Pants

  • Pattern Review of the Sabrina Slims

    IMG_0280_jpg
    IMG_0291_jpg
    IMG_0295_jpg
    IMG_0302_jpg
    IMG_0303_jpg
    IMG_0304_jpg
    IMG_0312_jpg
    IMG_0319_jpg
    IMG_0325_jpg
    IMG_0340_jpg
    IMG_0349_jpg

    Pattern: Sabrina Slims
    Designer: Love Notions
    Fabrics: Bengaline from Super Cheap Fabrics
    Skill level: Beginner/Advanced Beginner
    Measurements: Waist: 39″;  Hips 47″
    Size made: 18 & 20
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: This is an absolute staple for your kids wardrobe. It is perfectly unisex and has both a long and short version.
    Cons: None

    The Wrap Up

    I did think that I loved the Duet Trousers from Love Notions, but then I tried the Sabrina Slims and I LOVE THEM!!

    They are so comfortable and I love the slimmer fit look. I originally made the size 20 but thought they may have been a little bit big. I then made the 18 for the welt pocket tutorial and I realised I should have made the 20 again with some alterations. The 18 still fit, but they are more on the snug side. 

    My biggest piece of advice would be to make a muslin, and if you decide to make another size, make another muslin 🙈 Pants can be notoriously hard to fit, so I would very rarely recommend making pants straight from your fashion fabric. It is very disappointing to make a pair of pants and not having them fit. 

    I would definitely recommend grabbing this pattern, especially if you grab them while they are on special for $5.

    Use code MEGAN10 for an EXTRA 10% off at the checkout.

    Shop the Pattern

    How to get a beautiful welt pocket

    What next?

    Stop wasting fabric and time on projects that don't fit right. 

    Learn to sew with confidence and let me guide you to more sewing success.

    Find out more

  • Pattern Review of the Duet Trousers and how to add a control panel

    IMG_8291_jpg
    IMG_8250_jpg
    IMG_8235_jpg
    IMG_8287_jpg
    IMG_8229_jpg
    IMG_8286_jpg
    IMG_8233_jpg
    IMG_8297_jpg
    IMG_8301_jpg
    IMG_8311_jpg
    IMG_8241_jpg
    IMG_8318_jpg
    IMG_8230_jpg
    IMG_8292_jpg
    IMG_8320_jpg
    IMG_8299_jpg
    IMG_8306
    IMG_8313_jpg
    IMG_8272_jpg
    IMG_8252_jpg
    IMG_8276_jpg
    IMG_8265_jpg
    IMG_8228_jpg
    IMG_8274_jpg
    IMG_8269_jpg
    IMG_8255_jpg
    IMG_8258_jpg
    IMG_8275_jpg

    Duet Trousers Pattern Review

    Pattern: Duet Trousers
    Designer: Love Notions
    Fabrics: Bengaline from Spotlight Stores
    Skill level: Confident Beginner
    Measurements: Waist 39.5″; Hips 47.5″
    Size made: 16 Full Belly Adjusted Pieces
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: The re release with the full belly adjusted pieces is such a welcome addition.
    Cons: Pants are a challenge. Always make a muslin/toile before cutting into your fashion fabric.

    The Wrap Up

    I’m not sure I’ve ever been so happy with a pair of pants straight off the bat. The toile/muslin I made was so well fitting, I knew that when I cut into my fashion fabric they would be a win.

    My biggest piece of advice for making these pants would be to make sure you read the fitting advice included in the pattern. According to my measurements, I should have made a size 20, but I know I would have had to make so many adjustments and likely would have ended up really frustrated. After reading all the advice on fitting however, I knew that I needed to use the Full Belly Adjusted pieces and was able to use the size 16, and got such a great fit.

    The other bonus about the duet trousers is that they come with a pants fitting workbook that is great for helping to work out what any creases in your pants may mean. 

    As well as the workbook, Love Notions have released a Duet trouser course with this re-release, meaning its easier than ever to get help in getting your perfect fitting trousers.

    This will certainly not be my last pair I make, it is so nice to have a pair of slacks that not only look good, they feel good to wear as well.

    Shop the Pattern
    Shop the Course

    What next?

    Stop wasting fabric and time on projects that don't fit right. 

    Learn to sew with confidence and let me guide you to more sewing success.

    Find out more

  • Pattern Review of the Ivy Lounge Pants

    Pattern: Ivy Lounge Pants
    Designer: Petite Stitchery & Co
    Fabrics: Lounge Rib from Clover & Co
    Measurements: Waist 39″; Hips 48″
    Size made: 1XL
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: These are SO comfortable!! Also a really quick make and have a maternity option.
    Cons: I didn’t love that there wasn’t a shorten/lengthen line through the crotch, which is where most adjustments need to be made.

    Links:

    Ivy Pants Pattern
    Clover & Co Fabrics

    The Wrap Up:

    When I say these pants are comfy, I can’t even begin to explain HOW comfy they are. Since I made them a week ago, I’ve barely taken them off when I’ve been at home (and even out at some places hehe).

    The first pair I made were a toile from some cheap ponte style knit from spotlight to see how I liked the fit. I was surprised I could make these without having to make my usual 1.5″-2″ lengthen in the rise for comfort and they still feel amazing. According to my measurements I was at the top end of a XXL, which my toile was, but I decided while they were still a good fit, I would size up for my proper pair as they were ever so slightly tight. Being a relaxed style track or jogger pant, I really wanted them to be looser fit, especially over my waist and lower tummy. I made the high waisted version which I can pull up to just above my belly button and its not constricting or uncomfortable.

    My first pair which were comfortable but just a tiny bit too tight to be as flattering as I hoped.

    I think a lot has to do with the fabric I used as well. I am a huge fan of lounge rib, it is so soft and luscious, its like having my legs wrapped in fluffy clouds. Clover and Co is one of my fave fabric suppliers to get printed lounge rib from as I love the quality and the range of designs is also really fabulous. Well worth a look. I have quite a few of their printed lounge rib designs and will be making my kids a bunch of long sleeve tees for winter from them.

    So all in all, I will definitely be making more of these. I want to make some from French terry for Winter as my track pants that I will likely live in for the next few months haha.

    Gallery:

  • Video Tutorial of The Brindle & Twig Drawstring Leggings

    Pattern: 22 – Drawstring Leggings
    Designer: Brindle & Twig
    Fabrics: Milk & Cookies – Wattle Hill Fabrics; Lounge Rib – Clover & Co Fabrics
    Skill: Beginner
    Materials & Notions: Meant for knit fabrics
    Machines: Overlock machine / Serger – If you don’t own one, you can use a small zig-zag stitch in place of the serged seam.

    The Wrap Up:

    The number 22 pattern from Brindle & Twig, the Drawstring Leggings, is a super cute and very easy pattern meant for medium weight knit fabrics. It comes in sizes preemie – 6T and is a great Unisex pattern. See the video tutorial below that goes through step by step how to put this pattern together. A great staple for those cooler months.