Latte and Donuts: Simplicity 8801
Poor Miss Socialite has been waiting on these pjs since last winter. I can be such a selfish sewist. I finally finished them, even though I planned to have them sewn before Christmas.
I think I purchased Simplicity 8801 with the plans to make holiday pajamas last Christmas. Since my hubby and Mr. Cool won't play along anymore we can select more girly options. However plans changed and the kids spent Christmas with their mom that year (the reality of step-family life).
She selected this Latte Love print doodle fabric from Joann probably because she is a mini VSCO girl and was pretty addicted to strawberry Frappuccinos from Starbucks. It hasn't been as bad this year, so maybe it was just a phase or maybe it's the fact I make her pay for them herself... All the views required buttons so she got to pick those as well and she loved these donut buttons, because of course coffee and donuts go together! These are also from Joann, but I couldn't find them on the website to link to them. If you don't want to risk them being in stock at your local store I did find them on Etsy for a reasonable price.
She's really happy with these and that makes me happy. However there are issues, not with the pattern, but with me selecting her size. We all know big 4 womens typically pattern run large, but that doesn't seem true for the childrens. I sewed a medium based on her measurements, but she has no room to grow into it so if I could go back in time I'd sew a large. She definitely needs the large length! They are still too short and I let out the elastic waistband to gain back that 1.5 inches. Also, I had to add cuffs to the sleeves that were just supposed to be folded over and hemmed.
All in all this is a step up from a basic tee shirt top and elastic waist pant pajama set (as it requires interfaced facings, button holes and buttons), but it isn't overly complicated. Thankfully the buttonholes didn't give me any issues even on this doodle interlock fabric. I will definitely be making this again so that we can have a matching set. I love that this pattern can be used year round with the bodice and pants options.
Pattern: Simplicity 8801 Pattern Description: Nothing like having mother/daughter time in comfy, cozy knit onesies. This easy-to-sew pattern for Girls and Misses features sleeveless, short or long-sleeve options and includes jumpsuit or romper lengths.Sizing: Girls S-L, Womens XS-XLDifficulty: 3/Advanced BeginnerFabric Used: Latte Love Interlock Doodle from JoannDoes it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? YesWere the instructions easy to follow? Yup!Likes: I like the 3 bodice and 2 bottom options.Dislikes: NonePattern alterations or any design changes made: I omitted the elastic casing at the waist and added cuffs to the sleeves.Would I sew it again? Yes! We need a matching setWould I recommend it to others? Yes