Daniel Tiger's Trolley PJs

A few months ago on Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood (check your PBS listings!) there was an episode dedicated to Bed Time Routine in which Daniel puts on royal blue trolley PJ's. You've seen Mr. Rodgers, THAT trolley!

Of course J wanted some. We searched EVERYWHERE for pajamas or at least fabric so I could make some, or even a patch. And when I say everywhere, I mean my husband walked through every aisle of Hobby Lobby and JoAnne Fabric Gallery looking for anything close because he didn't trust me not to accidentally look passed it. I searched online and still found nothing.

My brilliant friend Kristin told me they made iron on paper for ink jet printers that were specifically for dark colored fabric. Sure enough found them easily at Target. I got some soft blue shirts and some royal blue fleece to make the shorts. Fleece? For summer? It is easy to sew and it is, uh how shall I put this delicately, very good at absorbing liquids. When we were cloth diapering he had a few sets of fleece bottoms that had an extra layer or two between the legs and the bed stayed dry even when he didn't.

I had planned on making them for his birthday next week, but tomorrow is PJ and Mustache Day at school. Don't ask me why, I have no idea. I just know the preschoolers are participating so I figured I'd make them for him this week. The shorts were a Sew Simple pattern that were done in about an hour with only one slip up. Not sure how I got distracted and didn't leave the opening for the elastic.

I found a nice photo online of the trolley and printed two sizes 2" x 3" for the shorts and 4" x 6" for the shirts. I was a little disappointed when they printed, I thought they were a bit light. As soon as I ironed them they darkened up. Here's a photo of the completed shirt and unironed leg patch.

I ironed the leg trolley to a small scrap of poly/cotton to make a patch because I wasn't sure it would adhere to the fleece. Not sure I love it, but it will get us through tomorrow.

And if these aren't good enough I just found this fabric on Peter's Puppets 20 minutes ago! Not sure about $17.50 a yard though. I'd need my mom's masterful pattern placing skills to squeeze out a shirt and shorts in one yard.

Or better yet, hopefully, PBS Kids, The Fred Rogers Company, 9 Story Entertainment and/or Out of the Blue Enterprises will listen to the pleas of many parents and just start selling them for us.