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My son requested that I sew him a pair of knit trousers that he could use for bedtime. After their abrupt ending of school in March, he was nervous and anxious about going back to school in September. As part of helping to cope with feelings of anxiety, we worked on creating a bedtime routine to help him fall asleep as that was a particularly challenging thing for him. As part of that routine, he needed a “sleep outfit” in the same way that his brain is cued up for school when he wears a uniform – this would be to cue his brain for sleep. He selected the fabric from Fabric For All – it’s a black cotton jersey that is perfect for t-shirts and sleepwear. It has a good recovery while also being soft and comfortable.
He went through my collection of Ottobre Design Kids magazines to pick out a pattern he liked the look of. He chose the knit trousers pattern from Ottobre 1/2020 #25. This pattern has a tapered leg with an encased elastic waistband. I traced it out and with the help of his sister they cut out the pattern pieces.
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It is a very simple pair of trousers to sew up. It took less than an hour on the overlocker. I actually ventured to use my coverstitch machine for the elastic casing. The instructions were excellent (to be expected from Ottobre – they are excellent when it comes to instructions). The fit is perfectly like you’d expect based on the magazine image. We didn’t add pockets as this is meant to be something he only wears as he is going to bed so the pockets are not expected to be used. This alteration made sewing it up all that much faster.
I am happy to report that now 12 weeks into school and he feels in control and happy to be back. He loves his bedtime routine which he says helps to calm his thoughts and anxieties. He has requested another pair of these same ones in navy blue. That would require another fabric shopping trip!
Thanks for stopping by! Have you sewn with Ottobre Kids Design recently?
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