pants
May 5th, 2008
After a week (a week!) of nursing sick children I thought I would have a couple hours to sew on Saturday morning, but of course then I got it. crap. I had grand plans of conquering an actual pattern: simplicity 3835 (any advice welcome–has anyone lined this? can anyone tell me how to line this?). There were some angry and rushed attempts at garment making in high school with very homemade results, but now I’m ready to learn for real. These pj pants are from Amy Butler’s book “In Stitches” and were dead easy. Like sewing drawstring bags for your legs and about that flattering–when she says wide leg, she means wiiiiide leg. I have been meaning to make them ever since I found this fantastic sheet at a thrift store long ago. I think the idea of making pajamas from sheets came from soulemama. And when you are wearing them it really is like you never got out of bed! My sick self stayed in these pants all weekend long. I did manage one little project (from soulemama, the book).
another pair of pants! though much, much smaller and from a shirt. There are many more of these planned for the summer months. They are easy and comfy and just right for the playground. I have grand plans for making my kids’ clothes too. It doesn’t help seeing this and this and this. But I don’t have a clue as to how to sew clothes (unless it resembles a drawstring bag) so mostly I’m just dreaming.
Simplicity 3835 is my fave pattern! It is simple…you’ll love it!
That’s Marimekko fabric from the 1980’s that you made your pants of! I remember it from my child hood.
Hope you’re feeling better now! Getting all illnesses there is around is the not s fun part of having children…
Very nicely done! Hope you’re feeling more perky.
I love the prints (okay, stripes in one) on both pairs of those pants. I know how you feel about sewing clothes, but I’d say, just try it. Biggest thing I’ve learned: don’t rush the pinning and cutting out of the pattern. (which sometimes I’m apt to do!)
To line a pattern:
Make the pattern again out of your lining fabric, making sure it’s something slippery so the skirt doesn’t stick to your tights!
Remember – you don’t have to be all matchy with a lining – try a bright pattern or something lush and gorgeous – it will make you feel even better whilst wearing it…..
Depending on the pattern – put the right sides together, sew the seams that can be turned out correctly together, then turn the garment out and hem the remaining edges, or slip stitch to the seams.
Don’t forget to do things like catch the shoulder seams together with a couple of stitches, so the lining doesn’t move around.
That should get you some way towards a lining – it’s not a *professional* way, but it works for me!
Leah xxx
both pairs of pants are wonderful. i have been meaning to make the wide leg pants myself, i just can’t seem to get around to it.
i’m planning an attempt at simplicity 3835 myself, i’ve even picked out fabric for the top but haven’t gotten around to making it. i’ve also cut out fabric for the pants from in stitches but haven’t sewn them yet. i’m a shocker! i need to get over the clothes making doubt and just do it.
Your pant fabric looks like a favourite Marimekko dress I have (though it’s in pink). It’s gorgeous!
oh yeah, same story here. sick kids-they get better-now mom has it. ugh. your pants are so cute! love that fabric.
Hey, I’m planning on making the top from 3835 this weekend! Looks so cute and simple.
I love the pants (both!) and fabric :)
sorry you were sick, but those pants are so cute! I have some fabric to make them… but just haven’t had the guts to do it yet.
:)
Hiya, Meg,
That bottom sheet (or is it a dust ruffle?) in the top pic of this post looks like the sheets my mom had on her bed when I was a kid in Texas. Are they, indeed, vintage? If so, that is a) remarkable and b) a very fine choice.
Found you on Soule Mama’s blog today. Glad I did.
Cheers from Mississippi,
Amy
oooh, i love these little pants! great colors!
I have seen these pants that a few “friends” have made and they look so comfy. I must confess to being afraid to make a pair, for fear they’ll be so good that I’ll think they’re good enough to go out in!
I love those pants! If only I could sew :)