02.26
2012

Pajama Dress “Tutorial” (Jason’s February Post)
When I started doing monthly posts for Dear Lillie last summer I made a promise to keep my topics of choice “somewhat related to the general theme of the blog.” In keeping with that promise, I decided to try my hand at a little crafting this month. What I thought would take about five minutes wound up taking three days… and still ended up looking like it took only five minutes.
So here is my attempt at a Pajama Dress tutorial…  Please keep in mind though that I have never used a sewing machine before (unfortunately I guess I can’t really say that anymore).
STEP 1 – FIND FABRIC
Just Jenni’s taste…
Lillie, of course, had to go with Dora.
STEP 2 – TRACE TWO OUTLINES

My right hand was apparently crippled in the outlining process…

STEP 3 – CUT OUTLINES
At this point Lillie and I found ourselves a bit overworked and decided take the rest of the day off.

Little did I know Lillie would want to take turns cutting… Expect this step to take at least an hour if your “helper” is equally interested in “helping.”

STEP 4 – PIN SIDES

Lillie was actually surprisingly good at this.
STEP 5 – POSE WITH A PIN WAY TOO CLOSE TO YOUR FACE

STEP 6 – SEW EDGES

Jumping up and down on the foot pedal continuously makes things interesting.
No one says it has to be perfect, Lillie.

STEP 7 – REALIZE YOU SEWED THE ENTIRE DRESS SHUT

Apparently when Jenni said “now sew all the edges” I was supposed to know that meant to leave holes for Lillie’s arms, legs, and head. Rookie mistake.

STEP 8 – HAVE A WOMAN EXPLAIN HOW TO FIX IT

STEP 9 – TURN DRESS INSIDE IN

Clearly Lillie had lost interest by now, at which point I realized I was just at Jenni’s house making a dress by myself–awkward.

STEP 10 – PHOTOSHOP SOME EXTRA LENGTH ONTO THE DRESS

STEP 11 –  PRETEND IT TURNED OUT WELL

So yeah, it looks like something a Flintstone might wear when dressing down, but at least we tried…

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66 thoughts on “Pajama Dress “Tutorial” (Jason’s February Post)”

  2. Funny, even though I hadn't finished reading the post I thought to myself..this reminds me of the Flintstones. She just needs a beaded necklace. And oh yeah, I wouldn't plan on getting a job with Ralph Lauren. But maybe at Party City. They always need costumes. LOL.And Lillie makes anything look good. Donna

  7. This a memory Lillie will probably take into adulthood. In her mind this dress is beautiful. What a sweet activity to do with an uncle!!!
    Adorable!

  10. Jason, you and your niece will always have a special bond after this project! Really though you are a great uncle and you really will have a special bond with your nieces. They won't forget the things you have done with them. I love it and I love your posts. You always get an out loud chuckle from me while reading them. Thanks!

  20. I can't stop giggling. I love this post.

    It is actually nice to know you are real and true and make mistakes like I do – rookie? oh yes, ma'am, I GET THAT!

    It is darling and was an adventure.

    And next time will go better.

    My thoughts on those sheath dresses? always leave extra "blousing" room, looks better wider and nice belted tight to the waist – makes it more like a gown and gives her growing room to boot.

    Back to the drawing board, do it again soon so you don't forget what you just learned!

    Hugs.

  21. so sweet! love how lillie was wanting to help you so much! she looks darling modeling her new pj's and i'll bet they have already become her favorite to wear!

    she is going to cherish moments like that with you forever!

  23. lolllllllllll so glad i am alone right now cause i am lol i am saving this to likes for all my dreary days so i can read again and lol…..just to funny

  28. Jason you truly are the BEST Uncle ever!! One day you are going to make a luck little one the most amazing daddy! Until then, the memories you have created will last forever in Lillie's heart. And Lillie gets her skill from her Mama! 😉 I just wish you would have gotten her a boa too! LOL! Adorable Lillie can Rock any look!!
    Thanks for the chuckles & big smile 🙂

  29. You are the coolest uncle in the whole wide world! And a pretty darn cool brother! Thanks for the smiles you bring to the blog world.

  30. Jason not only are you making me laugh out loud sitting here by myself but you are a very special uncle to take the time (and document it) to do this activity with Lillie…that is a memory that she will always cherish. I look forward to your monthly posts….you are a great writer and uncle…and too funny!! Jeni

  31. Oh my gosh, you are too funny. LOVE that you sewed the pj's shut! I'm sure you will forever be awesome Uncle Jason!! Lillie looks adorable as always and I think Lola was ignoring you in her picture because you didn't make her one:)!

  32. Laughing out loud as I was totally thinking "Flintstones" just before I read it!!!! Well, Jason, I have commented several times on this blog that I do not know how to sew but I want to learn. Now after seeing you and Lillie do this…I think I am going to give sewing a whirl. What do I have to lose? Maybe my first creation will turn out this good too;)

  39. Oh wow… wiping away tears from laughing so hard… Jason, this whole post was so absolutely endearing. Loved seeing you and Lillie working together on that dress. 😀

    ~Julia

  41. This is way past AWESOME!!! Not only that you took the time to attempt the dress, but also that you included Lillie. This drips with sweetness!!! Jason, you weren't just making a dress dear…you were making a memory that will last far past the fabrics of that dress. Thank you for being a man that isn't afraid to embrace the simple things in this life. Blessings, Anna

  44. Jason, may I put in my order for a dress made by you and Lillie? Love this post! I needed this humor today so thank you for sharing this. It was simply delightful! What a wonderful uncle you are and look how proud Lillie is modeling her new dress. Such a fun post!

  46. I am sitting in the quiet of my house, literally laughing aloud. Oh my, if Dear Lillie doesn't work out, Jason needs to head to SNL. So absolutely funny.

  50. Thank GOD you didn't attempt sleeves! A seam ripper is a sewer's best friend and there isn't a sewer alive who hasn't mixed up right sides and wrong sides. Sewing the whole thing shut? THAT's funny sh$#. "a dressed down Flintstone". priceless analogy. You are sew funny and a wonderful uncle. Seriously. "I think I'll sew a night gown with my neice even though I've never used a sewing machine." WHo does that!!!!!!?????

  51. Rookie mistake! I remember when I was learning to sew ( as a wee lass of about 8 years old)I sewed everything shut too! Everyone does that the first time!

    You are one cool uncle!

  57. Uncle Jason, You are the best! This is even better than painting birdhouses ha! What priceless memories you are giving Lillie of fun times with you. She is the best helper and model too! She is just glowing with her new "pajama dress" on. I so look forward to your humorous posts and a good laugh each time. It makes a great blog even better. – Marann

  59. I look at your blog almost every day. Your ideas are amazing. I love it all. I especially love the growth ruler. I'd love to put it in my daughter's bedroom.

  63. Love everything on this site! You are talented beyond words. You have inspired my new home…just wish you were my neighbor and could come over and give your professional opinion 🙂

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