Extend the life of kids pajamas

The best kid’s pajamas, in my opinion, are the cotton knit fitted pajamas by Carter’s (Old Navy and Gap sells some like these too). They are stretchy, comfortable, and pretty forgiving when it comes to buying a size too big. They are also on the pricey side and worth finding ways to extend their life. For years, however, I would sadly put away the winter long sleeve, long pant pajamas when spring came, only to find that once the cold came around again, the sleeves and legs were too short for the kids to wear the following year.

Until, with my youngest child, I had donated one too many pairs of barely worn pajamas, I decided to try cutting the sleeves and pants to make short sleeve and short pants and discovered the perfect way to extend the life of these high quality clothes!

No sewing required! These high density knits do not fray or unravel once they are cut, no matter how many times you wash them.

Cutting the pajamas

Simply lay the shirt or pants flat and make sure all of the seams line up. This will help you get a straight cut. Also, use fabric sheers if you have some designated. It makes cutting easier and cleaner.

Cut 1st sleeves about 3-4 inches down from the shoulder seam or 1 inch from the pits. (If you want a muscle shirt, you can cut just past the seam.) Cut across in the same direction of the cuff, this is how the shirt is designed to lay best.

Then fold the shirt in half and line up shoulder seams. Use cut sleeve as a guide so you cut the other sleeve the same length (learned this step after the first couple times of uneven sleeves).

For pants, if you want to be specific, you can measure the inseam of your child’s leg down to the length you want the shorts. Since they are jammies, I just eyeball it, about 3 inches from the crotch. Cut these straight across.

Voila! Instant summer pajamas! I literally do this in 1 minute at bedtime when it warms up and I can’t find short sleeve jammies. Usually I start with the shirt in the spring and keep the pants long until it’s hotter. With short sleeves and short pants, I’ve even been able to extend some of these pajamas for 2 summers! I still get weepy eyed giving them away after that because they hold up so well!

I have wanted to take the leftover sleeves and legs, sew them together and stitch the ends closed to make rice bag heating wraps, but I haven’t had time to pull the trigger on that one. I hope you guys can find other uses for these leftover strips, too.

So hopefully this will help you extend the life of your kid’s pajamas and save yourself some money in the process! Happy repurposing!

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Don’t Toss, Re Use

Check out these super great Repurposing ideas. Thanks Kelley’s DIY!

kelleysdiy

Before you toss away that egg carton or piece of old rug, think of something else you can use it for. Stuck? Well here are some wonderful reuses of those trash items.

Use an Old Eyeglass Case for Hardware Storage

Do you have a bunch of old eyeglass cases that you don’t use anymore?  I re purposed them to store small things like drill bits and screws. I keep it in my toolbox until needed. It’s so much easier having them all together in one place, and not have to dig around everywhere to find the right bit.

Bread Tabs

Not sure which cord goes with which electronic device plugged into your power strip? Save yourself the hassle of following the cord from the plugin to the device for each item you need to move by labeling them. Plastic bread tabs are perfect for labeling cords that are plugged into…

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DIY: Repurposed Vintage Window with Etched Glass and Chalkboard Paint

Hello, and welcome to RePurpose M.E. DIY.

Our latest creation was by far the most fun and the most advance piece we’ve put together yet.  But still, so easy!  Below are some step by step instructions to make your own repurposed vintage window project.

P.S If you’d rather skip the work, you can buy this piece from our Etsy store RePurpose M.E. Goods.  Check it out!

Step 1: Buy or have a vintage farmhouse window

It only needs at least 1 in-tact pane of glass to add the etching. (Tip: you can vary your project based on whatever window is available to you, 2 pane, 4 pane, 6 pane or even 1 pane!)

Step 2: Etching the glass.

I can’t believe how easy and beautiful this technique is.  Once you try it, you will be hooked.  Check out Pinterest Glass Etching Board for links to detailed instructions as well as other glass etching project ideas.

NOTE: Notice there are 2 panes of glass in this window at this point…when my husband removed, cleaned and subsequently cracked the bottom pane of glass, we had to regroup and come up with a new plan.  Tip – Be flexible!

Step 3: Sanding and cleaning and painting and sanding.

As with any painting project, your first step is to prep the surface by sanding away old varnish, paint, and other yuckies.  After sanding, we spray paint with a vibrant blue (use masking tape and newspaper to cover the glass from overspray).  No need to be exact, most of the imperfections will again be sanded away.  Finally, re-sand and finish with the appropriate distressing.

Step 4: Adding the chalkboard and hooks.

This was our first successful chalkboard paint project.  We followed some directions found online and after sanding and coating a thin 1/8 in wood pressed board with several coats, we allowed the paint to set for 3 whole days.  Then we rubbed the side of a piece of chalk all over the entire board and wiped clean with a dry cloth.   Vintage metal hooks match the rustic look and add extra functionality.

Step 5: Secure the back and add hardware for hanging.

This was the most challenging part, but we managed a good secure edge with a combination of wood glue and tiny nails using some leftover 1/4 in square trim.  We used brass keyhole hangers placed 16″ apart across the top for hanging the window on the wall.

Voilà! Our finished product! This vintage window frame is now a beautiful rustic wall hanging, message chalkboard and coat rack.  This darling piece is great for an entryway, kitchen, office or bedroom.  Great gift for a wedding, new home, mother’s day or anniversary.