Tiny Turtles!

I took a small break in my selfish sewing kick this past weekend to work on a baby gift for one of my co-workers. It's too long of a story for the blog, but I just recently learned that this co-worker just became a parent. I worked with her quite a bit during the swine flu bonanza earlier this year and she is just a great person all around and a very easy (and rational!) person to work along side. So, when I heard about her new baby boy, I knew I wanted to quickly whip up a gift.

I've had the Oliver + S Bedtime Story Pajamas pattern in my stash for several months just waiting for the right opportunity to use it.

This is the first little boy gift I've tried to make, so I thought a fairly straight-forward pajama pattern was the way to go. For the fabric, I wanted something that was appropriate for a little guy, but also not completely cheeseball. Sew LA had the perfect print - a deep navy cotton filled with tiny, primary colored turtles.

It's just too cute! I paired it with plain green cotton for the bindings and ties.

And what goes better with pajamas than a cozy, fuzzy blanket?

To say this was a hit with my co-worker would be an understatement. Besides cooing over it at the office, she said that when she took it home, grandma took one look at it and decided that they should dress him up in it right away. Keep in mind, the little boy is just barely two months and the outfit is sized for 6-12mo. :) So sweet.

This is now the second O+S pattern I've used and it's another winner. [For my complete review of the pattern, click on the link to Pattern Review.] Their designs are really adorable, the patterns are drafted well and they come with easy to read and follow instructions - what more could a beginner seamstress ask for? Yes, they're pricey, but I really like supporting an independent pattern company, especially one that is so focused on providing a great product for its clients.

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Cost breakdown:

Pajamas:
Pattern - $16
Fabric - $15
Notions - $2

Blanket:
Fabric - $20
[I saw similar blankets at a fancy baby boutique while shopping last year and my eyes almost popped out of my head - they were retailing for $50-$65! I mean, come on. I know I live in LA and everything, but that is just silly.]