Holiday nightgowns

I knew I wanted to make the Bug's Christmas jammies myself this year. I had pretty much settled on a pattern for a two piece knit set when I saw the Sugarplum nightgown pattern at Peek a Boo patterns and I immediately changed my plans.

The fabric is flannel from JoAnns. I was a bit worried because I ordered on-line and it was deeply discounted but I couldn't have been happier when I recieved it and felt the weight and quality of it. Not to mention, they sent me a little extra fabric because my cut was at the end of the bolt! Bonus! 

Once it was pre-washed it became so soft and snuggly that it was tempting to keep it for myself.

I'm so glad I didn't though.

My girl. . . she pretty much lived in this nightgown the whole of Christmas break and I don't blame her one bit.  It's floor lentgh so to a 5 year old, it's not pajamas it's a princess gown.

It's such a sweet little garment. Not difficult to sew but enough neat little touches to make it feel heirloom quality (like the button placket, gathered sleeves and the lined bodice). The instructions were thourough and easy to follow and the fit is good.  I made the Bug a size 6 and I'm pretty sure she'll be able to wear it still next year.

I am smitten with her in it. It has such a timeless quality about it and it just feels so appropriate for a little girl.

When I bought the pattern I showed my friends and told them my plans and one friend asked if I'd have time to sew up a second one, in red, for her daughter. Of course I had to! Besides, if I'm making one, I might as well make two!

Isn't she stunning?

The nightgown is just as beloved in red. Perhaps too beloved?

A few days before Christmas break Little Miss told her Momma they had pajama day at school.  She was so excited to wear her new nightgown.  Her uncle took her to school that day and sent her Momma the following text message.

Sweet girl FAKED a pajama day just so she could wear her nightgown.

I can't tell you what a compliment this is to me as the maker, and it still makes me chuckle.  Sneaky, clever little girl! (and smart uncle to have a change of clothes on hand, right?)

Moral of the story: This is an awesome nightgown to sew up for a special little girl, but if they claim a pajama day. . . you might want to check with her teacher first.

~Lindsay

Custom Order #2

After completing the Halloween apron for my co-worker, another co-worker asked if I could make an apron as a birthday gift for a friend of hers. My co-worker picked out the fabric from Hancock's of Paducah (my main fabric supplier) and a pattern from the A is for Apron book.

You may recognize the pattern. It is the same pattern I used for the Holiday Twirl, which I had made in order to try out the pattern before making this apron for my co-worker. The only difference is that she wanted to make it reversible (I of all people can't blame her for that decision.)

I wasn't sure how I would like the dots as the main fabric and the big bold patterned fabric as the accent. It seemed to me that the dots were more well suited to an accent fabric and the big bold pattern as the main fabric. Now that it is done, I couldn't disagree with myself more! The ties are long enough to make a bow in back or a tie in front. I actually really like how the tie in front looks, but who doesn't like a big bow in back. Can you tell which side is my favorite?

Oh, who am I kidding - I LOVE both sides - and the options and possibilities they create.

With the exception of a minor topstitching false alarm that I was able to address before it was too late, the apron went together easily.

I can't wait for the big reveal on Monday. I know she is going to LOVE it. My favorite part of creating these items is making something that people can enjoy!

Interested in a custom order? Just contact me via our 402 Center Street Etsy Site.

~ Michelle

Holiday Twirl

I know it isn't even Thanksgiving yet and I am thinking Christmas. But can you really blame me, think of all the great things that Christmas brings with it - time with family, crisply wrapped presents, Starbucks' peppermint hot chocolate, fill-in-the-blank-with-your-favorite-thing. This is the perfect time of the year to think of all the good things and still be able to ignore all the not-so-good-things (i.e. driving in the snow! AH.)

Anyway, for those of you who are eager to get on the Christmas sleigh with me, I introduce you to the Holiday Swing Apron. When I was making this my sister commented that it would make a cute skirt. She was thinking of a skirt for the Bug, I was thinking of a skirt for me!

While, I finished this as an apron I may attempt a skirt with a similar pattern.

This is my first non-reversible apron, so I used French seams to give it a clean and finished look and to extend the wear of the garment.

As is usually the case, I am having a hard time not keeping this whimsy apron for myself! But alas, until I can excuse an apron-a-day lifestyle, I will continue to sell them on Etsy.

~Michelle

*Please note, that I can accommodate custom orders, if you see a pattern you like on the blog or in our Etsy store, but would like it in a different fabric, just contact 402CenterStreet through the Etsy site and I will work with you to design the perfect apron for you or as the perfect gift for someone special.