Project Minima:

Sunday, September 9, 2018

My Dream Pants Come True

I was so excited to see this pattern for pants...finally


~ I just luv them to pieces ~

Why did it take so long for anyone to put a pattern out?   

I know, there are some old hammer-like ones out there, but that's not it.  I don't like the big pleated bagging in the middle.  Burda just released a pattern that came really close and I was ready to settle on burda 6358.


~ thank you, ma'am ~

Then, wham, Tina Givens dropped Candace pants and top pattern.   I was in.



~ just pulling up my pants here ~

I used a drawstring, rather than the 1" elastic band for the waist.  I always prefer a drawstring because then I can choose to wear it high-waisted or slung low on my hips.  Plus, it's a bit more decorative.  Here, I used some grosgrain ribbon I had on hand and added a cluster of mustard colored beads to the tie ends. 


~ it's so simple to make ~

Of course, I did make a few modifications.  But nothing major.



~ like in-seam pockets ~

I put pockets in the wings located on either side of the waist.  It seemed like a no-brainer.  Otherwise, it's just flaps in the wind, which is a nice design element - but why not use them too?  The pattern does call for a welt pocket in the body of the pant itself.  I opted for these 2 instead.



~ no cuff pants and ebay shoes ~

At the leg section, after trying them out, I eliminated the cuffs.  I already knew I wasn't going to use the 1" elastic in them (just don't care for the look and there didn't seem any purpose for it).  The cuffs seemed to exaggerate an unbalanced look somehow.  So I decided to finish the leg off with lace used as seam binding.  I like the way it kept it light and simple.



~ about that top ~

I made the top a long while ago from an old tablecloth.  As you might be able to tell, it was folded in half so there was a front and a back.  The middle section was cut half way up to be able to put it on and form a neckline.  Two side seams were sewn half way up from the hem to form sleeves. 


~ and that's the gist of it ~ 

The pattern of the tablecloth is what makes it, I think.  This was a small, square one with a smaller white square in the middle.  Not to mention the great print of a garden and gardeners.


I'll be at Patti and the Visibles at Not Dead Yet Style, Catherine's I Will Wear What I Like, and Cherie's Shoe and Tell when the all go live.  See you there.



   

25 comments:

  1. Yes! And walk up stairs, cross my legs, I can even exercise in them. Plus the leg holes are 22" in circumference so they can always be pulled up if need be - like if you want to do the splits.

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  2. Gee! I might want to do the splits but it ain’t happening. Heh. I love those pants and think of them as a skirt that’s joined in the middle of the hem. Very comfy and actually practical!

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    1. I agree, Louisa. Someone at school asked me how do you go to the bathroom in them?!!! I do believe it's the same way you go to the bathroom wearing your pants.

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  3. I self drafter a very similar pair recently see https://corecouture.wordpress.com/2018/08/28/holiday-legacy-1-step-in-skirt/ but added a tie between the front pockets so that the sides became pleats.
    Love your version with the kaftan top.

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    1. Hi Ruth, I'll have to check yours out. I was thinking of a similar thing with these, or another pair of them. One of my tablecloth dresses does something like that only with a button rather than ties.

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  4. Another great outfit. As was your previous one. I love the tablecloth jacket. What a great print and unusual colours. I'll give those pants a whirl. I think I can cobble something together without a pattern. Great idea to add the pockets. I love pockets in everything.

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    1. Yes, it's easy enough to do once you know the basic shape. Of course, you don't get to see a line drawing with Tina's patterns until you buy them. I've had this fabric in stash forever.

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  5. Those are very handsome. As is the top. I was drawn to that pattern, as I am always in the market for ....UNUSUAL trousers. The lack of a line drawing always bugs me though. I won't buy a pattern without one, I know me well enough.

    I looked at the photos, figured it out, realized I made myself a pair like this awhile back, and wore them last week. And looking at yours, I was right on the money. Key is lightweight fabric. Twill is too heavy for that much mass on an elastic waistband. They are waiting in the alterations pile to get a wider waistband for that 1.25" nonroll heavyweight elastic they need. Drawstring wasn't up to it. Nope.

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    1. I actually called TG to ask what fabric(s) were suggested for the pattern since it didn't look like linen and that's her usual choice. I was told plain old cotton. I chose quilting cotton which seemed to work great. If I hadn't inquired I probably would've gone with cotton sateen. Nevertheless, I'll probably try it out with jersey knit too. Oh, the places you'll go. Can't wait to see yours!

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  6. Lovely combination. The top is great!

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    1. Glad you like it, anna maria. Can't beat an old tablecloth for style.

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  7. the pants are fantastic and the top is just incredible, what a brilliant print. xxx

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    1. They finally met their match. I've had that tablecloth top made up for years!

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  8. You know I am all for unusually-shaped big pants! I like the way you did the pockets - it does seem a waste to have all that fabric on the side that's not useful. I love the top - it is the pattern that makes it.

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    1. Now those pants would be no problemo for a newish sewist to put together. I tell you, I want to make a zillion, I like them so much. Be on the look out for groovy small tablecloths.

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  9. Whoopity doopity doo! THAT is an outfit! Love big pants and that little topper is divine.

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    1. Who knew they were going to want to play together so well? This opens up a whole new venue for me - short tops!

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  10. This outfit is so wonderful that I came back to look at it again, and was shocked to discover I hadn't left a comment! I am very inspired (actually you are always inspiring) - and your holding-the-corners-up picture is almost as good as a line drawing, I think.

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    1. Yes, that one pix tells the whole story, more or less. I've made another pair, but have yet to take the photo, etc.

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    2. Oo, I shall look forward to seeing them when the time comes!

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    3. Me too, if I ever remember to get that photo-ing done.

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  11. Tablecloths! Yes!!! I once made pants from thick drapes. Perfect for cold climes. Your style is so very fun and I really enjoy seeing all your photos. I've been keeping my sewing machine busy with Tina Givens patterns and your interpretation is inspiring.

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    1. Actually, it's the top that's made from a tablecloth in this case. I'd luv to see your Tina Givens makes. In fact, I've got a group pinterest board called 'Tina Givens Makes' that you could post on. Just click on my pinterest sidebar to get there.

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    2. Hi Pao, LOVE both these pieces. The pants stripes are especially lovely with the shape of them.

      I'm not finding your Pinterest sidebar...am viewing this on a phone not a computer, so maybe that's the problem? Anyway, good stuff, so lovely to see how the Project has evolved. ;D

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    3. Hi Lisa, If you don't see my Pinterest sidebar, you can go to it directly: https://www.pinterest.com/otto0317/boards/

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