I am always sewing a new pants pattern hoping it will be the one that makes me look like I envision myself in pants; slim hipped, flat tummy, curvy butt. Reality is the exact opposite; wide hips, curved tummy and flat butt. There are ways to create the illusion with seaming and style details, but I am still trying to find that magic combination.
I wanted a slim fitting pair of bright blue pants, inspired by pictures of Peter Wu and Carole's lovely version.
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| PeterWu Pants |
When I make slim legged pants, the issue I have is the sudden transition of my wide hips to skinny long legs. My eye always settles on the widest expanse of fabric, right across my hips. So I thought vertical lines through that area might break it up. The pattern I decided to test this time was from the Italian pattern magazine, La Mia Boutique, Dec 2011.
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| La Mia Boutique Pant 1237 |
The pant pattern, # 1237, is designed to be made with a stretch fabric. There are top stitched creases on the center of the front and back legs. I did make a muslin and the fit of the lower crotch and legs was great. But the crotch was too short by 2 inches in both back and front. That is not surprising given my height. I remember feeling like a giant in the land of smaller people, while in Italy during the 2006 winter Olympics. And there was too much darting in the waist and hip area. So I took the easy way out and morphed the legs of the La Mia Boutique pants on to my trouser sloper starting at the crotch line. It looked something like this.
The sewn crease can be done on any pair of pants. Fold the front along the straight of grain at the midpoint of the leg. Use the bottom of the pant leg to determine the center of the leg. Sew close to fold line the length of the pant leg. A edge stitch presser foot, which rides along the folded edge of the fabric, makes it easy to maintain straight stitching along the fold.
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| Top stitched Crease |
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| La Mia Boutique pants |
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| BurdaStyle 8 2012 129 |
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| Butterick 6037 |
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| Butterick 6037 blouse |
These are lovely pants. I think you have found your magic formula! I like the top too...I don't think the print is too bold at all. Very fashionable, I'd say.
ReplyDeleteI love the top, you look great in it. Great outfit.
ReplyDeleteIt all works beautifully together. The length of the blouse is perfect and makes your legs look long and lean, no wide hip vision. I've got those wide pelvic bones too so may give this one a try. It looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteI love this combination. You look great in the top and it really sets off the slim leg pants! I hope you find the right mood to wear this as you look gorgeous in this. Love the shoes also!!!!
ReplyDeleteAudrey, Audrey, Audrey. Have you looked at that photo you posted? Have you put a finger over your face, and looked?
ReplyDeleteIt's FABULOUS. I love that bold top with those gorgeous slim pants.
I love those trousers - the details in the pattern are really nice. I feel your pain about the perfect pair of pants that makes one look as one appears in their minds' eye. I think these are very flattering - I'm loving the colour!
ReplyDeleteWell I love it! The fabric in your top is very creative and flattering on you. Give this one a few more chances and I am sure you will like it...
ReplyDeleteThe top is gorgeous and it works perfectly with the pants. I agree with Shams, look at the photo again. You look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteLOVE that outfit on you! And the pants are perfect! You look terrific!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fabulous outfit, the pants are flattering and a cool colour and that graphic bright top is splendid! How could you not like it?!
ReplyDeleteI think both garments are hits! However, I understand how it can be if you are not --quite in love with a piece. That said, you do look great in the whole outfit, so wear it proudly!! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you have a wonderfully coordinating outfit. Don't judge too quickly!!! : )
ReplyDeleteThe top is fine, but the pants are fabulous! They look great on you. Thanks for sharing your adjustments with us. It's always helpful to learn a little more about what might "work."
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking "hit and hit" - funny I have some fabric very similar to that top that I've been wondering what to do with - seeing it on you makes me realise the effect of the print so it's quite helpful in terms of what my options are. The pants look fantastic! I think the whole outfit looks so modern and chic.
ReplyDeleteCute outfit! and Great shoes! What type of fabric did you use for your blue pants? I love the bright blue.
ReplyDeleteYou look GREAT! Really! It is a super look that says "I'm confident!"
ReplyDeleteGreat combo. They're both are great set.
ReplyDeleteYou really hit it out of the park with those pants! They look great on you.
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit! Hope you get a bit more "comfortable" in it as it looks great from here!
ReplyDeleteI love both pieces and love them together. I think you need to just get used to the print. I love it!
ReplyDeleteLove them both, but especially the top!! I think you look great in these.
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit and there's nothing wrong with a bold print. Those yoga type pants are all the rage, and they do look comfortable as well as stylish.
ReplyDeleteThere aren't any words left except:
ReplyDeleteDitto!
I really like this combination. At first I thought you were saying the top looked bad, because it does not! How about wearing it with black pants/skirt until you get used to it? Then you can mix it up with other colors.
ReplyDeleteThat outfit looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteNice outfit - perfectly co-ordinated.
ReplyDeleteHonestly you look magnificent. If only I could have legs like you .
ReplyDeleteLove those pants, just got to make me a pair. You look really great. Have the same curvy tummy, found including a pocket stay helped give me a flatter line. Bunny has great tutorial at her blog http://lasewist.blogspot.co.nz/2011/02/pants-stay.html
ReplyDeleteSheila
This is a fabulous outfit! You look amazing -- the pants and top are perfect!
ReplyDeleteI like it, Audrey. The pants are a great morph and so flattering on uou. Curious, what kind of fabric did you use for the pants? I am always looking for the perfect fabric choice.
ReplyDeleteI have only just discovered your blog this morning and already know it is going to be a favourite. I will greatly enjoy reading all your older posts. I must urge you to look again at your photo -the whole outfit looks so stunning on you. Bold and bright is great on you. Also love the vogue (suiting) dress by the way.
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