After two skirts it’s time for pants.
Cal Patch's Annie Trousers
I actually wear pants a lot in my daily life mostly because I don’t quite like wearing stockings and it’s also quite challenging to do it in between waxing appointments… ok, also princesses have hair! Which would open a whole new post/survey/debate on the best hair removal method… but that is beyond the scope of a sewing blog, isn’t it?
Back on topic… this week I have been working on my trousers. I started by amending the basic pants pattern, adding the fly extension and drawing pockets
Work in progress - Cal Patch's Annie Trousers
Then the actual pattern cutting and assembling started. The fabric you see here was expressly bought for these pants. It just took me a whole 7 months to start working on them.
Pinstripe Woolen Fabric
So far I have spent a huge amount of time on the pockets… which didn’t turn out too perfect. I should have scrapped them but I decided against it… I need new trousers before the summer! Next time I will do better. But I have learned a great lesson… seemingly easy things often turn out trickier than expected.
Now I am working on the zipper (another headache), waistband and hemming…I will be reporting back next week as soon as I am able to slot in a bit more sewing.
What is your favorite garment to sew?
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May 25, 2011 at 8:00 am
My favorite thing to sew is pants…when they turn out great, they’re far better than store-bought pants. Unfortunately, when they turn out poorly…well, that’s not so much fun! I have a jeans pattern I worked on over and over and finally got them to fit the way I like. Next up will be basic trousers. I’m looking forward to seeing how your pants turn out!
May 26, 2011 at 7:11 am
I totally agree with you. I used to get so frustrated with many store-bought pants. That’s when I decided to start working on my own. I would also like to tackle jeans…but I am worried about all those pockets.
May 22, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Hi, I’m also using this book to draft a pattern (my first one!) – the woven shirt. I don’t have a favorite garment yet as I’m starting to learn how to sew. Never tried pants, shirts, skirts before, only a pair of shorts. I hope I do it right
May 24, 2011 at 4:40 am
I am sure you will do fine. The best is to take your time and enjoy the process. Sometimes a project will fail, but it will be a learning experience anyway. I very much prefer drafting my own patterns than using store-bought especially for basic pieces. By starting with your own body measurements there is less tweaking. I look forward to seeing your first project.
May 20, 2011 at 2:15 pm
You had me the first time you made up these pants — looking forward to your alteration! I’m working on a pair from a self-drafted pattern too.
I think I like to sew all types of garment, but it definitely feels good to sew something I know I’ll wear all the time and like you, I definitely wear pants the most. I’m hoping, with great weather and better sewing skills, I can up the number of skirts and dresses I wear this summer
– Including a gorgeous green knit dress. I swear my plans for that dress change by the hour.
May 20, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Now I’m really curious about your pants! With all you’ve learned they will b great.
I also had another idea about my green dress. We should’ve done a group project with Alessa!
May 20, 2011 at 8:08 am
yo tambien tengo que hacerme unos pantalones, pero sera en agosto:-)
me gustan los de la foto!!!!
y la tela que escogiste tambien
May 20, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Gracias, si quieres que te envíe detalles sobre los pantalones dímelo sin problemas.
Ya m imagino q estarás muy atareada en este momento
May 20, 2011 at 4:59 am
Can I tell you that I’ve been working on my “basic” pants (same book, slightly modified) since… umm, probably August last year? I put them on the UFO pile after adding (french-seamed!) slash pockets on the back instead of the front by accident. I took them out again last month, corrected the pockets, sewed up the side seams, added a button panel… and put them on the UFO pile again because I’m afraid of drafting a fitted waistband!
Umm, yeah. I’m lucky it’s mostly warm enough to wear skirts.
Ok, favorite garment… even though I like sewing with woven cotton much better than with knits, my favorite garments to sew might be knit tops. Mostly because they’re instant gratification and don’t require a lot of fitting.
May 20, 2011 at 4:34 pm
I also love being able to whip up a project quickly, knits are
Awesome like that. But I would love to see your finished pants
Especially after your beautiful crepe. Fall is around the corner;o) (that was meant for motivation!)