Warding off the winter chill

As promised, I have finally taken a few photos of the other two projects I finished in the last couple of months. They've been worn and washed, and worn and washed repeatedly, so they are not quite as neat and tidy as they looked when I first completed them, but they have already been well loved in their short lives, so what does that matter? 

The first is a nightgown I made from McCall 5441, the same pattern I used for my black silk nightgown (blogged here). I cut it a tad larger to accommodate nighttime nursing sessions, and it has worked out perfectly. I wanted something longer to keep me warm at night, since it's been so cold here, and most of my other nightgowns are short, slip-like things. I do tend to get overheated though if I'm too covered up, so the sleeveless style of this nightgown was perfect (despite the fact that when one generally thinks of flannel nightgowns they include sleeves and lace). I'm so happy with how this one turned out! It's so comfy, and I've been guilty of throwing a sweater over it and wearing it around the house all day a few times when the boy and I were stuck in the house due to weather. 

The second project is a pair of 1940s pajamas that I made using two different patterns. The pajama pattern that I wanted to use is Simplicity 4528, but the copy that I have is a few sizes too big. 

Image courtesy Vintage Patterns Wiki

 I didn't have anything else similar to use, so I decided just to grade the jacket down and use the trusty  Simplicity 3688 trousers so I wouldn't have to bother altering those at all. I put in a snap placket (like the pajama pattern called for) instead of a zipper, with a button at the waist. I obviously omitted the belt and contrast revers as well. The double welt pocket is not one of my crowning achievements, but they were pajamas for myself, and I didn't feel like redoing it so I just decided not to worry about it. It was late, and I was tired when I put it in so my chances of getting it perfect were low to begin with. I do get too hot at night to actually sleep in these, but they are wonderful for wearing around the house during my couple of hands-free hours after the baby goes to sleep. I'll probably make myself another pair at some point down the road (and try to get the pocket right that time). They're really warm and cozy! 

We've had some really nasty weather the last few weeks, but I've been able to get some work done on a few fun things which has helped. Our little boy is getting so big, and he's a little more able to entertain himself now that he's mobile, which makes it easier for me to get things done (including housework and grading). At 8.5 months he he's just figured out how to walk while pushing one of our dining room chairs around on the wooden floors. It won't bee too much longer before he's walking all by himself! Next year I'll at least be able to take him out to play in all this snow we've had. 

Hope everyone is having a good week and staying warm!

-Evie