I couldn't wait to try this pattern out when the new Ottobre Woman (issue 2/2009) arrived! Ottobre now gives their patterns names, this one is called "Elegance" pants. I had some orange striped denim in my stash ready for a nice pair of elegant jeans, and this was the pattern that spoke to me :-)
I find that a shaped leg is more flattering on me than straight legged jeans and I love the wide hem at the bottom of the pants.
Darts (at the back) and a shaped waistband give a nice shape to the top. The best feature of all is that there is no chunky jeans zip at the front!
The front hip pockets are really interesting, like a bound button hole, it'll be interesting to see how they cope with wear and tear and how they sit during everyday movement. There is an invisible zip in the side seam of the pants. I followed the directions and put the zip on the left side but being a right hander I think I'd put the zip on the right hand side next time, I'm finding it a bit awkward to manage!
The inner waistband is bound with bias binding, made with a pretty yellow print in my scrap box. The wrong side of the fabric is a bit bright isn't it, LOL!
I only made a couple of modifications; I cut 8cm off the length of the pants (being petite) and had to fit the back of the pants by bringing it in 3cm at the centre back to cater for my sway back (or should that be my big butt ;-)) grading it gradually back to the centre back seam. I didn't sew on the back pockets, I thought the back would look better without them and I couldn't face trying to match the stripes :-P.
The front could be a bit more fitted, perhaps I should bring in the centre front seam a bit too. Sorry, not the best shot . Any suggestions?
Next time I'll choose better placement for the belt loops, I was trying to follow the design sketch but I'm not entirely happy, they're too close together at the side seams and not close enough at the front of the pants.
Despite these negative comments, I'm absolutely thrilled to have a new pair of more dressy jeans :-).
nice! I have to try this pattern.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work! I'll probably try these in the fall.
ReplyDeletewell done Linda....I dont make clothes for me anymore...too many curves/bulges to work around...LOL....but sure do admire people who can...hugs Khris
ReplyDeleteThese look nice. Not sure how to improve the front ... hopefully someone else will have some ideas!
ReplyDeleteLinda.....wow you did a great job on these..your stitching is perfect!
ReplyDeleteAbout the front fitting issue..and it's not very apparent..the fit is pretty darn perfect...anyway.....
Yes, it appears that the CF seam may need to be sewn at a bit of an angle like this /
OR...if that seam is somewhat curved like this ( ...just straighten it.