Peek-a-boo Pajamas with Serger Detailing

I have discovered so many talented designers over the past few years. My PDF pattern files are rapidly growing in number, as are my "To Sew" lists!

I have decided that along with the designers I can't do without, for example Fishsticks Designs, I am going to try to use as many of the patterns I have from "new to me" designers as possible this year.

I've already used a couple from Jocole, and one from Ellie Inspired (post coming!). And next up is the Alex and Anna Summer PJs, from Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop!

I mixed the pattern with a mini tutorial for using your serger to add some detail work to seams and cuffs, by Fishsticks Designs!

As you can probably tell, I made the silly mistake of stitching down one shoulder seam to the front, and one to the back! Thankfully he doesn't care. He was thrilled to finally be allowed to wear his new jammies with rocket ships and aliens! He kept pointing over and over again, to all the cool little pictures on the fabric! Too cute indeed!

Thankfully I had the good sense to cut out the 3T instead of the 2T. It appears Little Man is having a growth spurt and mixed with a slim fitting pattern, well, they would have been outgrown before the end of summer! 

The only thing I need to change a bit on this pattern is the rise of the shorts. Our kids have all got very high rises. And while it's not usually something I have to think about, aside from diapering, I will have to raise the waist height in these shorts next time by about 3/4" to 1". Just enough that his tushie, okay it's really his diaper, doesn't try and peek out too excessively. It's incredibly simple and only takes an extra 20 seconds to do while I'm cutting out both leg pieces. :)

Isn't he just darling?
And, ahem, can you please pretend that you don't see the food around his mouth? The poor dear is so used to the fact that photos come after new clothes, that he stopped eating after we put them on and ran to the designated photo spot! Not once did my husband and I realize that the other person hadn't cleaned off his face before we got started!

Ruffled Neckline Nightie!

I don't generally alter patterns, actually I can come really close to saying never. But as I was sewing the binding onto the neckline of this nightie, I realized that I hadn't cut it wide enough. It wasn't going to be able to be folded and wrap over to the front properly. Whoops!

I detest unpicking . . .detest it with a passion! So I decided that right then was the perfect time to conquer gathering with the serger!

It took quite a bit of playing around and Pinterest searching...but I did it! Then the new gathered piece was sewn to the too-narrow binding, folded over, and topstiched into place. The serger hated me a bit along the front section where everything overlaps, but with a little coaxing she chugged along like a trooper. I did go back and reinforce that whole seam with the sewing machine as well. I felt it was needed with so many layers all trying to be in one place, at one time. Thankfully that was the last step, and finally it was time to turn it right side out for Missy's review.

Miss squealed, hugged the new nightie (and me!), and then declared she would wear it ALL DAY! Ha ha ha! Good thing it's already close to bedtime!

And lest you think that little Missy always behaves for photos, this is a very polite version of what she is usually doing!

The pattern is the wonderful Crossover Tunic from Jocole, that I snapped up on sale a short while ago. I planned on making tops, tunics, and dresses with it for this summer (and I am sure I will) but so far I absolutely love it for nighties!