I’ve had this post in drafts since the end of April, not quite sure of whether or not to post it. I’m not raving about this pattern – but I think it’s just because it doesn’t suit me the way I was wanting it to. It’s a case of great pattern – but on someone else! Anyway, here it is, with all my doubts.
My first foray into using Pattern Fantastique patterns – I’ve liked the asthetic of this company for a while, but only bought some patterns this year! I jumped for the Terra Pants and Phen Shirt just after the Phen was released – I love how they look together! When I was finally inspired to make something for me again, I thought I’d start with the pants. I also thought these would be a good idea for Daughter No2, I’m sure she could carry these off with ease! She’s already given the nod to the shirt.
Going by the measurement chart, I traced the 12 and 14, and toiled the 14 with no adjustments. I used some cream curtain lining, thinking the pattern needed a fabric with body to hold the shape and the pleat. I’m not sure whether it was the colour or the body of the lining, but I suddenly wasn’t quite so sure I liked the pants when I was finished with the toile! Feeling a little blah, I put them in the naughty corner and faffed around with other things.
But I couldn’t get them out of my head – there must be a way to make them work – I still really liked how they looked on other people. Putting them on again, I thought that perhaps I could go down a size on the legs, that would narrow them on each side seam by about a centimetre. I also made an adjustment to the centre back seam which improved the fit across the bum. But still not 100% certain. I really didn’t want to waste fabric on something I might not like afterwards.
Eventually, it was at a sewing session with a couple of friends that it all came together. I was faffing with the pattern, reducing the side seams down to the 12, when I thought I’d pu the toile on again and ask their opinions. To my complete surprise, they all liked the pants! The colour needed to be looked past, but they all assured me they looked good and just go ahead! So I took a deep breath and went for it! My fabric is a very dark lightweight stretch denim that I bought from Truro Fabrics many years ago.
The pattern is easy to follow and the instructions clear. The fly zip is inserted in a manner I’ve never used before, but it’s not confusing (just read the instructions carefully!) and results in a good finish. I just need to reverse the instructions so that the opening is on the other side. I cannot get used to the zip and button being on the “wrong” side. Aside from the adjustment in the centre back seam, I made no other changes. This version has the patch pockets on the back and the turn-ups.
I made them to sit on the waist, but apparently if you size up, you can make them to sit lower on the hip. That might be an idea for next time, I find they’re a little on the snug side! Which contrasts massively with the fullness in the leg – which is something I just can’t get over. They just don’t look right on me. I think it’s the combination of the balloon legs and the cropped length, round pants… Possibly in a fabric with even less body, and maybe if I size down in the legs and up in the waist I’d get something I prefer, but I’m not sure I’m willing to waste fabric to find out. I know the girls would look brilliant in these – but is that just because they’re slim?
I’m keen to hear from someone else who’d make the 12/14/16 size and who is around 1.6m tall – have you made them? Do you like them on you? I’m honestly thinking of unpicking these and making something else from the fabric, saving and reusing the pockets – of course!
THE COMPULSIVE SEAMSTRESS 