Compromises

I’ve read that it’s so dry in Texas that the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling, the Methodists are using wet-wipes, the Presbyterians are giving out rain-checks and the Catholics are praying for the wine to turn back into water.   

So often, life is about compromises and lately, as I sit in my sewing room, my sewing has been all about that.

As mentioned in the previous post, my first grandchild, Laurel,  just celebrated her 7th birthday.  I made a black and hot pink cake that was “out of my comfort zone.”  Rightly so, I denied my personal preference for pastels and flowers in deference to the birthday girl’s choice.   Because I wanted to make her cake I compromised–and revelled in her delight when I delivered it.

Easing back into my comfort zone, I made these pajamas for the slumber party portion of the festivities.  The basic pattern is from Martha Pullen’s Sleepwear Especially for You. 

While teaching in Huntsville at Martha Pullen’s School of Art Fashion, I had admired several pairs of quick and easy pajamas made from this pattern by my friend Betty Ludwig for her niece.  Since seeing these, I have always wanted to make up a pair.  Even after this long wait, the project was not quite to my liking—because of the compromises I had to make.

ick!

In an effort to maintain my commitment to “modern projects for old fashioned Nanas,” I chose to use an easy care trim.  Few young mothers will take time to iron sleepwear.  Even few old fashioned Nanas would iron sleepwear!  So I was comfortable with my choice but not as comfortable working with less luxurious materials than usual.

Certainly, better quality domestic trims are available, but this was in my stash and it worked.  An inordinate amount of time was spent trimming little eyelashes from the cut outs in the design before I gave it up as an endless effort.  The trim is relatively stiff, especially when compared to fine 100% cotton Swiss embroideries.  But it looks fresh and feminine, appropriate for a 7 year.  So that Laurel would have pretty every day(or night) pj’s, I traded my high standards of quality for practicality.  I compromised.

Tinkerbell design on Laurel’s pj’s

The Tinkerbell embroidery design was chosen because I knew the girls would be watching a movie about this little sprite as they bedded down in front of the tv.   Both designs are from the Disney Tinkerbell card.  I did use a Swiss beading for the lime green  ribbon on either side of Tink, but that small amount should not need the touch of an iron.

A matching set of pajamas was made for Laurel’s American Girls doll Molly.  I purchased this Kit doll for her birthday, but will give it to her at the family party next week. Lucky for me Laurel doesn’t read my blog!

For a pattern, I used the bodice from my pattern for the lace tape doll dress, eliminating the sleeves.  The bodice is lined, just like the doll dress.  For the pants, I simply lengthened the bloomer pattern that goes with the dress.

Tinkerbell design on doll pj’s

I had fun embroidering the tiny little Tinkerbell.   The design is actually monotone, as if it were an image of Tinkerbell’s shadow.  But by stitching slowly, it is clear where one section stops and another begins.  So I just added color where I wanted it.

ick again

The easy care domestic edging for the doll also was pulled from my stash.   It’s not Swiss quality but it worked.  I choked, but I used it.  Another compromise.   Just as I was pondering all these matters, my Aunt Rheeta shared the little blurb about Texas at the top of this post. Its timeliness reaffirmed the obvious–that we all make must compromises periodically.

Whew!  I’m tired of compromises!  My next project will be made with all the good stuff!