Pajama shopping is a winter tradition

There were strange sightings around Sisters last Saturday morning before most people woke up. First, there was a lot of traffic on the frosty roads in the still-dark early morning hour of 6:30 a.m. Then, parking spaces filled up at the west end of town. Later, women began showing up at The Gallery and other breakfast spots in their pajamas.

The fun was all caused by The Stitchin’ Post’s annual pajama sale. Shoppers were motivated to be early birds and stick with the dress code since the biggest discount was for people who arrived between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. in pajamas.

Quilters, knitters, and sewers have been getting in the spirit of this sale in the 10 years since it started. One Stitchin’ Post employee said women used to be shy about their attire – but no more. Last Saturday morning it was more common to see women in flannel pajamas, fleece robes, nightgowns and slippers than in street clothes.

For Corrine Bosworth it’s become a tradition to get up even earlier to put big curlers in her hair to complement her robe. She likes seeing her friends but knows the event causes a stir on Highway 20.

“When the truckers see us, they toot,” said Bosworth.

Mo Campbell was in the earliest group of shoppers. She shopped for fabric in her pink, fluffy, pig slippers.

“We’re going to go out to breakfast in our jammies,” said Campbell.

Vaunell Temple saw the members of her quilter’s guild as she shopped. Temple echoed the sentiment of many women in the lively crowd, “It’s fun to see all your friends!”

Terry Mischke was shopping to make something for her new grandson.

“Where else can you be crazy at 6:30 in the morning?” said Mischke.

The Stitchin’ Post’s co-owner Valori Wells said the sale began as a fun way to start off the slower months of the retail season in Sisters.