One project I was absolutely determined to finish in time for the holidays was a pair of pajamas for each of the kids. Part of our Christmas Eve tradition is to open just one gift before bed. It's always pajamas (sometimes with a little extra tucked in, sometimes not).
About a year ago, our local fabric store closed down. At the big closeout sales, I picked up the fabric I used for both Gwenyth & Katie's pjs. The blue & red dinosaur flannel I found at the thrift store (a very exciting find, indeed). I had planned to sew little bottoms for Liam, just like Katie & Brian's, but then found this one-piece pajama in Liam's size at the thrift store. They were so cute, they even have a little "trap door" in the back. So sweet. I appliqued a dinosaur onto Liam's jammies, and a store-bought t-shirt for Brian. On Katie's, I appliqued a silhouette of a purse.
Gwenyth's nightie was much more of a trial for me - I don't think I'll be doing that again anytime soon! Another nightgown, fine, but that particular pattern is out. The ruffle was supposed to be hemmed, but that seemed like a nuisance, so I finished it off with binding tape. The back of the neck was meant to have a tie, but ties just get tangled in Gwen's hair, so I skipped that part, too. "Winging it" can be really hard for me to do, but sometimes, it just has to be done, right?
I had hoped to sew up little tote-type bags to hold each pair, but didn't manage to get there. I suppose that can start my list for next Christmas! The most important part, of course, is that each child really seemed to appreciate them - Brian loves that "the boys match", Gwenyth floats around like a princess, and Katie's were just cool enough to pass muster. What more could a mother ask for?
We have the same tradition. Jammies every year, but everybody loves them. Great job, they look fantastic.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 10, 2010 at 09:15 PM
They are adorable. We do pjs here too though usually shop bought. Might have to change that for next year. I haven't made any in ages I forgot how good they look.
Posted by: Arianwen | January 11, 2010 at 02:34 AM
My husband grew up with that tradition, and we do it now. Our story is that the elves bring them while we are at Church, and even at 16, our son goes along with that story :). Great picture!
Posted by: Lise | January 11, 2010 at 04:52 AM
Aaaah, yes, The Christmas Jammies! Well done, Charity! Those are some fine smiling faces! I'm glad to see here and in the comments that the tradition carries on :^) xox
Posted by: marianne | January 11, 2010 at 05:53 AM
Goergeous Jammies, Chrity, well done, and a Happy New Year to you xxx
Posted by: jo | January 11, 2010 at 07:07 AM
Nice job Charity. You're a fantastic Mom!
Posted by: Patty | January 11, 2010 at 11:26 AM
They look so cute... what a good mama you are :) Kristen gets new pj's every Christmas eve too but I would never think to make them!
Posted by: Denise | January 11, 2010 at 02:35 PM
really really cute! and I just cannot get over how big Liam has gotten!
good job on all the pj's. maybe I'll try sewing some next Christmas.
Posted by: colleen | January 11, 2010 at 05:44 PM
WOW. what a cute picture. Katies hair looks so nice, I like the length. Nice to see the curls back on Liam. The pjs turned out really good, great job. I really like the nighty, you should try it again sometime, the 1st time for any pattern can be annoying.
Posted by: mom | January 12, 2010 at 04:14 AM
Love the tradition and that sweet, sweet picture! "Trap door" pjs are my fave for little ones! Nicely done.
Posted by: PS~Erin | January 12, 2010 at 11:04 AM
That is a wealth of lovely kids you have there!
Posted by: Lorette | January 18, 2010 at 06:02 PM
That's a cute tradition. I should do the same next Christmas. :)
The pjs turned out very nice!
Posted by: Hasbu | January 26, 2010 at 11:08 AM