Earlier this year over at Elsie Marley, she hosted KCWC (Kid Clothes Week Challenge) where the basic premise is that you sew for just one hour each day, working on something for your children. I signed up and participated, but honestly sewing (or doing sewing related things like cutting) didn't result in any finished projects, but it did get me started on this project, which was totally worth it. I think I finished these pajamas about a month later, but at least they are done!
I stumbled on this great Star Wars fabric at JoAnn's and knew my son would love a pair of pajamas made from them. I grabbed my Sewing For Boys book, fabric, notions and set off to make them.
I stumbled on this great Star Wars fabric at JoAnn's and knew my son would love a pair of pajamas made from them. I grabbed my Sewing For Boys book, fabric, notions and set off to make them.
Sewing For Boys Goodnight, Sweetheart Pajamas, Page 94
The pattern pieces in this book are printed on pull out pages, but are printed on both sides, so you have to transfer them to something else. I wasn't thrilled about this, but honestly I traced them onto wax paper, and now I kinda love it. You trace just the size and pieces you need, super simple. Any changes, just modify the wax paper and write notes. I had no problems with the pattern pieces or cutting instructions, all of that is pretty straight forward, but in the same sense I honestly have sewn A LOT of clothes before, so this wasn't new to me.
The one major problem I did have was both a problem I made and a problem with the book instructions, the fabric amount. The book called for 2 yards of fabric for both the top and pants to make the size 4/5. So I bought 1.5 yards, which I hate to say is what I normally do. I have found through the years that pattern makers tend to over estimate the amount you need and I have always managed to squeeze the pattern onto much less, so I buy much less. The problem came in when I realized that you really needed closer to 2.5 yards to make both. That is where the extra trip to the store came in to play. I ended up buying the matching blue texture print (another 1.5 yards) to make the pants and contrasting front facings. Oh well, lesson learned. I actually like it better this way, and the fabric I found was a perfect match, so what could be better than that? Next time I will be purchasing 2.5 yards in order to make this size, and honestly that isn't taking into account that this was a directional print. If you are making these pajamas in a directional print in the 4/5 size, buy 3 yards in order to have enough, you won't be sorry! Trust me, I was cursing all the way to JoAnn Fabrics.
The one major problem I did have was both a problem I made and a problem with the book instructions, the fabric amount. The book called for 2 yards of fabric for both the top and pants to make the size 4/5. So I bought 1.5 yards, which I hate to say is what I normally do. I have found through the years that pattern makers tend to over estimate the amount you need and I have always managed to squeeze the pattern onto much less, so I buy much less. The problem came in when I realized that you really needed closer to 2.5 yards to make both. That is where the extra trip to the store came in to play. I ended up buying the matching blue texture print (another 1.5 yards) to make the pants and contrasting front facings. Oh well, lesson learned. I actually like it better this way, and the fabric I found was a perfect match, so what could be better than that? Next time I will be purchasing 2.5 yards in order to make this size, and honestly that isn't taking into account that this was a directional print. If you are making these pajamas in a directional print in the 4/5 size, buy 3 yards in order to have enough, you won't be sorry! Trust me, I was cursing all the way to JoAnn Fabrics.
Top - Front View
The pattern is really straight forward and easy, I love the way the shirt was constructed, the facing and piping was really easy to install. I decided to go with the red piping and red buttons to add the extra "pop!" I love it! I didn't have any problems with the construction of either the top or bottom and my only complaint is that the book lacks diagrams or pictures of what to do. I am a very visual learner, and using just the written instructions is hard for me, but I will admit, if you carefully read through, it does explain everything exactly how you need to make it. I just think a few extra diagrams would have been helpful, especially on things like the faux fly on the pants, which was an optional detail that I chose to add on.
Top - Back View
Overall, I love them and can't wait for my son to wear them this winter. These are the 4/5 in size and that is the size he wears normally in store bought clothes, so the sizing is spot on. I finished all the interior seams with my serger for a nice clean finish, and the way that the facing is constructed creates a nice smooth irritation free neckline, which is always nice for little kids. The elastic waist pants and cuffed hem allow for easy adjust-ability and comfort, which is perfect for pajamas. I will be making more of these pajamas for both of my boys, and already have bought the fabric! This is one of those gratifying projects that makes you remember why sewing clothing yourself is such a rewarding process.
Pants - Faux Fly and Cuffed Hem
Speaking of KCWC (Kids Clothes Week Challenge) the next round is coming up next month, Oct. 8-14, you can pop on over to Elsie Marley to sign up. I plan to participate again and hopefully start and finish a project this time!
Linking up to Craft Buds, Craft Book Month Challenge. It isn't too late to enter something made from a craft book yourself! Also linking up to Manic Monday over at Sew Happy Geek and {Sew} Modern Monday over at Canoe Ridge Creations.
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