When I was growing up there were always new pajamas under the tree to open on Christmas Eve. It’s a tradition I’d like to carry on, and when I spotted this Moda Hideaway fabric back in January, I immediately envisioned Oliver + S Bedtime Story pajamas for Christmas this year. I prefer my holiday fabric to be more winter-y than Christmas-y, and these snowy little pines on icy blue fit the bill.
I had trouble finding a contrast fabric I liked, and then I remembered seeing these pajamas in the Oliver + S Flickr pool. While I love how this pattern gives you the option to use contrast fabric, I like them in all one fabric, too (especially those Heather Ross horses!) and it gives the pattern a slightly different look. Anyway, that’s how I decided to go the no-contrast route.
For the inside closure I used a snap instead of ties (an idea I found here in the Flickr pool). Where the directions say to sew the tie inside the seam allowance, I used a piece of twill tape and attached one snap to that. The other snap is attached to the end of the neckband.
This is actually my second attempt at Christmas pjs this week. After seeing this pajama post a couple months ago at Sarah Jane Studios, I decided it would be fun to try something new and make classic button-down, collared pajamas. So I bought the New Look pattern she used, and made wood grain piping for the cuffs.
But it wasn’t meant to be. I got as far as the pants (in size 3, the smallest that pattern goes) and it was immediately clear that Lila wouldn’t be wearing them this year…or next year for that matter. They were huge. I should’ve known better than to think she’d fit into a size 3 in a commercial pattern. I looked unsuccessfully for something smaller in that style (I really wanted to use that piping!), but ended up coming back to good old Oliver + S, and I’m glad I did. Honestly, I sometimes wonder why I ever stray…
So anyway, she’s got a second pair of these pajama pants waiting in the wings for when she grows another six inches. I suppose I should make the matching top for when that time comes, but my eyes need a break from those cute little deer for awhile.
To satisfy my need to use that wood grain fabric, I made a tag for the pants:
And appliquéd a t-shirt, which I think will probably get more wear than the kimono top.
You might not think so at first glance, but it’s a great shirt for nursing:
And bottle feeding, too, for that matter.
She loves her baby dolls, this girl…
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They pj’s came out fantastic! I love the idea of the snap inside and they look great without the contrast fabric. Such a classic look!
Love that nursing picture:)
The pj’s are adorable – and yes, the appliqued shirt would be worn more around this house too. The woodgrain fabric is so perfect with the deer print! Thanks so much for sharing – I love seeing your projects!
So cute! If you are looking for a cute button-down pj pattern that runs in smaller sizes, Kwik Sew 3126 is a really good one. I’ve made it dozens of times (from size 1T up) and it always turns out well.
oh thanks! i knew there had to be one out there…very good to know!
What a thoughtful tradition. And really helpful to know about the snaps instead of ties too, they really make the pjs more toddler friendly.
oh my gosh… so cute! I have a 3 yr old daughter that was just 18 months old when her little sister was born. She would grab her little baby doll and “nurse” her whenever I was feeding the baby. It was so hard not to laugh!
Oh this is so, so darling. I love the fabric choice! How funny, I just posted about the O&S Bedtime Story pajamas that I made my son today. ‘Tis the season for new jammies!
Very cute! As much as I love the pattern I know my girl wont wear the cross top so this is one O&S I havent bought. Great job on the applique top you are the winner for all the best uses of the woodgrain fabric!
Adorable! Everything is adorable about this post, including the cute model 😉 I just bought fabric to make PJs for my daughters, but I’m short on time (moving, have to pack the sewing machine) so I’m thinking of only making pants and appliqué-ing a tee.
Could I ask where you get all this cute fabric? I never see anything this cute anywhere! So beautiful, thanks for sharing 🙂
oh thank you! i’m starting to think pants and a tee is really the way to go when making pjs. this fabric came from a local store called Fabric Depot – they have a website (www.fabricdepot.com) but the store has much bigger selection, and great sales!
Too much cute!! I love that fabric – I found a similar Japanese print last night and thought how great it would look as pjs.
I am really loving these pj’s! that appliqued top is way cool… you’ve inspired me!
Adorable pjs! I love that print.:)
lovely 🙂 and i had that very same conversation about pajama patterns last weekend.
Oh these are on my list too! I was thinking snaps might be the way to go. Would be more comfortable on the inside, I think. They look very sweet.
p.s. yeah for breastfeeding!
How clever to put in a snap! And I love the little nursing “mama!”
so glad i saw this post. i just blogged about a dress i made with a coordinating tag and i could not remember where i got the idea. it must have been from your blog, on an earlier project. so thanks for the inspiration – and i was glad to give you the credit in my post!
i always finish the Oliver + S pjs with snaps as well. after doing one set for my (at the time) two kids, and having to tie and re-tie, and then tie again, well, i learned i would not do that again! 🙂
your pajamas are perfect!
these jammies are fantastic – that fabric is perfect and you know i love the woodgrain on the “someday” pants. Em’s been nursing her baby elephant lately too! must be in the air – our girlies are such little mamas.