One of my favorite things we did for our reunion last year was make matching pajama bottoms for all the cousins. I always love seeing the cousins all together, but it's especially cute when they all match. We had each kid bring a white t-shirt they already had, just to keep things easy.
I decided to stick with a variety of red and white prints, with lots of dots and subtle stripes. Whatever we had leftover from one fabric became the contrasting trim on the next pair. I got all the fabric from Purl Soho, Joelle is a big fan of dots and stripes so I always know they will have a good assortment. I am lucky enough to live within driving distance of their warehouse in Southern California, which is open to the public several days a week. (You can call 1-800-597-PURL for hours.) They also have a great website, where you can search for things like dots and stripes.
I love the old ironing board we have up at the Midway house, why don't they make things like this anymore? My mom and I cut and sewed all ten pairs of pajamas the two days before the reunion, so I can make these pants in my sleep now. The pattern we used was the Bedtime Story pajamas from Oliver + S, which is now out of print (though you can still find copies if you hunt around online). Not to worry, Liesl just announced a new pajama pattern with a similar pant which is going to be released in early September (you can see it in these photos of their recent booth at Quilt Market).
Family reunions are great. Spending time with our extended family reminds my kids that there is a larger group of people that love them (aunts, uncles, cousins) beyond just their immediate family. I want them to know that we're going through life together, as a group. I think they really feel that at the reunions (and matching pajamas seem to help!).
Top photo by Francesco Lagnese, for Martha Stewart Living