I cut these out in a size 10, as I was between the 8-10. The fabric feels like rayon, and was a gift from a friend who brought it back from Serbia. I had one meter of it and actually from the start I wanted to make flowered pants (latent wish from an Italian style trend in 2002, seriously.)
And whaddaya know! Ultimate pants! The 10 was a good thought because of my massive muscular thighs. The rayon stuff has a bit of stretch but I am not sure if it's the fabric or a touch of lycra - it doesn't stretch much. I made no alterations of any kind, and used a recycled Riri zip from the market instead of an invisible zip because I wanted it to be extra strong. Also the invisible zip I bought was 35 cm which seemed a bit silly. I should have known this would make the pants rather less sleek on one side, but they are not really sleek anyway. I used very light interfacing for the zip and it does still stick out a bit. Ah well, I want them to be strong for backpacking in Asia, but I guess they don't need to look perfect.
I sewed the seam allowance on the inseam down for strength, and then zig zagged the rest. This is the first time I can recall using this technique for sewing pants: where you make the legs then insert one in the other and sew the crotch as a single line. Quite simple - I am not sure which technique is better. I am used to sewing the crotch first, and then the legs, seems like.
These took about 3 hours. Including putting together the PDF. Happy Sonia. I know I could do loads of things to make them even better - 1 cm pinched out of the front crotch, and maybe tighten up the sides just a bit so they fit more snugly...but I am pretty pleased with them and will only tighten them if they seem likely to fall off. I solicited the advice of the portuguese cleaning ladies at work (they are all very well dressed) and they agreed that the loose style should stay.
And whaddaya know! Ultimate pants! The 10 was a good thought because of my massive muscular thighs. The rayon stuff has a bit of stretch but I am not sure if it's the fabric or a touch of lycra - it doesn't stretch much. I made no alterations of any kind, and used a recycled Riri zip from the market instead of an invisible zip because I wanted it to be extra strong. Also the invisible zip I bought was 35 cm which seemed a bit silly. I should have known this would make the pants rather less sleek on one side, but they are not really sleek anyway. I used very light interfacing for the zip and it does still stick out a bit. Ah well, I want them to be strong for backpacking in Asia, but I guess they don't need to look perfect.
I sewed the seam allowance on the inseam down for strength, and then zig zagged the rest. This is the first time I can recall using this technique for sewing pants: where you make the legs then insert one in the other and sew the crotch as a single line. Quite simple - I am not sure which technique is better. I am used to sewing the crotch first, and then the legs, seems like.
These took about 3 hours. Including putting together the PDF. Happy Sonia. I know I could do loads of things to make them even better - 1 cm pinched out of the front crotch, and maybe tighten up the sides just a bit so they fit more snugly...but I am pretty pleased with them and will only tighten them if they seem likely to fall off. I solicited the advice of the portuguese cleaning ladies at work (they are all very well dressed) and they agreed that the loose style should stay.
those look great. I am so tempted to try this pattern (always seeking the perfect pants pattern) looks like you have found yours. very nice fit.
ReplyDeleteI admit as the days go by they sag more and more so I might attempt a quick fix of removing something from the inner side before I count them in my Asia luggage. But the pattern suited my curves well and because it's simple I am tempted to make it up in linen or something else that won't stretch at all, and force myself to learn the proper adjustments for a really good fit.
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