I've been wanting to move my blog away from Blogspot for a while but could never be bothered to actually do it. This week was the tipping point though, and I've now fully migrated over to https://patsypoomakes.wordpress.com/ . The blogspot address will remain here but all new posts will only appear at https://patsypoomakes.wordpress.com/ . There are lots of reasons for the move but my biggest one is how hard Blogger has made it for people to subscribe to receive new posts via email. It's such a basic requirement but apparently, they think it's too much to offer. I'm basing this purely on how I myself prefer to consume this stuff. I can't be arsed with feed readers anymore and emails are easy and convenient. When I receive one, if I fancy reading it, I will click through to it and, if not, I'll just delete it. Another reason is the spat between Google (owners of Blogger) and Instagram/Facebook/Meta. I don't even know if this is still the case anymore
That's right, people! I. Made. Trousers. TROUSERS! T-R-O-U-S-E-E-E-E-E-R-S!!!
Trousers that stay on and everything. Trousers that I'm proud to wear outside the house! That's right. I made trousers and they are a success.
I have wanted to make some loose fitting trousers for myself for quite some time now. It was actually on my list of things to tackle last year. I even bought the fabric. But it never happened. Among other things, I hadn't found a pattern I liked enough yet.
However, the universe works in mysterious ways and it came to pass that a couple of months ago, I got the email from Sew Over It telling me they'd launched an online trouser-making workshop. I signed up immediately.
The class gives you TWO patterns: the Ultimate Trousers, which have been around for a while; and the Carrie Trousers, which are exclusive to the online class. And whaddya know, they're *exactly* the kind of pattern I was looking for. Loose fitting, no complicated closures but with the addition of pleats and pockets; keeping it interesting and helping it stay well away from tracky bottoms territory.
Look how gorgeous it looks around the waist. The pleats really make these trousers.
Construction is very straight forward. The online class explains all the steps and the videos are very short, making it easy to search and watch for specific bits if you don't want to watch the whole thing. Lisa is great on TV? Video? On screen? Anyway, I love her YouTube channel and look forward to all of her weekly videos. Plus, she is really good at imparting knowledge (oooo, we're going with the fancy words today). All the explanations have been really clear to me. I highly recommend it.
This blue fabric is just a lightweight cotton. Very comfy to wear and easy to sew with. The print is so pretty as well.
The fit and shape of these trousers is perfect. I've never had trousers like this before but I've made 3 so far and I love them all. I cut a straight size 10 and made no alterations at all. The only minor issue I had is that it's a little tight around the calves. I suspect my calves are slightly bulkier than most though. Very muscly. So for the second pair I sewed a 1cm seam allowance below the knee instead of 1.5cm and that fixed it.
These are my second pair. The fabric is a very, very, very slippery and slinky polyester which is probably more suited for lining. But you live and learn, I guess, and I've learned the hard way.
I love how soft it is. It doesn't press very well, which consequently means it doesn't crease. Great for practicality and life, but a pain for actually sewing with. What I'm really peeved off about is how it's already falling apart! Look!
And before anyone starts to think that it's wear and tear, pulling on the elastic, etc... It isn't! It was already like this after pressing. I guess it's just too delicate a fabric for this kind of garment. Or maybe it's just rubbish... I don't know. Anyway, I'll still wear it around the house but now I want another big, bold, flowery and drapey fabric like this to make similar trousers again.
I don't have any photos of the 3rd pair yet but they'll come soon. I also haven't watched the Ultimate Trousers bit of the workshop yet. I think I might attempt fitted trousers after the kids go back to school.
I hope you're all having a good summer. Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!