My Swing Set Pants - Louise Cutting

Could these be the perfect pants pattern?  Pretty Darn Close!

This is Louise's latest release.

Louise is famous (and rightfully so) for her one seam pants.  I've made more pairs of that pattern than I can count.  This pattern is more fitted and has a side seam.  It still has the elastic waist (oh so comfortable).

I could hardly wait to try this new pant pattern.  It arrived in the mail on Friday and on Saturday (despite a cold that has taken hold of me) I went over the instructions.  She gives so much detail, and the illustrations are marvelous.  Then I found some fabric in the stash suitable for a muslin--and, hopefully, a wearable one.  Got most of the sewing done yesterday and finished them up this afternoon.

According to the measurement chart I fit almost exactly into the size small.  My hips measure just .5" smaller than the small, but the crot ch measurement was spot on.  I decided to go with the straight small.  I can't believe how well these pants look and feel. I do believe Louise is a magician.  This pattern was made for me!  Yea!!!!

I'm doing the Snoopy happy dance (in between nose blowing!).

from Google Images

V8793 - Katherine Tilton Zipper Collar

I do love this pattern, and I do love how this top turned out.  You may remember that this fabric from J's is a double fabric knit (cotton/rayon)--stripe on one side, dots on the other.  I think the colors came together very well.

As you can see, the back is the turquoise dot,

and the front is the pink dot.

It's not yet hemmed.  I need to take it in more on the sides.  Saphroni is larger than me now and it's even a bit big on her.  There's only one problem with the top..............with all the double thickness, it's too warm to wear this time of year in Texas.  Tomorrow, with 70 degrees, I'd be melting in this.  So, it may not get worn much until fall and winter lower the temperatures.  I may get lucky and get a day or two that will be chilly enough to wear comfortably before our spring is completely over.

But since I've fallen in love with this pattern, I must make another, from lighter knit.  I have some light knit solids in my stash, but nothing really to do this pattern justice, so, while I am trying to sew down the stash a bit, I'll have to find the right knit and purchase so I'll have a top I can wear before next winter.

While I didn't encounter any real problems with this pattern, sewing the collar was tedious.  With all the fabric layers, it was so bulky!  But, I do think it came out OK.  I used a pink zipper with the pink collar and a white zipper with the turquoise.  Those were the only ones in the stash that would work with these colors, and I like them just fine.

I should make the side seam alterations and get it hemmed tomorrow.  It will be ready in case I get to wear it any time soon.

Starting Over

with pants that is.

Since I have lost weight, it's time to start over fitting a pair to my slimmer shape.  It's a good/bad thing.  Good that I was successful in dropping some pounds; bad that fitting process must begin again.  All those jeans muslins made...........well..........that process will have to begin again also.  Oh well, the only thing constant is change, yes?

I perused my Burda magazines last night looking for a basic pant with a curved waistband that hit just below the waist.  I also wanted to try out the slimmer leg.  I found a good place to start with Burda #108 from the 8/2010 issue.  I gave up my sub to them a couple of years ago and haven't really missed it.  I can generally find something to use from my back issues.

Based on measurements, I cut a 38 with extra seam allowance at the (age-thickened) waist.  Cut a quick muslin today and with minor adjustments (had to take out some of the extra I had allowed at the waist), I think it's going to work just as it is.  I can't believe it!

Sorry I have no photos; it just wasn't a photo kind-a-day.  I translated the changes to the traced pattern and hung it in the closet to wait until I can find appropriate pant fabric in the stash to try it out in a wearable version to see if it really will work comfort wise, etc.

I really need some pants that fit nicely.  I went through the closet and filled a bag for the Genesis Center and the ones I used to pull out often were just too baggy these days.  A couple of pair I will try to alter; all others will hopefully find new homes soon from the Center.

I then cut out this Katherine Tilton top from fabric that I purchased yesterday from J's.  I have wanted to try this top for some time, but just never found fabric that I thought would work.

Yesterday I found a rayon/cotton knit that is double sided - dots on one side and stripes on the reverse.  I'm using a pink and aqua.  I hope it doesn't some out too clownish.  We'll see.  I had to really pay attention cutting the top with the different fabrics with two 'right' sides.  Stay tuned to see how this works out.

Waiting for me in the mail when I returned home yesterday was my order from Center for Pattern design.

I read over the pattern instructions today.  Now to find a suitable fabric to "try it out."  Won't likely get to that until next week.

All in all, it's been a good day.