carrotflowers

Made: pants from Start Walking, toddler book

Project Notes: This is the second pattern I’ve made from my Start Walking (translation) Japanese pattern book. The pattern used a technique I’d hitherto not seen for making the casing. Essentially, you leave a space on the side seam, sew a securing rectangle around the gap, and fold over the top, and sew that down. It means the hole for the casing is not cut edges, and is additionally strengthened by the stitching around it. I really like the technique, although I botched it a bit this first time. I’ve used it since, and figured out that the trick was to sew the securing rectangle a small space after the gap.

I also altered the pattern by adding an inch or so of length, after consulting a current pair of my son’s pants & guessing they would be too short. In fact these pants are now a tad short on him. Otherwise the fit seems right though.

Mistakes/Complications: The fabric I used was a very thick, wide wale cord. It was a total nightmare in terms of slippage. Really horrifying. Such an unpleasant experience that afterwards I sought advice and got a walking foot for my machine. Even the foot doesn’t keep it from becoming at least a little unaligned. This cord is tough stuff! Other than the casing not being quite right as I described above, this pattern was a breeze.

Notes for Next Time: I used a fabric that was at least part linen for the pocket. The flaps of the pocket, upon being washed, got really wrinkly every time and wouldn’t lie flat. I ended up taking them off. I’d skip them altogether next time, or sew them down, if I bother to add them.

Made: elastic pants from Pants de Go

Project Notes: These pants were super easy to make! They also fit pretty well. I can’t wait to try trickier stuff from this book. I used a thin cord so they probably won’t last too long.

Mistakes/Complications: I added patch pockets, something not on the pattern. I used a contrasting corduroy for the pocket’s outer, but a patterned cotton for the lining. Cord & cotton don’t play that nicely together and as a result, the lining peeks out a little. Boo! I’d pin more next time, but now I’ve got a walking foot I’m probably ok.

Notes for Next Time: Now that I’ve worn these for a few months, I would probably try narrowing the legs a little if I make this pattern again, which I suspect I will! Very comfy pair of pants.

Made: Ringo pants from Ottobre 1/2008

Project Notes: These pants did not go so well. They looked very nice in the end, however and I might make it again. Sadly they are also already too small for V. I tried the one leg inside the other method for these pants, and it worked great.

Mistakes/Complications: The waistband was the biggest issue. First I realized that I had traced the pattern piece incorrectly, it was way too short. But when I did it correctly, and sewed it together it was waaay too long. I had to fudge it to get it to fit, and it ended up looking a little off. Actually the pants were just too loose, but too short - I had to take in the side seams and the darts, and in the end I just added a button so that the band could be closed more tightly.

Notes for Next Time: Next time, if I make it again, I’ll try measuring his waist and compare that to the waistband before I sew. They are flattering looking pants, but I don’t know if I’m going to try it again.

Made: ottobre outfit

“Suzette” sash pants sans sash & the Maya top

Project Notes: This set was made for a friend’s daughter. The buttons are self-covered. The patterns are Ottobre Design, both from the first issue of 2008. The pants are drafted with belt loops and a sash but I skipped those for simplicity’s sake, and because I thought the sash was overkill (at least in this version, with my already busy fabric choices).

Mistakes/Complications: Well, these pants threw me for a loop. Every 2 out of three seams it felt like I ended up undoing. Matching pieces up wrong, sewing on the wrong side so that one crotch seam was in and the other seam the stitching was out, instead of the stitching both being in. Dumb but reversible mistakes. I cleverly sought advice on the pants after I’d made them. Turns out this is the sort of pattern where you sew the inseams and side seams, then put one leg in the other and sew the crotch, as demonstrated in this tutorial. I just winged it the best I could, and in the end it turned out ok. The pants also seemed waaay too wide in the waist so I ended up taking in the elastic twice. I also didn’t quite get how to do the leg bottoms’ elastic. I did each leg differently; one seemed better than the other but now I don’t remember what I did. I’m waiting to long to type up my notes and defeating the purpose of my sewing journal!

Notes for Next Time: Well, I think the top was a bit short and wide - this is a sort of common flaw with the Ottobre patterns, in my opinion. So next time I’d take it in a little and add to the lengthen. It might also be fun to add a band to the bottom, maybe in fabric matching the binding. About the pants - they were just way loose in the waist, just something to keep in mind. It might be fun to add a little detail to the join in the pants - maybe ribbon or rick rack going around?

tutorial for wrap pants

These are way cool! Tute here.

Want to make: toddler pants

I just found this tutorial on making pants for kids. Added to my to do list!