Pants the right way and the hack (Burdastyle 04/2013 #114b)

I love raiding the remnant baskets at fabric stores. I often pick up fabrics that I would not normally look at twice on the shelf but, because it's cheap, I give it a go and sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised.

Such was the case with these pants. I found this piece of fabric, approximately 1 metre, for $2 at Textile Traders. I had just made some grey floral pants (below and here) using Burdastyle 04/2013 #114b and still had the pattern out. I decided to make another pair with this thin, woven, snakeskin-like print fabric for the warmer weather. I'm wearing them above with my Twinkle Sews 'On the sidelines' top and below with my Christine Jonson 'Princess wrap' top.

But I was feeling like making something quick and simple so I cheated a bit with this second pair. I just left the darts unsewn and added some knit fabric for the waistband - done in no time.

They are so comfortable and I've had several compliments on them. This was very shortcut sewing, but with a surprisingly useful outcome.

 I never really reviewed the pattern properly when I made the grey floral pair of pants from stretch, woven fabric. I was actually not all that thrilled with the fit. They were a bit baggy in the wrong places. Also, the design has a side zip and no waistband, a combination that feels less than sturdy when I bend over. Actually, in a burst of morbid curiosity, I find myself deliberately bending in a certain way so that the zip starts coming undone. This does not make for a comfortable or dignified outcome and I must rectify the situation with a waistband and other adjustments at some point. One day. If I get a chance between making more new and shiny things!

Here's the pattern photo from Burdastyle.

Source

So, which is best, following the pattern or the hack? I think in this case it's the hack. And somehow, doing it the wrong way even looks more like the pattern picture. Weird.

Grey princess (Christine Jonson wrap top)

A couple of months ago I won a pattern giveaway from the lovely Valerie, of Valerie's Own Sewing Blog. The pattern was the 'Shirred Top and Princess Wrap' by Christine Jonson, which I thought looked very me. I always love a new top pattern - thanks Valerie!

Source

I dug out a remnant of grey knit fabric that I bought at 'Fabulous Fabrics'. It had a lovely drape that I thought would work well for the 'Princess Wrap Top'. The pattern includes sizes XS to XL (4-22). Based on my measurements, I made size S (8-10). In retrospect, I should have gone up a size as every lump and bump is visible under the top, which is quite close-fitting. I added 5cm to the length.

The instructions were very clear and the top is a lovely design with the side panels and front gathers. I like the finish of the neckline too, which is just folded and stitched with a twin needle, but looks like it's been finished with binding. I am wearing it with some pants made using Burdastyle 04/13 #114b. I'll talk about these more in another blog post as I've made a second pair. They are made with stretch woven floral fabric.

I am looking rather awkward in these pictures as they were taken near a road and, as I stood in front of my tripod, a truck went past and the passenger yelled something out at me. I didn't catch what he said, but it was probably not something like "Hey, I'd love to make one of those tops for my wife". Anyway, I completed the photos very quickly and hightailed it out of there, very red in the face. The trials and tribulations of being a city-dwelling blogger!

Anyway, embarrassing photos aside, I am pleased with this top and would like to try it again in a slightly larger size. Thank you again to Valerie for the giveaway.