More sewing

I made this baby onesy thing several months ago, with plans of popping out several more. It seemed like an easy enough project and a cost-effective way to attend baby-showers, while participating in my new favorite hobby. I like sewing for babies because they are typically small, quicker projects. Which mean they seem more approachable, I can see the results quickly, and even more importantly, I don't waste fabric or much time if the project is too complex for me to complete successfully. Perfect for a novice sewer.

Anyway, my husband and I have had many laughs over this project. It turns out, it was much more complex than I anticipated. I am pretty sure the issue was not really with me, but with the instructions. http://www.touchinglittlelives.org/nbsleeper.html

1. My biggest issue is that I still have no idea whether or not this will fit a real life baby. So much for giving it out as a gift!! I guess I need a newborn to try it out on. Anyway, it is designed for a newborn or premie, but it still looks a little small. It looks cute, but it also seems like the legs are way too short.

2. I had to redo and resize the neck opening 3 times! And I still don't know if it is big enough. Even after following the directions as carefully as possible, it left a neck opening of 1-2 inches diameter. I know babies are small, but not THAT small. This part was a pain. Seriously, make better directions!!

3. Snaps are way hard. I know I am doing them the hard way as it is super hard to make sure they match up. I still have one set left and I've been putting it off for months. Any experts know of an easier way to put snaps on?

I may try this pattern again, but I'll have to adapt the pattern, obviously. I think I may instead try little pajamas with an elastic opening on the bottom instead. Those are my favorite baby pajamas, but I never seem them in the stores anymore. And maybe a zipper is easier than snaps. But I'm a little scared of zippers. Can't remember how to do them. And I know I learned a way easy way in high school sewing class--much easier than all the patterns suggest. Good thing I have several seamstresses to pass along wisdom.