Here I am again, working on yet another type of trousers. This particular inspiration occurred when I bought a new pair of hiking pants at the end of December. There really is not much variation in fit styles of hiking pants - they're mostly functional with a lot of pockets, room to move and enough room in the leg to be worn over hiking boots. I was extremely pleased and happy to find a pair in my size in a short length (as opposed to a regular length). Of course this was the only style in the store that came in short, so I took a deep breath and tried them on. They weren't bad and they were the perfect length.
What is different about these pants is that they are much closer to the body in fit than I am accustomed to wearing. I suppose because of my curvy lower body, I just assumed I couldn't wear a closer, straighter shape. I was wrong, these pants actually made my legs look narrower and longer, which is a feat hard to do when you're under 5'2". I then set off to find a trouser pattern with a similar fit. In Patrones #286 I found this pair:
Close fitting, yet the leg was tapered a bit more than I wanted, as they needed zippers at the ankle. Thankfully, that is an easy adjustment, compared to the trials of fitting the rest of trousers.
I made up a trial pair without pockets or waistband and started the fitting process. I've been working on that off and on for about two weeks and I think I've come to the point where I can cut out a pair and see how they fit. You can see by all the different color threads that this pair went through at least a couple of adjustments.
We'll see how they turn out in the next few days. If this next version of the trouser fits well, then I might make a pair in denim, or at least save the pattern so that I have one that I know works for this style.The main lesson learned here is to at least try something on, even if you don't think it is your style or fit. It doesn't cost anything to try something on, and you'll walk away knowing whether a style works for you or not.
Parting Shot: Bluebird. This past weekend, Bluebird of Happiness was shown at the Road to California quilt show and received a second place. Elizabeth so kindly sent me some photographs from the show and has allowed me to share them with you. I really liked how it was displayed to show one of the bluebirds on the coat lining.
11 comments:
First - Congratulations on getting second place for the Bluebird of Happiness ensemble.
Second - I always, always, always recommend trying things on. I know people don't like the dressing room because of the unrobing and the horrible lighting but every now and then you can discover something that you didn't think would work for you!
Yay Bluebird!
Congratulations!
On pants fitting, I never used to put on a waistband until my recent foray in fitting pants. Belinda mentioned in a post on PR that she always puts on a waistband in a muslin and she interfaces it. I just put the outside of my contour band on and folded down the top sas.but I interfaced it and taped the waistline. It was worth the extra time.
If Bluebird got second, what in the heck did first look like and who was judging I absolutely love it and had I been judging you would have been numero uno!
Congratulations on BOH!
I totally agree about the pants. My lower half is pretty curvy too and short and once in a great while I stumble on to a pair of pants that fits and is fairly narrow. They definitely work the best for me. I am anxious to see how this pattern works for you. Gotta feeling they will look really great.
Congratulations!
Glad you're making the foray into slimmer pant legs. I think it's one of the best looks for the height challenged and am so glad they're back in fashion!
Congratulations on getting second place for the Bluebird of Happiness ensemble.
Work from home India
I attended "Road to California" Lovely entry. Congratulations
Congratulations! :)
I've always loved this ensemble, Summerset....congrats on you win!
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