...

We have several unfinished clothing items for you to finish here. Last time I finished a clothing item I think I was in high school! Such a cute kid and pretty jammies.

Bonnie said...

Little Boy looks adorable in his new PJs. He is a lucky boy too to have a mom who lovingly makes things for him to wear.