Not all sewing needs to be couture-inspired. Sometimes simple pajamas are just right, especially when they are for two little granddaughters, with Valentine’s Day in mind.
I stumbled across this cozy flannel last year on Fabric.com.
Designed by Riley Blake and in her “Lovey Dovey” collection, it is certainly “heart” oriented, but not so much that it is restricted just to February 14th. I bought 3 yards and tucked it away for the day when my youngest granddaughter no longer needed to be in onesies. Well, guess what? That is this year!
I picked up this Butterick pattern as I really liked view CE on the left, and set about to make matching PJs for my two little girls.
One of the nice design details is the longer shirttail back of the pajama top. This makes it easier to tuck in if desired.
I’m very glad I have so much experience working with not enough fabric! I had to get very creative with the placement of the pattern pieces, and I was still a little short. I solved the problem by making the undercollars out of plain white flannel (which I had on hand.)
I don’t own a serger, so to finish the seams and make them extra sturdy for many washings, I made flat felled seams throughout.
I also added elastic to the sleeves and to the pajama pants legs, to help keep the cold air out and the warm body heat in.
The fabric is so busy that I knew it did not need much embellishment, but I can never resist a little bit of rick rack, so I added a small flourish to the collars, applying it free-form.
When I “auditioned” the fabric for buttons, pink and red ones simply did not add any interest, so instead I chose to pick up the contrasting aqua.
What fun to make something so simple, but so cute!
Wrapped up in festive paper, off they went across the miles…
May your Valentine’s Day be cozy and sweet and a celebration of some of life’s simple joys!
fiftydresses 