Well there wasn’t much time for sewing, my sister came for a visit! I had my pants finished in advance so that we could laze around all weekend. Well, except for the 5 km walk/jog we did. My two sisters and I did the CIBC Run for the Cure Sunday. It wasn’t too hot and it wasn’t too cold and it was extremely uplifting to see all the participants and breast cancer survivors, some survivors announcing on their T shirts “18 years cancer free”. Fabulous!
I was going to use my vintage pattern, Simplicity 8740, for my pants, then I realized that my pants sloper was pretty much the same type of pattern piece as the pants pattern and so, I used my sloper instead.
The fabric was called “Aristocrat Solid”, 88% polyester and 12% spandex, with a soft drape – one of the fabrics I bought during my last trip to Vancouver.
To put the elastic in my waist band, I sewed both ends of my elastic together.
I put a mark at the centre front and back and each side of my elastic.
I pinned the marks to their corresponding front and back and side seams…
and sewed my elastic on to my pants waistband – stretching the elastic between the marks.
Oops! Before I forget, this is something I wish I hadn’t done now. I sewed down the seam allowance from when I attached my waistband to my pants. I had pressed it earlier but it kept popping up. I thought it was a good idea to sew it down at the time, but I’ll explain later why it was not.
Back to business, I folded the waistband over to the inside, enclosing the elastic, and sewed the waistband down.
Here’s the finished waist band with enclosed elastic from the right side. See! I shouldn’t have sewed down that seam allowance (duh!) because now you can see TWO rows of stitching, not just the one. Oh well, it’s easy enough to pick out, I guess!
Oh how I love the blind hem stitch and foot on my machine – almost invisible stitches and what is visible is neat and orderly! (can you see the dots of thread?)
Time for some modelling shots, with my sister behind the camera. I have help taking blog photos for a change!
The whole time we were out on the deck, Simon had his little nose pressed up against the glass – howling to be let out.
How can you resist that face! So I let him out on the deck.
Oh a couple of things before I go, I want to say “Thank you” to my sister, my “foot-ographer”. She did an excellent job – after I deleted all the HILARIOUS RIDICULOUSLY GOOFY SHOTS, I was left with the ones I used. 🙂
After I finished looking at the shots above, I realized that I didn’t like the fit of my pants, so after some fussing – mostly tightening up the waist band elastic – I took these two shots. They definitely feel better now, but what do you think? Should I take in some more at the side seams? Any suggestions?
Hmm, I think it’s time for another session of measuring and cutting and sewing a new pants sloper – my body seems to have shifted a bit here and there! (Maybe it’s those 5 km walks/jogs?) Do you feel like every time you make a pattern, the second time around there is still some adjusting to do? Or is it just me?
Happy Sewing!
Your pants are too big, love. Back to the drawing board. Cut that pattern down and keep up the walking. Show off that trim rear end and legs.
Hahaha. I could just kiss you! This is my favourite comment ever! 😘👍
It’s definitely not just you!
The fit looks better – just what you prefer really
Well I’m glad I’m not the only one! I hope everyone has to adjust to a smaller size – or bigger, if that’s what you are working towards!
Your pants look just fine to me (IMHO). I think it’s only fair that you show us the HILARIOUSLY GOOFY PICS as well 🙂
Now why did I just KNOW that you would say that!
Well done on shrinking 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I find the pattern need tweaking no but I’m still wearing the clothes from the said pattern which seem ok. What’s that all about?! 😀
Haha, thank you! Yes, I know exactly what you mean. I think that’s what happened here. I still wear the other pants I have made from this sloper. It should fit. Is this fabric different than the others? I know that my body can fluctuate from day to day, am I having a really skinny day? 😂 Am I treating my “me made” clothes like the RTW ones I used to wear – some fit better than other’s so I just live with it? It’s so strange! Always a learning experience!
I always have to adjust the fit second time around.
All that exercise makes a big difference too.
We are such changeable creatures, aren’t we! Nice to know I’m not the only one with a sloper that doesn’t fit anymore!
You could take them in a bit more but then again it depends how big they feel, if they do. By the time I’ve gone round to make a modified pattern again, my body seems to have changed or refusing to cooperate with the existing measurements so more tweaking is required, it’s a vicious circle 😄😄
I’m going to try taking in the sides some more on these. But another pair of pants is on the “sewing to do” list so I think a complete muslin is in order first. Your right… A vicious circle! 😖😂
Yes they are a bit big. I think as long as you have the ease to sit down comfortably you can assume you need to adjust that pattern! Looking good though 😃
It’s a beautiful fabric. Very velvety actually. So I am going to try once more to take them in. I should be fine for ease because of the spandex in them, but I don’t want them skin tight! I think I am going to have to start from scratch with my next pair of pants.
I agree with everyone else, you are definitely too slim for those trousers!! Apart from that minor fit issue they look great, and well done on the run.
Thank you for all the compliments! The trousers are a definite “redo”! 😃👍
Very nice. I love our (Janome) blind hem foot too! That black flange just makes life so much easier 🙂
I agree! 😍
Elasticated waist trousers always seem to me to be more casual. When you wore them on the run I’m guessing you wore them with trainers? Maybe this fabric and shape suit casual shoes more?? And yes, the different fabric and sewing up off a different pair can definitely cause different sizing, it’s not your imagination. I have one pair off rtw formal trousers with an elasticated back that I have altered at least 3 times in an attempt to get rid of a saggy bum!!!
I’m glad I’m not the only one! And if I have the same problem as you with pants fitting (sorry trouser fitting), at least I am in “educated” company… because you really know your stuff!!!
Thank you Linda. I think the pant/trouser fitting thing is worldwide!!
I find pretty much every time I make trousers I end up adjusting them slightly differently – one day we will get a definitive pair!
I am not alone! I hope for that definitive pair too… someday!
You can really be proud of your weekeend accomplishments! (And of your gorgeous cat)
Thank you! It certainly is a wonderful experience doing the Run for the Cure fundraising run/walk. 😃
I think your pants look great. It also depends on how they feel when you sit down. I like your “foot-ographer”
Thank you. They feel a little loose. I’ll have to tighten them up! Yes, my “foot-ograher” is quite helpful around the house. Too bad she can only visit occasionally!
love it… 🙂 great job..
Thank you!