A little while ago, the lovely Meg, of Megan Nielsen Patterns, asked me to test her new leggings pattern. I didn't need long to think about that one! I love Meg's stylish and practical designs and always feel excited when I see that someone has made something using her patterns. That may have something to do with us both having the same name and living in the same town. I keep hoping I'll bump into her one day - and that I just happen to be wearing something hand made and fabulous from her collection at the time - "Oh Hi, I couldn't help noticing your Virginia leggings, are you the Meg of Meggipeg?..."
The silver pair are the first ones I made and they fit perfectly with no adjustments. Notice also the length. I think this is the first time ever that I haven't had to lengthen pants and they still ruche (is that even a word...oh yes it is, I just checked) attractively at the ankle. They are worn here with a Briar top (also Megan Nielsen) lengthened to tunic length and cut with a straight hem for a change. (Other Briar tops I've made). I made my sister (who is even taller than me) an identical pair and she is over the moon with them.
Ahhh, feels like I'm in my PJs.
The other pair I'm going to show you were made as an experimental variation from faux leather with a tiny bit of stretch. I made these by cutting the pattern as usual in faux leather, then cutting along the centre of each pattern piece (where the outside seam would normally be on pants) and inserting a 4cm wide piece of cotton lycra. The waistband is also cotton lycra. I'm thrilled with these and they always get a lot of compliments. I think if I made them again I would increase the back height a bit as they tend to slide down slightly when I bend over (this is only the leather ones, not the lycra ones). Let me know if anyone would like a tutorial on this process.
I'm wearing these with with this top that I copied from Metalicus and a scarf made from an old jumper.
The third pair of leggings I made are in thicker ponte knit which I tie dyed. I can't wait to show you. I can't recommend this pattern highly enough, even for someone like me who often copies Ready-to-wear clothes, it's lovely to have a properly drafted pattern that fits oh so perfectly. Thanks so much Meg for the opportunity to test this brilliant pattern.
Check out Meg N's blog post for the story behind the Virginia leggings.
15 comments:
You should be thrilled with both pairs and especially the faux leather pair. They are on trend and look amazing Meg!
Wow, thank you! I must say that I am rather thrilled :)
The faux leather ones are very clever. What a great idea to add the strip of Lycra! I am sure you will get tons of wear from both pairs.
I love the leather ones too, they look great. I've also got some ponte but wondering what pattern to use for trousers so looking forward to seeing your ponte ones too!
They look great - thanks for the review! - and I'd love to hear about any changes you suggest with the different weight fabrics ;) I'd also be interested to read about how you made the faux leather version & any tips for the unworldly ;)
Those leather ones are AMAZING!!! Totally in love. They look like designer ones you'd spend $100 on. I'll have to check this pattern out since it's going into fall here and leggings are a must :)
Thank you - and yes, I wear these a LOT!
I love all the pairs I've made so far, this is a great pattern. The ponte ones have less stretch, so are a bit tighter fitting. If I make them in ponte again, I might make the legs in the next size up.
Thank you :) Basically, the less stretchy the fabric, the bigger the size needs to be. However, to get a close fit with the leather, which doesn't really stretch at all, the lycra panel ensures a good fit without bagginess. You could experiment with making them mostly lycra with a thin leather panel at the sides to make fitting easier.
Really? Thanks!! I must say, I feel rather young and rad in these :$
Super cute leggings, love the look with the Briar top.
Ooh, intriguing! I'd love to try out this pattern (or just see what it looks like). I don't wear leggings all that often and have had the same pair for years though unlike you I did have to shorten them (aw..) and made a pig's ear.
The 'leather' pair is wonderful and look super with the boots. Very aviator!
I think I will be buying this pattern when it is released! I have a pair of bought leggings that are like your second pair, except they are black but with the faux leather for the side panel!
These look really fabulous on you, with your lovely long legs! The leather pair are totally va va voom!
These are cool each of them creating a completely different style! I've never tried to sew legging but seeing what you've done, I am tempted to try (>y<)
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