MY Christmas Disaster...:(

I've already whined to Amy about this, but thought I would share it with the rest of you. I'm out of my shock now, so I can talk about it. I'm sure you might like to share some similar experiences as well.----PLEASE!

Back in October I came up with the grand idea to make some nightgowns for my 5 neices and pj pants for my 2 nephews. All range in age 11 to 2. I usually make them something every year. Its a way to do it that is inexpensive and gives it a personal touch. I've made them lap blankets, floor pillows with their inital on it, purses/ bags and the nightgowns/ pj pants.
I bought fabric on fall sales and even found McCalls patterns for $1. SO armed with all my Home Ec know how I set to work.
Its been two months of working and working on them, getting measurements from their mom's and giving up my dining room to have a place to sew.
Yesterday I finished everthing and put them in the washer on an 8 min. delicate cycle.
In those precious 8 mins. it torn them up. Everything was ripped to shreds!!!
I was speachless for about 15 mins. When I found my voice I only asked "WHY?"
I was planning to wash, dry and wrap these to take them to Arkansas next Tuesday.

I've gone back to the fabric store today and the lady was kind, but said simple no she couldn't give me any kind of refund. It seems that I didn't use a tight enough stitch and needed to use pinking shears to finish off the seams. That was so simply, and because I didn't do that everything feel apart.
I suppose it was best that this happend before I had given it to the kids, but I am really sad.
I was really hoping the lady would take pity for me and give me some kind of refund, so I could feel better about going to do now gift cards at this late date.
I guess I will put them away now and use them for scraps....maybe when I get my head out of the sand I will try again. I'm just sick, right now. I SO wanted to see those kids in their nightgowns.
Hopefully time spent with theme will mend my disapointment. I really am looking forward to seeing them all.
I need a group hug!!!!

Oh Gin, I am so sorry that this happened. How heartbreaking after putting in all that money and effort. I have no idea about sewing, but it sure seems a lot harder than just snipping some fabric and taking a needle and thread to it.

Just remember, it's you they truly want to see, not what you give them. Here's that hug.

Oh Gin, I can't imagine how disappointed you were when you saw something you worked so hard on just torn up that way. I think I would have stared at the remains in disbelief wondering how in the world something like that could have happened. I would be sad too and disappointed at not having the chance to see the kids wear those gowns. {{{GIN}}}

Gin, what a terrible experience! After all that work! {{{Hugs}}} I'm so sorry that happened to you.

I'm so sorry that happened after all your hard work, Gin. But like you said, better now than after the gifts were given.

I can only add another group hug Gin. You know how sorry I am.

Thanks everyone.....Its nice to have an understanding crew here. I'm not sure what I will do for gifts. I might go look for nightgowns tomorrow, but I leave for Arkansas on Tuesday and I really am short on time for packing, loading ect. I also have to work on Monday.
The traffic was awful today at 1:30 this afternoon. It took me 25 min. just to get out of Kingwood!!! Not looking forward to fighting that again.
Anyway....I'm just looking at these gowns and seeing a scrap bag of quilt pieces sitting before me now.

What did Laura say when all the blackbirds came? Make blackbird pie?? LOL

Aw, I'm so sorry that happened, Gin.

awwww..*hugs* am so sorry~

Oh, Gin........I am soooooooo sorry that all of your hard work was ruined. I would have been speechless as well. I wouldn't have expected that to happen. I'm sure that they will be touched to know that you had intended to make them such a thoughtful gift.

Do you have a Kohl's in your area? They always have such cute pajamas. I hope that you'll be able to find something nice for them. You'll be in my prayers.

mybe you could try again and mybe make them something like that for there b-days! your heart is in the right place..what a wounderful gift idea u had making them something so sweet and specail....

Kohl's and Target to the rescue. Got 4 of the girls fleece nightgowns at Kohl's for $13 each. My oldest niece I found pj/top set for $14. And the boys, I got two shirts for one and the youngest a shirt/jeans set. Their just wasn't pj's for boys available right now.
I did well. It all came together. Lessons learned.

Next year I plan to play it safe and do a "Christmas Box" filled with things based on a theme. EX. things for your feet.....socks, toenail polish, ankle braclets....things like that.
I still haven't given up making something, but I have to make it a bit easier on myself. This was horrible!!!


Thanks everyone for all the hugs. I sure needed them!

Whew!! I'm glad you were able to find some cute PJ's. Kohls always has really good deals......Target, too. I like your "theme" idea for next year.

I'm very glad to hear that everything worked out, Gin.

I'm sorry to here that your gifts got ruined. I'm glad you found gifts for them. Merry Christmas!

So glad you found something that was reasonably priced Gin!

I'm glad it all worked out Gin. Have a nice time in Arkansas.

glad it all worked out

ChristinaAL wrote:

[color=violet][b]That's a good idea, Gin, about a theme box. That might be an idea I'll borrow for my neices next Christmas :) (Yup, I have neices now that I'm married! I'm an only child so I thought I'd never be "Aunt Christina" but the kids have changed that! LOL)

Aw, that's really neat Christina!

All my neices loved their "store bought" nightgowns. My two nephews acted as expected with clothes....... Lol
Taylor my 6 yr old nephew said..."More clothes, Mom!" and when she told him who got them he smiled and said "I'll wear it tomorrow, Aunt GG." Garrett, my two yr old nephew was done with his box as soon as it was opened and off to the next one. He's a little man with few words right now, but a contagious smile.
They are all so big this year, I hope to see them in June. I might get measurements of them then just in case I get crazy again and try something for next year, but the gift box idea might be best.
Thanks again for all your support. Looking into that washer and pulling out shredded clothes will remain in my memory forever! I'm laughing about it now...thank goodness.

Gin wrote:

...and when she told him who got them he smiled and said "I'll wear it tomorrow, Aunt GG."

Aw, that is just too sweet Gin.

I'm glad to hear they liked their gifts, Gin.

Kids are so funny. Both of my kids have always enjoyed getting clothes. Although one year on Kelsey's birthday she opened a package of underwear from Tim's parents and her expression was priceless. I think she was more embarrassed than anything.