Handmade in the Wild: Pajamas!

I just love homemade pajamas!

Painting and anything artsy is a favorite for both kids. Here's E one summer morning... still in her pajamas... but happily creating!

Remember these cousin pajamas?! They still fit! It's so fun for me to see them still loving to match :)

Pony Pajamas: Blog Post

Cousin Pajamas: Blog Post

Handmade in the Wild: En Route to Wisconsin

We took a family vacation to Wisconsin this past summer. It was a family reunion of sorts with my mother-in-law's family. I hope to share more details about this fun get-away to Door County... but it may not happen until next summer ;) 

We had a few fun handmade sightings while there!

It was a 10 hour drive just to get there, so of course we had to stop at a few parks on the way to stretch our legs! I can't believe E's skirt still fits, and it appears that it will continue to do so for awhile... yay yoga-style waistbands!! She still loves how twirly it is and she still loves Minnie Mouse!

We stayed a cute resort with nice rooms and fun balconies (great distractions for the littles!) We recently had to retire the pajamas that E is wearing here, but they still fit last summer. We were thankful to have older cousins there to help distract the kiddos, too :)

The kids' first time bowling! The entire family ate out at a nearby restaurant, and the kids received free games of bowling with their kids meals. It was so fun to see the kids learning and to have their grandpa and great-grandpa showing them a thing or two. We look forward to more bowling fun soon! I think this dress was her favorite one that I made all summer. I'll have to remember the fabric combo for future creations :) 

Posts about the different outfits: Minnie Mouse Skirt; Pajamas; Pink, Black and White Dress

Summer PJs

As I sit here watching the Olympics, I figured I can also be productive by trying to crank out some blog posts that are long overdue :)

This Spring, I cut out 6 pairs of Alex and Anna Pajamas from Peekaboo Pattern Shop. After cutting, they sat there in the corner of our downstairs sitting area for much too long. Then, I would sew a little bit here and there, until FINALLY, all 6 pairs were finished! 

They have been great this summer! Both kids also have a few rummage sale find pajamas, so we definitely have plenty to choose from at bedtime ;)

Fabrics: Art Gallery Bucks and Springs Creative Licensed prints... from Peekaboo Pattern Shop, Raspberry Creek Fabrics on Etsy, and another random Etsy shop that still had the My Little Pony fabric... because we all know that Ev needed it! :)

Beauty Sleep PJs

There's a new Pajamas pattern in the interwebs... The Beauty Sleep PJs! 

Amy from Peek-a-boo Patterns has finally produced a woman's pattern that matches her ever-popular "Alex & Anna Winter Pajamas" for boys and girls.

I was looking forward to this pattern ever since Amy announced that it was in the works. I even sewed up Evelyn a matching pair in anticipation of the pattern release. But, luckily, I was chosen to test the pattern and was able to sew up this cozy, matching set a few weeks ago :)

This was my first experience testing a pattern - where a pattern designer chooses a small number of seamstresses to try the pattern and give feedback prior to releasing it to the masses. My job was to sew up a practice pair, provide feedback on the fit, instruction and ease of use. Then, I sewed up another pair with a few changes to improve fit and took pictures in it that the designer can then use to promote the pattern.

I truly love these pajamas and look forward to making many more! They are so comfortable and the fit is perfect. I also love that I can make matching pajamas for both Evelyn and James - I'm thinking Christmas pajamas for us next year! This fabric was purchased from Mel at Purpleseamstress Fabric on Facebook. The black is a wonderful solid cotton/lycra that she stocks continuously but you'd have to ask Mel directly if she has any more of the patterned fabric.

The pattern released today (Dec 3, 2015)... go, find it and start sewing :)

Beauty Sleep PJs

Minnie Mouse PJs

This little lady makes me smile. 

Somedays I don't think I should encourage her love of Mickey and Minnie, but then I see her excitement when she sees or hears them... and it's all worth it. I'm sure it is just a phase, and she will (someday) show excitement for something else. Until then, I'll keep getting her to smile and shout for joy with anything related to Mickey Mouse :)

So, I bought some of this Creative Springs Minnie Mouse knit from Hancock Fabrics (with a coupon). It is available at a lot of places online, too! The pink coordinating cotton/lycra is from a local store.

Pattern: Alex and Anna Winter Pajamas by Peek-a-Boo Patterns

It is a very quick and easy sew, and it definitely makes me excited to make more pajamas in the future! It also makes me excited to start using my serger that I just bought (a big thank you to my husband for that purchase!). Peek-A-Boo has plans on releasing a matching woman's pattern soon, so yes, I am planning on making matching mommy-daughter pajamas... but in different fabric!

This is one of my music boxes in my old bedroom at my parents' house. Dad used to give me a music box every Christmas. Evelyn just loves them all, so I was pleasantly surprised when she asked to hold this one for the photo shoot. It helps that the mice twirl around the needle... movement always makes them more fun, right?

She loves her pajamas. I love her pajamas. It's a win-win! 

PS: Aren't those toes cute ;)