I had a couple of Questions about Designin’ December.
Do I have to copy a “high-end” Designer? Nope! If your taste leans towards something like these Nordstrom jeans – from Veronica Beard RTW at a cost of CAD $418.42 – make them!
I say … “Why buy when you can make it yourself – better and for less money?” Just show us your Designer Original photo and your Designer me-made Copy!
Another question – Do I have to sew it and post it in December? Nope! Inspiration strikes us all year round! Anytime during the year you might find your Designer Original and make your Designer me-made copy – make it, post it, let me know! I’ll save it for the fashion show in Designin’ December!
Don’t be shy now. If you have questions, ask away!
Now it’s time to update you on my Designin’ December me-made Copy. I decided long ago to copy this Designer Original … an Oscar de la Renta, Fall 2018.
I ran into a bit of a snag because I couldn’t believe that the pants were so PLAIN, but Sue of Fadanista came to the rescue and found a close up of the pants for me. I love the slits in the back of the pant legs!
I originally was going to use a Simplicity pattern from 1999 that I have used before, # 8740, but I thought I would pull out my self-drafted pants pattern that I drew up a while ago, after many fittings of my muslin, and give it a try instead!
I compared my self-drafted pants pattern with the Simplicity pattern pieces. There wasn’t much difference so I cut the pieces out using my self-drafted pattern pieces. It felt safe enough! We shall see how it turns out with this 100% cotton fabric.
Look at that, I even have matching thread in my stash!
Zipper attached, inner and side seams basted.
Approximately 100 fittings later – which meant trying them on, taking photos from all angles, examining the photos, picking the seams out, sewing them up again, and doing it all over and over again —
— I ended up really liking the fit on the RIGHT FRONT LEG and the LEFT BACK LEG!!! LOL I’m determined though … perhaps just one more fitting session is needed!
Of course, I had to pick apart my side seams along the top yet again to sew in the pockets! I cut the corners of my front leg pieces in the same shape as my pockets.
Pocket lining pieces attached.
The belt loops and waist band were attached.
The waist band inner facing was attached too. Then I picked it apart in a few spots so I could slip in the forgotten belt loops and sew it up again!
Last bit of machine sewing …
Next, the hand sewing is done.
Now for the slits in the back of the pant legs. I cut the 2″ hem off and an additional 5″ for the cuff.
I cut four pieces to make the two new 5″ cuffs.
They turned out nicely.
They were machine and hand sewed on.
Final photos? Nope! Not yet! Not until I can wear them with my Designer me-made Tunic Top!
How’s your Designin’ December me-made Copy coming along? Do tell! Any Questions? Just ask! If you would like to know more about the Challenge, click on – Designin’ December!
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Happy Sewing!
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First thought, I am not a big fan of the colour green but this is a lovely shade. You have more patience than I have ever had, I hate picking seams and resewing them. I think I would have quit after the first picking but your patience paid off, beautiful. Can’t wait for the top.
Thank you Rose! I love the colour too. I have worn store bought clothes that fit me terribly – now that I don’t buy from a store but make it myself I am determined to do better. My seam ripper is my BEST friend!!! 🙂
This outfit is going to look fantastic. I too love the slits at the back of the trousers – such a cool extra detail. I think it is so hard trying to copy a design from the catwalk as you often don’t get to see more that one view (the front) of the garment.
Thank you! I’m quite happy that Sue found the extra photos for me. It seems everything is always buried under tabs and hidden menus on Websites!
You really tweaked out a great fit on those pants, looking forward to seeing the final!
Thank you Kathy!
Great start! Eager to see how you tackle that top. 😉
Thanks! I’ve got the “appliqués” planned out. Now I’m working on the sleeve hems. Fingers crossed!
That is a great colour green. Im looking forward to seeing the finished pants. BTW, your thread stash is like my marker stash. Nice. 🤜😊
Thank you! (That’s only a third of it 😂 I’ve got two more trays full!)
Love the slits! I’m filing away the idea for a future pair of pants.
Thanks! They are pretty cool 😎
That shirt is so fabulous! I can’t wait to see what you come up with! I love the green–it’s so vivid which is perfect for pants, and the slit looks really cool!
Thank you! I’ve really enjoyed making this one and I think it’s going to get a lot of “mileage”. I love the green, don’t have any in my closet yet, but that’s going to change! I’ve just got the buttonholes left to do now… and find a good lighted place for photos!