Pant Muslin #3 - Sally's Pant

This is my third muslin but the first muslin in this size.  I ditched the size 18 as I felt that it was just tight and I didn't really have enough seam allowance to let it out. The new size that I chose is a 22w.  Even though the size makes me feel huge, I realize that I'm not a skinny chick anymore.  So, here we go:

Here's the front straight from the pattern. It's not too bad.  You can see the tuck that will need to happen near the waistline.  I think I still need a little bit of room in the high hip/belly area.  I will be letting out the front seam a little bit.

Here's the back straight from the pattern.  It's not too bad.  Certainly not any worse than a purchased pair of pants.  You can see the tuck from the front is wrapping to the back this will be a dart that goes all the way to the center back seam.  What can't really see in the picture is that there is two or three inches of extra fabric around the back waist.  I will make the darts a little wider/shorter and the back side seam a little bit bigger.

Here I have pinned out a hipline dart.  Doesn't that leg look much better?

Here I have pinned out a dart across the front.  It looks a little better.   After this picture was taken, the photographer said that it looks a little funny under that dart on the right.  I pinned a wee bit deeper seam and asked if that was better.  The answer was yes.

Unfortunately, this isn't stash fabric.  It also isn't a fabric that I would use to make a pair of pants.  I was unable to locate any non-stretch pant fabric.  Oh, I found suiting on-line that would have been suitable but $15/yard is a bit steep for a muslin.

I will be taking this round a bit slower.  I'm not going to be showing the stitched darts till the next post on the muslin.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Grid Blouse

Today, I've found a really lovely blouse:

This is the Lafayetter 148 New York Scottie Greenwich Grid Button-Down Blouse.  Price tag: $348.00.  Details:  stretch cotton, spread collar, button front, long sleeves, button cuffs, box pleat, relaxed silhouette, shirttail hem.  The major detail that isn't mentioned but can be seen is the that cuffs, the collar, and the york are on the bias.  This is what makes this top special. Be sure to head over to Neiman Marcus to see a close-up of this blouse.  Here are the patterns:

This is the Archer Button Up pattern by Grainline Studio.  To achieve a similar top, don't add the pocket.   Put the pattern pieces for the collar, cuffs, and yoke on the bias.  To do this, simply put the rule on a 45 degree angle from the straight of grain line and draw it in.  You might need additional fabric for this detail.

This pattern would also work:

This is the Classic Shirt by Liesl & Co.  Although this pattern gives you the same basic silhouette as the Archer, this one has a darts which will give it a better fit.  Same changes as listed above for the bias items.  Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

(This post contains an affliliate link.  If you used the link to purchase something, I would get a small commission at no additional charge to you.)

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 19

Week 19 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 19 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.  Note: as the series progresses, the chart changes a wee bit.  It should be shown on the weekly posting at the bottom.   Note: as the series progresses, the chart changes a wee bit.  It should be shown on the weekly posting at the bottom.

This week's item is a dark neutral pant.  You should consider something that is a little bit on the dressy side.  This way you could easily wear it to holiday parties.  This one is easy for me.  I recently purchased a pair of gray pants from Christopher and Banks:

This is the Everyday Trouser with a relaxed fit.  This is a great pant style.  They are a high waisted pant made with a stretch fabric.  For me, this style of pant works better with the stretch fabric.

I do think that my pant collection is finished for a long while.  I own three pair of black pants in various fabrics, two pair of gray pants, one pair of navy pants, and a couple of jeans.  I have been working on fitting a pant pattern so that will be the only way additional pants are added to the collection.  Must reduce the stash.

Are you following along with this series?  How are you using this to help with your wardrobe?  Any additional helpful information?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Tie-Neck Blouse

A lovely version of a tie-neck blouse -

This is the Diana Leopard Printed Silk Tie-Neck Blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price: $598.00.  Details:  Spread collar with self tie straps, concealed button front, long sleeves with button cuffs, center back box pleat, relaxed fit, shirt tail hem.  For a closer look, head over to Neiman Marcus and do a search.

This is really a lovely blouse.  However, the price tag is way outside my comfort zone.  Use this pattern:

This is the Grainline Studio Archer pattern.  This is a classic button-down shirt.  I know I pull this one out for every shirt in this style but it is in my collection.  Use whatever pattern you own or have fitted.  As far as the concealed button front instructions, there are links to a couple of tutorials here.  For the neck tie, I generally just cut a strip the width of the fabric, stitch it, and turn.  Here's another option for the shirt:

This is the Classic Shirt by Liesl & Co.  Although this pattern gives you the same basic silhouette as the Archer, this one has a darts which will give it a better fit.

What are your thoughts on the return of blouse with high waisted pants?  So far, I am liking this and hope it stays around for a long while.   Hope you're inspired to make something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 18

Week 18 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 18 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.  Note: as the series progresses, the chart changes a wee bit.  It should be shown on the weekly posting at the bottom.

This week's item is corduroy pants in a dark neutral.  They could also be canvas or velvet just no denim.  Although a pair of elastic waist corduroy pants would be nice, I have decided not to replace the black jeans.  Yes, I understand that they are denim but I have far more pants than anything else in my closet.  I would rather apply that money toward some additional tops/blouses whether I decide to make them or buy them.

Here's my black jeans:

These are Everday Straight Jean Relaxed Fit by Christopher and Banks.  These jeans sit at the natural waist and are very comfortable.   Just head over to the Christopher and Banks website for a closer look at the various styles of jeans/pants.


Are you following along with this series?  How are you using this to help with your wardrobe?  Any additional helpful information?

Happy Stitching!