My Pantsophobia is CURED!!!!!

Well what a successful pants-making weekend!

I started out on Saturday morning with three possible patterns...

The obvious choice would be the Gertie pattern in the middle, since I could cut it to my size.  But no, I decided on the vintage pattern on the right.  It wasn't my size but it wasn't out by much so I figured I'd go for it.  Besides, the shape at the bottom of the leg is interesting.

I started by tracing the pattern and adding what I thought I needed at the waist and hips.  Then I took out a vintage bedsheet that someone had given me (I can't use it for anything else due to the mildew stains that I can't get out) and cut out a muslin and sewed it up.  Here is what I ended up with...

Excuse the nasty selfie and the complete lack of hair and makeup

Well the waist fit just fine, but the hips!!!  They looked like an old fashioned pair of jodphurs!!!

I got out the pins and started work on one of the legs.  I couldn't take both the front and the back in the same because the seam would be in the wrong place.  Instead I had to take a heap out of the back piece, and some out of the front around my belly.  I drew some lines where the pins were, cut the seams apart trimmed to my texta lines, then layed the adjusted fabric over the paper pattern.  I then cut the pattern to match the fabric (plus seam allowance)

See how much I removed from the back hip and thigh area!!

Then I got to cut out my fashion fabric!  I chose the fabulous lilac and black plaid fabric that I purchased whilst on holidays in LA for $2/yd.

So then not only was I challenging myself by making pants, I was challenging myself to match up the plaid pattern!

Honestly they went together easily!  I drafted up a waistband and put that on too.  And I added a metal zipper to the left side that goes all the way to the top of the waistband (new technique to me that I made up as I was going along)(and yes I know that I owe you guys a zipper tutorial).  After that I put them on and realised I had to make one more adjustment.

Yes, when I sat down I realised that the pants were a leeeeeetle bit tight around the calves.  Poo!  So there went the lovely decorative edging.  Instead I just hemmed them and put a 2" split in the outside seam.  Problem solved.

And here they are.

I want to say two things about this photo:

a) how good is my plaid matching!!!!!

b) I promise never EVER to complain about the size and shape of my butt again!!!!

Wait - three things...

c) crap my hair is so long!!!!

 Hubby's only comment is that they aren't as tight as my normal pants.  My response was that since its not stretch fabric, I need to have space to walk and sit.  They are amazingly comfortable actually, and I'm looking forward to getting out some better quality fabric making a few more pairs.

I never thought I would say that!

Anyone else have pantsophobia???

Beccie
xxx