Inspiration...Wide Legged Pants

 I really like the look of these pants.  The wide leg would be comfortable.  Here is the first glance:

This is the Linen-Cotton Twill Wide Legged Pant by Polo Ralph Lauren. Price tag: $398.00.  Details:  high rise sits high on the hip, flat front, side slant pockets, back buttoned welt pockets, full length, wide legs, zip fly, belt loops, linen/cotton, dry clean.

I love that these pants are styled with a casual shoe.  Here is the pattern that I would use to recreate:

This is the Hollywood Trousers by Liesl & Co.  They are a fitted, moderately high-waisted, wide legged pant pattern.  The only thing missing is the welt pockets but that is an easy detail to add.

The linen/cotton twill might be a hard combination to find.  However, there are lots of twill blends available.  Both Mood and Califabrics has many variations of a twill blend.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tweed Pants

 We will stick with the tweed clothing for a bit.  Here is a beautiful pair of tweed pants:

This is the Donegal Tweed Gates Pants by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $998.00.  Details:  full through hip and thigh, sits at waist, zip front, full length, slant pocket and back welt pockets, back waist dart, high rise.

This is just a wonderful looking pair of pants.  Tweed is a fabulous fabric.  Here is the perfect pattern:

This is the Liesl & Co Hollywood Trousers pattern. This pattern is an almost perfect fit for the inspiration photo.  Just add the back welt pockets and you are done.

This will make part of a wonderful suit if you are so inclined.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cigarette Pants

 ...and I thought wide legged pants were going to continue.  Here is a pair of cigarette pants:

This is the Manhattan Cotton Twill Cigarette Pants by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $698.00.  Details:  flat front, side slant pockets, back welt pockets, side slit hems, cropped at ankle, slim tapered legs, fly zip, belt loops, rise approximately 10 1/4-inches, 29-inch inseam.

This is a very neutral outfit to take you right into fall.  Now, what patterns would be best?  I can think of two but neither are perfect but would get the look.  Here are the options:

This is the Seamwork Clover Pants.  You get the overall look of the Cigarette Pants just not all the details.

This is the Love Notions Sabrina Slims.  Again, you can achieve the look but not all the details.

I think there is plenty to think about here.  What do you think about the Cigarette Pants?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Blazer and Wide Leg Pants

 This week's inspiration is a blazer and wide leg pants. 

This is the Tailored Seaming Linen Blazer - Cross Dyed from Talbots.  Price tag: $189.00. Details: long sleeve, hits at hip, button front closure, patch pockets, lined.

This is the Greenwich Wide Legged Linen Pants - Cross Dyed from Talbots. Price tag: $139.00. Details: flat front trouser, wide leg, fits high waist, full length, fly front with button closure, front on seam pockets, back welt pocks.

This is such a wonderful outfit.  If I was working in an office, I would have already purchased this outfit.  I will admit that the color of the cross-dyed linen is probably responsible.  How about patterns:

Jacket/Blazer:

This is the Jasika Blazer pdf pattern by Closet Core Patterns.  The only thing missing here is the patch pockets.  The collar shape is a little bit different as well.

This is Simplicity 8433.  This is a vintage design from the 90s. A fairly good match to the inspiration photo.  The collar is a little bit different.

Now for the pants:

This is Vogue 2037.  The pants appear to be very similar to the inspiration photo with the exception that they do not look high waisted.  That is easy to fix by added the appropriate length all the way around.  If you like the other two pieces in the pattern, then you have a bonus.

This is Simplicity 3073.  The pattern includes a jacket and pants.  With the exception of back welt pockets, the pants are fairly spot on for the inspiraton photo. 

Hope you are inspired to create something really nice.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Menswear Pants

 This inspiration post is for a very basic item.  This is a menswear style pant:

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Menswear Stretch Wool Pants.  Price tag: $348.00.  Details:  flat front; slim, straight legs; tab/zip front; wool spandex; dry clean.  

I am the first to admit that if you can get a nice fit in a pants pattern, that you are a winner.  One basic pair of pants like the pair shown here and you can make as many pair of pants as you want by just changing the type of fabrics.  Design details can be added.  Here is a couple of patterns to consider:

This is the Liesl & Co Hollywood Trousers pattern.  This pattern has a little bit wider leg but you can make changes during fitting.  The pattern has side pockets which I do not think that the inspiration photo has pockets.  Again, this is a style detail that you can keep or delete.  

This is the Liesl & Co Peckham Women's Trousers pattern.  This pant is a little more causal than the pattern above but has a few more design details.  

I have both of these patterns and really need to work on getting both of them fitting.  Honestly, I would much rather sew than fit but it is very rewarding to get a basic pattern fitted and then sew over and over.  Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Flannel Pants and Houndstooth Jacket

 In the winter, I tend to wear a lot pants.  This outfit caught my eye.  It is a perfect outfit for going to work.

This is The Sophia Straight Pant in Flannel by Anne Taylor.  Price tag: $109.00.  Details: straight leg with slim fit, front zip with hook & eye bar closure, front off-seam pockets, back besom pockets, lined, 17" leg opening, mid-rise sitting about 2-1/4" below waist, polyester-viscose-spandex fabric, machine washable.

This is Houndstooth Tweed Jacket by Anne Taylor.  Price tag: $189.00.  Details: split-hem, crew neck, long functional button sleeves, button front, button welt pockets at chest and waist, back vent, lined, 27-inches long, hips at hip.

Now, for patterns.  I found this pattern for pants:

This is the Butterick B6526.  I think the pant is very close to the look but not perfect.  

This is Vogue V1992.  The jacket is similar without the split hem.  You might even use the pant pattern. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

New Itch to Stitch Jean Pattern...

Itch to Stitch newest pattern is an on-trend jean.  Here is line drawing for the Bellville Jean pdf pattern:

The jeans offer the following features:

• High rise
• Above-ankle length
• Darts at knees and front hem
• Classic five-pocket design
• Pocket stay to keep pockets in place and trim the tummy
• Designed for non-stretch bottomweight fabric

Check out the fabulous versions of the jeans made by the testers on the blog.  The pdf pattern will be on sale through April 8, 2024.  The volume discount still applies. 

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.  If you purchased through one of my links, I will receive a small commission.  Thank you!

Hope you are inspired to create some new jeans.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Linen Pants

 How about spring/summer pants?  I have shown many tops but here is a cute little pant:

This is the Eileen Fisher Pleated Cropped Organic Linen Lantern Pants.  Price tag: $188.00.  Details: approximately 28-inch inseam, mid-rise sits high on hips,  elasticized waist, front pleats, on-seam pockets, cropped at ankles, tapered straight legs, pull-on style, organic linen, machine wash.

I really think it is the color that I am drawn to on this pants.  I had a similar pair last year and loved them.  I used the Love Notions Allegro Pant pattern.  Love everything about them.  The silhouette is a little bit different.

Here is a similar silhouette:

This Simplicity pattern seems to look a lot like the inspiration photo.  Maybe it does not have the same amount of ease.  You could increase the ease if you chose to.

Inspiration...Denim Pants

 I am not sure about the short length of these pants but I like the idea of a pair of denim pants being brightly colored:

This is the Maru Hello Sunshine Print Denim Pants by Akris Punto.  Price tag: $595.00.  Details:  button/zip fly, belt loops, 5 pocket style, straight legs, full length, semi-fitted, cotton elastine, lined with cotton.  

I would think that any jean pattern that you have already fitted will work here.  These pants look like they have a high waist to me.  Here are a couple of suggestions:

This is the Ginger Jeans by Closet Core.  I think the View B for the hips, and View A for the legs would be perfect.

The Tessa Jeans pdf pattern by Seamwork (affiliate link).   These are a high rise pant with relaxed leg.

Of course, there are many, many jeans patterns around.  Pick your favorite and have fun. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Ponte Pants

 Everyone needs a good pair of pants to wear for daily wear and I think this pair hits the spot:

This is Eileen Fisher Cropped Tapered Flex Ponte Pants. Price tag: $198.00.  Details: Approximately 26 1/2" inseam, flat front, mid-rise sits on high hip, cropped at ankle, tapered legs, pull-on style, tencel lyocell/nylon/polyamide/elastane, machine wash cold.  For reference, model is 5'10".

I found a couple of patterns that may work to duplicate this pant:

This is a Silhouette Pants Slim 4-Piece Yoga Pant.  

This is Silhouette Patterns Modern Align Yoga Pant.

Both of these patterns are a slim pull-on type pant that have a similar look to the inspiration pattern.  I think that the first one has a slimmer leg than the second one.  I think finding a similar fabric to the Eileen Fisher pant will be key in this recreation.  

I looked around at fabric a bit. Here is what I found:

1. Blue Moon Fabrics - Indulgent Tencel Spandex Fabric.  This fabric is heavier.  I would order a swatch before ordering fabric because there are no returns.

2, Blue Moon Fabrics - Embody Tencil Locell Spandex Rib Jersey Fabric.  This fabric is lighter weight than item 1 but it still might be heavy enough for pants.  Order a swatch and see what you think.

3.  Nature's Fabrics - Tencel/Spandex Jersey fabric.  This is the lightest weight of the three fabrics. Order a swatch.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Wide Legged Pants

 I am so happy that wide legged pants are making an appearance.  Here is a great plaid pair:

This is the Westbourne Wide-Legged Pants from Boden.  Price tag: $140.00.  Details:  fit through waist and hip with wide leg, full length, side pockets, back jetted pockets, button fastening at center front with zip fly.    (Jetted pockets appear to welted pockets.)

This is a great overall outfit.  My first thought of a pant pattern is:

This is the Liesl & Co Peckham Women's Trousers pdf or pattern pattern.  These pants have just a little bit of elastic at the sides which is different than the inspiration photo.  Here is another option:

This is the Liesl & Co Hollywood Trousers pdf pattern. This is a classic trouser pattern.  This pattern does not have the welt pocket and you would need to add it. 

While we are at it, we might as well make a complete outfit.  Here is the top pattern:

This is the Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pdf or paper pattern.  This is my favorite shirt pattern.

If you want to take it a step further, you might add a jacket for a suit like effect:

This is the Closet Core Jasika Jacket pattern.  It is a classic blazer pattern that would look good with anything you want to pair with it - jeans, trousers, skirts.

If you go to the Boden website, you will find lots of inspiration for either the pants or shirt.  Did you know Boden states on their website "Buy better, buy less, wear more." .  That is a good idea for those buying or sewing.  Just something to consider.  

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration... Flared Ankle Pants

 As the cooler weather approaches, I know that I won't be wearing as many dresses.  I need to start looking toward either long skirts/dresses or pants.  Today, it is pants:

This is The Flared Ankle Pant by Ann Taylor.  Price tag: $98.00.  Details:  High-waisted (1/2 to 1-inch below waist), tailored and fitted, hits at ankle with 27-inch inseam and 17 3/4-inch leg opening, polyester/viscose/elastane, machine washable.

When I saw these pants, my first thought was this pattern:

 

This is Simplicity 9376.  I thought of this pattern really because of the front pintuck.  I have this pattern and think it would work well.  It is a pull on pant as well.  

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful. 

Happy Stitching!

On Trend Patterns...

 Have you ever noticed that it seems to be difficult to find patterns that are very similar to what is currently being offered in RTW?  If you're lucky, you can find an OOP pattern that will match fairly closely.  Here is a pattern that is on trend for fall:

This is Butterick 6933.  Very much on trend for the matching trouser and jacket.  I am not sure about the skirt.

I would add a matching or coordinating straight skirt to this look.  Especially, if I was working in an office environment.  Here is a good example:

This is the Liesl & Co Extra-Sharp Pencil Shirt.  The patterns I have made from this company have all been well drafted.  This is not a classic example as it has a bias side panel on it.  Here is another example:

This is a freebie straight skirt pattern, folks.  

Remember a straight skirt that it pegged just a little bit at the hem, has a better look than a straight skirt.  

Well, this kinda turned on trend to capsule wardrobe.  Honestly with this type of patterns, you could make a whole wardrobe.  Think five pair of pants (make that fitting time worth your time), five skirts, two or three jackets.  If you are really ambitious, you could make three piece suits.  Just need some classic blouse patterns.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful.

Happy Stitching!

More Fabric...

 I have been trying really hard not to purchase anymore fabric but sometimes I just can not resist.  Here are the latest purchases:

I purchased 2 yards of the denim jacquard.  I just love this type of fabric.  This is enough for a pair of pants or a dress.  It could end up as the Love Notions Duet Trousers or New Look 6500 shift dress.  Only time will tell.  Care: Machine Wash Cold, tumble dry low.

This is a moisture wicking athletic knit in dusty pink.  I purchased one yard and it is an extra wide fabric.  This is enough for a top.  I just could not resist this color.  Care: machine wash cold, tumble dry low.

I guess that is enough of my confessions for now.  All I know is I need to sew sew sew.

Happy Stitching!

itch to Stitch...Icaria Pants

 Itch to Stitch new Icaria Pants are a great looking pull-on pant.  The pdf pattern will be on sale through July 10th.  Here is the line drawings:

This pant has the following options:

• pull-on elastic waist
• sits at natural waist
• two length options with the ability to further shorten or lengthen
• front slant pockets
• wide legs with relaxed fit
• designed for fluid woven fabrics

This pattern comes in sizes 00-40 and is rated beginner +.  Here is an idea of the type of fabric: rayon twill, crepe, tencel  twill.

Check out the Icaria Pant blog post to see the many variations made by the testers.

I am an Itch to Stitch affiliate.   Any purchases made through a link on this page will result in a small commission to me at no cost to you.  All purchasing discounts still apply.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Allegro Bottom Pants and Phoebe Tank...

 The final bit of sewing for the month of April.  Another pair of Allegro Bottoms pants in linen and another Phoebe Tank.  There is certainly something to be said about fitting a pattern and using it more than once.  It makes sewing much more enjoyable and satisfying.  Here is the Allegro Bottoms in a navy linen:

Here is the Phoebe Tank is a shade of blue linen:

I actually purchased these two linens to go together but I do not think I will wear them together.  I suppose that makes this tank an orphan.  The pants are such a great neutral that they will never be an orphan.  I guess we will see in the future what I find to go with this tank.  This will be the last Phoebe tank this year unless I decide to make it into a dress.

Happy Stitching!

Love Notions Allegro Bottoms Pants...

 The Allegro Bottoms Pants pattern by Love Notions is probably the most sewn pant pattern I have now.  I lost enough weight over the winter that my pattern needed to be reworked.  I had a hard time deciding what size to make.  Finally, I decided that the size 14 would be the best option after watching part of a sewing class that I purchased from Love Notions and listening to her advice on how to select a size.

Next, I checked my length measurements against the pattern and realized that I needed more length in the back crotch.  I proceeded to add this at the hip line, cut out, and sewed the pants.  The extra length added at the hip line was a mistake on my part.  The additional length was in the wrong place and added wrinkles under the tush.  So, I took that length via a sewn dart on the muslin and tried the pants on again.  Definitely needed additional length for sitting but still had wrinkles under the tush.  So I pinched another 1/4-inch dart.  This information was transferred back to the pattern.  Here is a picture of the changes on the back pattern piece:

I also decided that I really needed more space in the hips.  I added the 1/2-inch to the outseam and then stitch the half inch.  Here is the pink linen made up:

Overall, I am fairly happy with the fit of these pants.  The white tank is one of the tops made to go with these pants.  I also played around a little bit with a jacket that I made a couple of years ago and I think it will make a great outfit for going out to eat.  Just the tank for the hot day and the jacket for the air conditioned restaurant.  Here is the outfit:

This pink linen for the pants was one of the two linens that were part of my first fabric purchase of the year.  I am excited to say that both pieces have been used now.  This is probably a first for me in many years.  Fabric almost always becomes well seasoned stash before I get around to it.

Happy Stitching!