Sleepwear Makeovers: Pants to Cute Pajama Set and a Bonus

I said a couple days later, but here’s the next craft project a couple weeks later. :(

Anyway, I found this cute pair of pink pajama pants at a thrift store for only $1, score!

They have this cute Mickey and Minnie mouse print.

The problem was that not only were they too big, but I found them too warm to wear here in Arizona.  I prefer to wear shorts for sleeping.

That’s an easy thing to do, and it would leave fabric leftover, for what?  Then I thought, why not make a cute top?  Why not make a set of pajamas?

So let’s turn old pajama pants into a cute new pajama set. 

First, I cut the legs of the pants to make shorts.  I cut them about an inch longer than I wanted, so I could hem them later.

Then I pinned and stitched the inseam and took it in about 1.5 inches.  This was both to make the too big shorts fit me better, and to deal with a little hole I noticed in the crotch area.  Problems solved.

Then all I had to do was re-hem the shorts with a zig-zag stitch.

New pajama shorts completed!

Now for the top.  This is a drawstring tank top made a lot like the doll tank tops from my video tutorial.  Check it out if you have a little trouble with this.

First I took the cut off legs and cut down the side to open them up.  Layer them together right sides together, and you have fabric for the top. 

I wanted the top to fit loosely, but depending on how wide your fabric is (and how wide you are), you may want to trim it a little before sewing.

I used the already hemmed part of the fabric for the top of the tank top, it will be used as a casing for the ribbon. 

I first cut the top corners off in a curve shape, (use a tank top that fits as a cutting guide if needed).

Then I pinned and stitched the sides of the tank top.

Then the bottom was ready for hemming.

All that was left to do was thread ribbons through the “casings” and tie to form the straps.  I added a ribbon bow to the front just for fun.

And now the drawstring tank top is done…

…And the pajama set is ready to wear.

Now here’s the bonus.  A cute night gown makeover. 

I got this cute night gown at a thrift store ages ago.

I loved the cute pattern, it has kitties, bunnies and cows, because cows are adorable, right?

The problem is that I never wear it.  Not only is it too big, but I think it would work better as a top than a gown.  Easy to fix.

I just cut it where I wanted it, plus an inch for the hem.

I pinned and stitch along the sides to take it in, because things are always too big for me.

Then a quick hemming job to finish.

But, we’re not done yet.  Let’s make shorts!

I took that piece I cut off and cut down the middle to form to folded pieces.  I will use the already hemmed bottom for the hem of my shorts.

I used a pair of shorts I already had as a guide to cut the curve.  I left a couple of inches at the top for the waist.

Unfold the pieces and layer them right sides together.

It’s hard to tell in this photo, but the curved part should be deeper on one side.  That will be the back seam, and it needs to be deeper to accommodate your back side.

Anyway, I just pinned and stitch the back seam and then the front seam.

Then I turned the shorts around and pinned the inseam before sewing it securely.

Time for the waist.  I just double fold and sew to form a casing for the elastic.

Then I thread the elastic through with a safety pin and stitched the ends together.

And the shorts are finished…

And the second pajama set is complete and ready to wear.

Here’s the updated list:

• Dress makeover
• Doll undies
• Cameo and Hearts
• Blouse makeover
• Phone case
• Outfit
• Mother’s Day
• Costume fix
• Jammies
• Bonnet

Nine down, just one more to go.  The next one will be up in a couple of days.  I hope.

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5 Reasons Why I Got the BC Stack 2017

This post may contain affiliated links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

Yesterday, something strange and miraculous happened.  I checked my email.

I know, I do it everyday, but this time I got a most wonderful email.  It told me about this beautiful thing called the BC Stack.  It’s a bundle deal of resources for bloggers/small businesses.  They only do it once a year, and that’s okay, because it makes it feel like Christmas.   Over $9000 worth of courses and such for a super low price, $27.  That’s it, no extra fees or taxes, just 27 dollars!

I bought it up faster than you can say Goodwill Dollar day.  It is particularly unusual since, I’m sad to admit this, during all the years I’ve been blogging I have never purchased a single course or book on the subject.  I’ve always relied on free resources provided by all the many generous bloggers out there.

Why I took the plunge to get the BC Stack 2017:

• Education is important.  Everyone and their mother will tell you this for everything in life, and blogging is no exception.  I’ve heard from more bloggers than I can count how important it is to invest in your blog/business by taking courses, reading, etc.  You need to learn to grow.  However…
• Money doesn’t grow on trees.  I’ve shied away from many paid blogging courses out there, even the most well loved ones simply due their not so well loved prices.  Some go for hundreds of dollars.  Hard to justify (even though I spend that much on dolls, but that’s another issue).
• I love bargain deals.  You see this well in my Comicon grab bag haul (see Phoenix Comicon Shopping Haul and Grab Bag Opening).  Getting a big bag of goodies for a small, small price is super fun.  And I think the BC Stack is like the motherlode of grab bags.  Except this time, instead of random toys I may not use, I get a boat load of eBooks and courses I will definitely use.  I know this because…
• It includes products I wanted to buy anyway.  That’s right.  Despite my cheapskate nature, there are a few of those oh so pricey courses and books I’m willing to save up for.  Like The Blogging Binder created by Sara Titus as well as several of her eBooks.  Also Blog Clarity’s Media Smash Book.
• Nearly everyone can afford it.  That $27 price tag is tiny.  I’ve bought shoes for more than that, and I’m especially stingy on shoes.  I also spend more than that on fabric, drawing pens, make up (despite the little I actually wear), and my ramen addiction.  If necessary, I can cut back on all of those to afford this bundle easily.

These are my reasons, now what about you?  Check out the BC Stack while you still can, it’s only available for 4 more days.  Find your reason to take the plunge and tell us about it.

Update 7/25/17

Last day to get this deal is tomorrow, so this is your last chance!  They actually added an extra bonus to the stack, the BC eBusiness Subscription Box.  They will send you a goodie box (by email) containing an ebook and other fun things each month.  Don’t worry, those who already bought the BC Stack will get it too. :)

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Financial Tips from a Surprising Source

 

Need a little help saving for something special?  I may be able to help.  Over on my doll blog, I wrote a Doll Owner’s Corner post about saving up for a ball jointed doll.  You know, those adorable but incredibly pricey dolls I have been making clothes for the last few months.

Anyway, the post started out as being about dolls, but kind of went out of control.  I think there is some useful information about budgeting and saving for the things that matter to you, whether it’s a fun wish list item or something bigger.

Let me know if it was helpful for you.

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Another Late Post: Black Friday Thrifting

I meant to post this well over two months ago, but things tend to happen, like Christmas.  Oh well.

Epic Thrift had another bag sale on Black Friday that I just had to check out.  This makes for the third bag sale I’ve gone to of theirs (see It's in the Bag! and Bagging it on Black Friday).

Behold!  The contents of my bag.  Looks pretty good right?

Here are few of my favorite items.

On the top left is a tarnished silver tray of some sort, I’m sure it will look great cleaned up. 

The top right is a small glass box, possibly for jewelry or candy.  The other three items are another little box and a couple of tiny vases.  The blue one looks like a smaller version of one I got years ago at a yard sale.

It’s hard to go to a thrift store and not find decent dishware.  I found two different sets of plates, plain white and a set with simple blue flowers. 

I also found a bowl.  I like bowls like this.  Good size, simple and cute design, easy to wash, and microwave safe. 

And a I got this cute mug, perfect for my tea.  I prefer drinking from a mug instead of a tea cup since they hold more and are less fragile but still pretty.  At least the mugs I use are pretty.

Now for clothes.  I thought these two blouses would be perfect to go with all my the dresses and skirts I make.  The one on the right has embroidered eyelets all over it and the one on the left is covered with pretty lace and other details.

I know it’s wintery and cold out, but you have to ignore the season sometimes to get a good deal on clothes.   Especially when it comes to these two tanks tops. 

The black one will be great and super comfy for next summer but the blue is actually good now.  It has pretty lace and ruffles and it looks great worn over long sleeve tops.

Long sleeved such as these knits.  The white sweater on the left I actually have already worn with that blue top.  They are perfect together. 

The pink cardigan I am not sure about though.  It is cute and I love cable knit sweaters, but it’s made with rabbit hair.  Not sure how I feel about that.

So many cute tops and sweaters, just need a couple of cute skirts to go with them.  Both of them are black and ruffly, though the one on the left is super ruffly.

Here are some more casual looking clothes.  Just a few t-shirts, several pairs of shorts because I needed more, and a few tanks tops including some pink ones.  It’s a good idea to stock up on things like this at bag sales since they take very little space in the bag and you always seem to need more.

Now the last few pieces.  On the left is a cute night gown covered with bunnies and other little animals, also a pair of pink Mickey Mouse pajama pants.  Yay! Cute comfy sleepwear.

On the right is a Hello Kitty make up bag and a Sanrio pocket planner.  I actually didn’t know it was a planner when I found it.  I just thought it was cute and could slip easily in the side of my bag. 

On the top right is a lunch bag.  That’s right, it’s a lunch bag though it would make a cute purse.  It has polka dots and has a cupcake shaped pocket on the side.  The main reason I got it was to shove other stuff in it.  I thought that if I rolled up t-shirts and stuff really tightly and crammed them in it, then the lunch bag could help keep them squashed down and take up less space in my bag.  Makes sense right?

Some to tally it up:

• 4 pairs of shorts
• 3 t-shirts
• 2 blouses
• 3 tank tops
• 2 dressy tank tops
• 2 sweaters
• 1 pair pajama pants
• 1 night gown
• 1 mug
• 1 bowl
• 2 jewelry boxes
• 2 small vases
• 1 platter
• 2 cute bags
• 6 plates
• 7 knives
• 1 cute day planner
• 1 small blanket
• 1 sheet
• 1 framed art print

44 items total, valued at over $120 at thrift store prices, and again it only cost me $20.  Pretty good haul.

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Thrift Stores and Easy Reconstruction

The second project on my craft list isn’t exactly something that I’ve been putting off making, but something I’ve put off wearing.

Sorry about the pictures, I still haven’t figured out how to successfully photograph black colored clothes and such.  I got this vest thing at the Black Friday Bag Sale at Epic Thrift (see Bagging It on Black Friday).  Over nine months later and I still hadn’t worn it because it didn’t quite work for me as is.  Just needed a little work.

So here’s the before…

…and after.  Much better right?

First I chopped off the ruffles and the waist tie thing and then cut off a few inches.  I then carefully re-attached the tie along the new hem.  It hits me slightly below the bust which is much more flattering on me.   Then I cut two pieces from the ruffle and attached them to the arm holes to give them a slight flutter sleeve look. 

So much cuter this way and easier to wear.  I actually wore it yesterday over a black tank top with one of my plaid skirts (see Plaid and Crochet for Dummies). 

Here’s the updated list:

• Purse
• Bag
• Mini-bag
• Dress
• Vest
• Fleece

Two down, just four to go.  If things go well, I’ll have the next project up by Saturday.  I may need to make a few trips to some craft stores first, and I may show off some of the goodies either tomorrow or Friday.  Look forward to it.

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It’s In the Bag!

 

This past weekend I stopped by the last day of Epic Thrift’s Back to School Bag Sale.  I really didn’t want to miss it because of how great the last bag sale was (see Bagging It on Black Friday).  I wanted to show off share what I scored at the sale. I’m afraid the pictures were taken as soon as I got back from work that evening.  Bad lighting ahead.

I found a pair of Julius the monkey pajama pants as well as some nice pillowcases.  Perfect for bedtime, or possibly to cut up for sewing other things.  I saw a pair of Hello Kitty pajama pants too, but they were too big.  It’s hard to see at the bottom of the photo, but I also found a pair of long white gloves.  They were easy to fit in the bag and I thought they might come in handy.  I also got a white curtain that I thought was a sheet until I saw the loops for a rod.  It will still work, I can either use it for sewing or for taking pictures. 

The blue dress on the left is actually made of terry cloth, as in towels.  I thought it was really cute and comfy, plus it would be perfect after swimming.  The other blue dress I kind of took a chance on, it may or may not work for me.  That’s one of the good things about bag sales, you can squeeze in extra items you may not normally consider otherwise. 

And yes, that is a Barbie movie.  Barbie’s The Princess and The Pauper, I actually like it.  It’s really funny, especially the bloopers at the end.  Remember, all Barbie movies have bloopers you don’t want to miss.  Plus, remember to check out movies from the library for free before buying.  That way if you hate them you didn’t waste any money.

Three pink tops, can you tell I like pink?  Two of them are polo shirts, I guess there is something about a pink polo.  It just looks so cute, on men as well as women too.  Of course that a completely different topic. 

It’s hard to see the black skirt, but it’s a short A-line skirt and simple but super cute.  I’ve already worn it, it works with practically everything and is really comfortable.  Can you tell I really like this skirt?

The skirt on the right has pretty embroidery on the edge and looks like it’s hand made.  It does remind me of a white and brown skirt I got before at a bag sale.  Sad this about that one is that I haven’t worn it because it doesn’t match anything.

I also took a quick peek at housewares and found three really pretty saucers.  They have gold edging and two of them have English violets painted on them.  I sadly couldn’t find the matching tea cups.  Maybe another time.

Why in the world are black clothes so hard to photograph?  Anyway, from the left is a see through lace top, a sheer black blouse and a black vest with lace on the sides.  Basically three pieces that require me to wear another top underneath for the sake of modesty.  They are also all small things I took a chance on.

Here is a couple of basic tank tops and a really cute red violet sleeve less top.  It has lace, pin tucks and ruffles and it ties in back and on the front.  It look really pretty on me too.  I wore it the other day with the cute A-line black skirt.  Told you it works with everything.

Another black top that wouldn’t photograph well, it’s a nice button down that fits me well.  It actually has nice looking cuffs with cute buttons.  I also got a pair of embroidered napkins and a wallet that looks just like the one I currently have.  At least it has the same design for things like pockets and stuff.  It even has a built in keychain, just like my current wallet which is why I like it.  It’s really handy to have my keys attached to my wallet.

I know it’s still Summer, but I like to plan ahead so I got these pretty long sleeved tops.  They will come in handy when it finally cools down here.  I also got this short sleeved bolero, it’s perfect to use year round.

More trouble with black clothing.  The black velvety dress is so adorable, I would actually wear it now if it weren’t so warm outside.  I also found another pair of black pants for work and a special pair of jeans.  Special because they actually fit me.  I have the most trouble finding jeans that fit me.  They are either perfect everywhere but the waist, or fit the waist perfectly and are baggy everywhere else.

And the best piece.  A coat.  Yes more planning ahead for Winter.  I’ve always had trouble finding cute coats on sale, no matter what the season.  That’s another good thing about bag sales.  It doesn’t matter what the price tag says, it only matters that it fits in the bag.  Of course things fit better in the bag when you know how to roll it.  Rolled up clothing takes up much less space than folded, meaning you can fit more in the bag than usual.  That’s why I could get so much in the bag.

Speaking of which, here are the totals:

• 4 white pillow cases (1 with lace!)
• 2 floral print pillow cases
• 1 white “curtain”
• 1 pair cute pajama pants
• 1 pair long white gloves
• 3 dresses
• 2 skirts
• 3 pink short sleeve tops
• 2 long sleeve tops
• 3 black tops
• 1 vest
• 1 bolero
• 1 small piece wall art
• 1 Barbie DVD
• 2 pretty napkins
• 1 pink wallet
• 1 pair black pants
• 1 pair jeans that actually fit
• 3 sleeve-less tops
• 3 pretty saucers
• 1 cute coat

38 items total for $20 plus sales tax.  A pretty good haul.  Still can’t wait for the next sale.

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