Gifts Wrapped in Glass: Day 16

I have wanted to make a pair of PJ pants for a long time. It took me forever to find the perfect fabric.

I saw this grey flannel print recently at Hobby Lobby, and I knew this was the one. I picked up some contrasting shocking pink fabric and a simple PJ pant pattern for today's Gift in a Jar. 

I love this pattern because it's unisex and I can reuse it multiple times. Also, it is one of the few PJ pant patterns I have seen that's for woven fabrics, not for knits. Be sure and read the back of the envelope, all patterns are not created equal.

This is Simplicity pattern A9871.

The other thing I love about this Simplicity pattern, is that it's a ONE PIECE pant. That means that there are only 3 seams to sew.

You can't get much easier than that, can you?

I made two small alterations to this pattern. I cut off 4" from the bottom because I wanted the contrasting fabric on the pant hem instead. The other thing I did was to straighten the side seam. It's just a pet peeve of mine. I hate tapered side seams.

The first step was to stitch the front and back crotch seams. I don't use the pattern directions, they are more work that it should be in most cases.

The second step was to fold the contrasting trim and stitch it to the bottom of the pant. This is much easier to do when the pant is still flat.

After the cuff is attached, it's time to sew the inseam.

The last step is to fold the waist band over and stitch. You can make this pattern with an elastic waist or a drawstring waist. I chose the drawstring.

I used the contrasting fabric for this as well. I find it much easier to just measure the pattern for the drawstring, and cut a piece of fabric to size rather than using the pattern. Who wants to spend all that time pinning these little things down?

I sewed the drawstring, turned it right side out, and inserted it into the waist via two small buttonholes that I made in the center front. 

The pants are complete! 

You may wonder why I decided to stuff the pants in a Mason Jar.

There's a story behind it. My Grandmother always had a place to store her PJ's. She would fold them neatly and then put them under her pillow on the bed. She always made her bed, and it was convenient for her to keep them there.

I don't make my bed most days. I don't have time to fold. Nor do I want to fold at an early morning hour. 

When I worked retail, we stuffed fabric scarves in Jars and I always thought they were beautiful.

There you have it. 

I am lazy. I like to stuff my PJ's in a two quart Mason Jar beside my bed and sometimes even give them away as Gifts. It works for me, it might work for you too.

You can even add a little bow and a label for gift giving if you wish. 

PJ's in a Jar might just be the next big thing.