Saturday, April 21, 2012

Au Bonheur Pants with Seaming and GIVEAWAY



I wanted to thank everyone for their enthusiastic response to my FBA in Knits post. I tried something new this time. I responded to every comment. I am curious. Did you like that? Or did you not care? It felt a little weird to see so many of my own comments - a little self indulgent, like maybe I was trying to inflate the number of responses. Let me know what you think, because I'm not sure that I would do that again.

Let me tell you the story about this pattern. I didn't see it's potential and buy it before Au Bonheurs went out of business last August. Several months later, when Luz Clara spent two weeks in Paris, she visited the store that sells Au Bonheur patterns and found they had some left in their drawers. She very kindly offered to look for any I wanted, but I still didn't realize I wanted this pattern. Instead, I asked her to look for a top pattern, which she found and brought back. Thanks again, Luz Clara!

After Luz Clara returned from Paris, and after I had made the Au Bonheur jeans, I realized I wanted this pattern. However, I knew no one in Paris and none of my stateside friends had purchased it either. I thought, oh well, maybe it will make its way to me some day.

Fast forward to a few months ago. One of my sewing pals, Lynn CC (of the Koos scarf), wanted the jeans pattern and did have a friend living in France. She asked this friend to visit the store, sometime before Christmas, and try to locate the jeans pattern. This friend couldn't find the jeans pattern, but found "another pattern with interesting seaming" and sent it back to the US. When Lynn told me this, I was holding my breath, hoping it would be the pattern — Lynn had no idea until it arrived. It was! She very kindly let me trace off my size at our recent retreat. Thanks so much, Lynn!

This is an interesting design. It has back pockets, with a flap. The "circle" you see on the right hip is not a pocket. It's an inset circle. They sewed a button into the middle of it as a decorative detail. It features jodhpurs-like insets on the inside leg, front and back. It has a waist flap, which I immediately knew I would not use. It has a fly front zipper, with cool button flap on top. (I love this feature, but left it off my test pants.) It has a contoured waistband.

I traced off a size 42. The same size I used (that fit so well) in the jeans pattern. I did made a few changes: I used a rectangular waistband with elastic. I left off the zipper, back pockets, and button flap front. Since I didn't use the button flap front, I left off the decorative button on the inset circle. The pants are designed for a woven, but I used a stretch woven. In fact, this is a wool-blend, washable, stretch woven from Fabrix that I have now used for 3 or 4 pair of pants. This fabulous fabric cost me $3 per yard and is perfect for pattern testing. Surprisingly, I did not have to increase the waist or shorten the leg.

The most interesting detail is the inset circle. This immediately reminded me of the Holey Moley technique that Marcy Tilton shows in her Inspiration Paris CD. This is one of my favorite Marcy CDs, so I popped the video in my Mac to review. I did use her technique, very successfully. Twice! (Yes, I had a little oopsie.)

Look at the beauteous circle! (OK, it's more of an oval.) But, isn't it beauteous?!!
But... WAIT! Oh no! I sewed the two fronts together! And cut a circle out of the seam. Pfffft. At least I had more fabric and could recut the fronts.

I do like these pants. I think the crotch fit could be tweaked a bit, and the leg is rather wide, but I plan to wear these for awhile before I decide if I will make them again as-is. If I do, I plan to use a contrasting topstitching thread to show up the details, and also to include the button flap.

GIVEAWAY!

Now we come to the giveaway! This is another one of those ironic coincidences. Just last week a friend sent me a generous box of goodies. In the package, she included the Inspiration Paris CD! Turns out she had an extra and thought I might like it.

Since I already have one, I'm offering it as a giveaway. (I first obtained her permission.) The inset circle technique is a good one, but I also often refer to the included video on sewing a separating zipper in a lined jacket. There is also an interesting video on how Marcy packs when she goes to Paris.

If you would like this CD, leave a comment on this post. If you post anonymously, make sure to include identifying information of some kind. I'll generate a random number and post the winner sometime next week. This drawing is open to anyone, including my international sewing sisters. :)

If you want to leave a comment, but are not interested in the CD, that's fine - just mention that in the comment.

Another thing I wanted to mention. I never had trouble watching the videos on this CD when I was using the Leopard operating system on my Mac. However, when I tried to watch it on Lion, it would not play the videos, though I could view the rest of the material. To workaround this problem, I copied the PDF file to my hard drive and was able to watch it there — the videos are embedded in the PDF file. I talked to Marcy and David Page Coffin, and it seems that I might be an anomaly. I believe the problem is with Adobe Reader and not the CD itself, but I wanted to mention the workaround in case you experience this.

68 comments:

  1. Shams, I appreciated that you responded to each comment on the fitting knits post (especially since I commented and got a response!), but I think of that as a "special" post. It was one that really hit a lot of people right in the gut (or a little higher!), and maybe called for individual responses to comments. I don't think that is necessary for every post.

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  2. Shams, I, too, appreciated the responses to comments, but, like Laura said above, it's not really necessary for each post. It must have taken a lot of extra time for you. I must admit, though, I wouldn't have gone back to look if you hadn't mentioned it here. I DID love reading through everyone else's comments and your replies to them, too. So, I guess I'm a bit on the fence...I did love it for purely selfish reasons, but wouldn't want it to become an 'issue' for you.

    I also wanted to leave some loving for your new pants. What luck to finally track down that pattern! And the circle inset is superb. Another gorgeous garment to add to your fabulously creative wardrobe.

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  3. What a roundabout pathway it took for that pattern to get to you, but what wonderful pants they turned out to be. I am so sorry that I did not acquire some of the AuBonheur patterns while they were available, your interpretations of them are always inspiring to me.

    I would dearly love to be put in the drawing for the Marcy Tilton CD, as I am soon going to be starting back sewing a whole wardrobe of new clothes

    Alison of Acorn Cottage
    acorncottageartisanry(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. I love love your style and find it inspiring.Its also nice to know even the "greats" make mistakes :)

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  5. You are very generous with your time and talent. I sent your post on FBAs to my non-sewing sister who has a beautiful figure like you and she thought it was great too.
    Thanks also for the giveaway; I'd love to be considered for it.

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  6. I went back and read all the comments on your FBA post. I had only skimmed it before, although I love your writing, because my body is basically yours upside-down--think Jabba the Hutt. I was struck by the generosity of your replies, always pointing to the commenter's blog or work on PR, and giving each comment personal attention. As others have said, that's not necessary, but it is a great gift to your commenters.

    And of course I want the Marcy Tilton CD!

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  7. Shams, as I posted last week, I was so impressed that you took to time to personally respond to all of us. I felt honored, actually, that my voice was heard. Especially, since I really think about the garments I respond about. Not that I would expect a response every time, but it certainly was affirming.

    As soon as I read your blog on UB, i immediate wrote my friend Annette, for I new she qualified also and loved your work as much as I do. Of course I am not in the same sewing league as you and Annette, but that's fine.

    I loved the new pants and the trendy little oval. That makes a statement as does the waistband technique which I also wouldn;t use due to my overblouse use.

    I would also love to be considered for the CD giveaway. That is one that I have always wanted but never bought.

    Karendee on SG

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  8. I loved that you commented on all comments, I wonder why? 8-) It does take a lot of time and I wouldn't want it to become a time issue for you. So, don't do it unless you feel like it.

    Those are seriously cool pants, and so you. I am surprised that you didn't know you wanted them right away.

    I would love the Marcy Tilton CD. So put my name in the virtual hat. And thank you.

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  9. Hi Shams, It is not often that I revisit a blog post after I comment, unless I leave a burning question. As it happened, I did go back to take another look at your wonderful post, and saw that you had commented. It takes a lot of time to do what you did, and it was very nice of you.

    This looks like an interesting pattern, and one I may someday want to get my hands on. I like the details, and your idea about the contrasting topstitching thread. I love how the pants in the picture appear to be floating. I think I would really enjoy these made in linen or a linen blend. I'm pretty hippy, (not like in the 60's way) so I appreciate a full leg on me.

    I'd love to see that circle technique - your circle looks great. My wheels are turning on how many ways I could use the technique. How generous of you to give away one of Marci's CD's. (I love the fabric from her site, btw.) Enjoy your weekend!

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  10. I've read your blog and admired the awesome pant designs. I've pined after the stylearc styles, but have never taken the plunge... Would love, love, LOVE to be considered for the cd....

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  11. Well. I would say that you are indeed anomalous but in a good way, the non-boring way that we appreciate. Also your pants sewing is a mark of valor and merit! I've been hankering after that CD so if the stars are lined up maybe this is my chance!!!
    Luz Clara

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  12. I love what you did with this Au Bonheur pattern -- it's one I'd eyed, too, but decided against. (And the deities know I've still got plenty of ABdPM patterns to make up.)

    The fly doesn't appeal to me either, but, ohhh, does that inset circle look fun!

    (Count me out for the drawing.)

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  13. Hi Shams, New to comment, but a dedicated reader of your blog. You are a never ending source of inspiration and creativity. I appreciate all the effort you spend to share your talents with the rest of us. Thank you! I too am one who regrets not purchasing a few of the APBonheur patterns - just never thought they would cease to exist - lesson learned. I would love to be considered for the CD Giveaway, so please add my name to the hopefuls.
    Elaine G. on SG

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  14. Love your new top! Those 'sailor pants' are just adorable! Glad you were able to get the Au Bnheur pattern.

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  15. Great work with that new pattern - there are lots of interesting details there that I could work into other patterns. I need to stop looking for the quick sew though and take some time on the more interesting items! It was lovely of you to comment on all the comments in your previous posts (especially since you had obviously really paid attention to who they were from and shared blog names etc) but I don't think that anyone would expect that all the time! On such a special post it was lovely, but definitely don't think that it should be a regular thing.
    I'd like to throw my hat into the ring for the CD too please!

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  16. I've just started following your blog and love your posts and style.
    Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!

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  17. Hey Shams: I feel like such a maroon. I have this pattern and made a muslin. I thought the circle WAS a pocket and couldn't for the life of me figure it out!! I love that it is an inset circle! that never occurred to me. I may have to revisit these. Thanks for the post. I have to say I really miss ABDPM patterns. I hope the folks who were behind the designs come back in another incarnation.

    Helen

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    1. LOL, Helen! I also hope they show up in another incarnation. You know if I learn that they have, I will shout it from the rooftops.

      By the way, I checked out your metasmithing blog. DROOL DROOL DROOL. I love your work!

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  18. I love Marci Tilton and would love a copy of the cd! I enjoy seeing everything that you make and am very envious of your Au Bonheurpatterns.

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  19. Shams - that pattern is definitely 'you' - and you were definitely meant to have it - you're sewing guides were definitely looking out for you. I love the pants on you.
    Marciae

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  20. Yes, I'd love a chance at the CD. As for your pants, another piece of fabulousness. You always look so good in these patterns. Glad the pattern finally found you in it's round-a-bout way.

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  21. GREAT Pants! At last! I know how hard it has been to track them down. There must be some sewing gremlins loose in the universe...my daughter would say it's 'cause Mercury is in retrograde...haha. You got to practice that cool circle twice!

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  22. I hope You will consider adding me to the CD drawing! I am a big fan of Marci Tilton's designs and techniques.

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  23. What great pants. I love reading your blog and admire how much you share with us.
    I already have that CD so don't enter me in the drawing but I recommend it highly.
    Leslie (lessalt)

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    1. So good to hear from you, Leslie! I hope you are recovering and feeling better.

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  24. Great pants. Everthing you make is so you.

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  25. Yes, please enter me in the drawing! I always enjoy reading your blog. It was treat to go back and read the blog responses to each entry. I agree, it is nice but time consuming for you.

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  26. Love the pants!! You're hardly the first to cut 2 fronts. Believe me, I've done worse.

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  27. You pick such interesting patterns! Thanks for sharing. I would love to be considered for the Marcy Tilton video.

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  28. Would love a chance at the CD-I am a confirmed Tilton groupie. Shams-the pants are to die for.

    bonnie s

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  29. What great details on the ABHDPM pants - I love the pattern. I'm wondering what type of fabric you plan to make them from. To me, your test fabric has so much drape that the details blend in. Just what I'm seeing from my perspective.
    I appreciated your responding to all of the comments on your last blog post, but I don't think it's necessary to do it all of the time. For one thing, I don't always revisit a post I've already read. I've started replying when what I write can clarify or add to my blog post. I figure that will be interesting to people who read the post later.
    Good to see your sewing mojo has returned!

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    1. Hey, Dixie! I was thinking I'd use a stretch denim to make them, with a contrasting thread. I think the details would pop better.

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  30. These pants are utterly fabulous, shams! So sad that the company has gone out of production.
    No entry into the giveaway, thank you :)
    I reply to comments too; except I go to people's own blogs to do so... it is time consuming I agree, but I like to return the commenting favour, so to speak.
    I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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  31. I love your blog - so inspiring and creative! And please enter me in your giveaway. Personally, I love it when a blogger responds to comments I make; it makes me feel special. :-)

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  32. I love those pants! The seaming is just too cool, and I really like the circle. Please pull my name OUT of the giveaway as I am limiting inspirational input right now. Plus, I get to go to Sisters this year for the Design Outside the Lines retreat. :-)

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    1. Lucky lucky lady! I have several friends who have attended DOL.

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  33. You and your blog are such an inspiration. I use the excuse of a job & a house that needs downsizing as the reasons why I don't sew quite as much as I'd like (but others seem to do it just fine!). It's absolutely exciting when I click on the bookmark I have for your blog & you've written another post and show a super cool garment. Thanks, thanks, thanks...you keep me inspired.

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  34. Lovely trousers. Such a shame that Au Bonheur is now out of business

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  35. I am on a mission to buy all the Tilton patterns I can lay my hands on -- and I certainly would love this DVD. And if you ever want to part with one of your Bomheur patterns, I'd gladly pay for rental and a heft deposit.

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  36. Hey Shams--(sez reader who rarely comments)--it was nice reading all the comments on your UB post with your replies; it's great that you took the time to make comments into dialogs, but obviously it's a huge commitment of time. Maybe a few times a year, when you feel moved?

    I always love your joy in what you make. My current project is to improve my basic enjoyment of life so it will uplift everything I do. I'd like to be more like you when I grow up (so to speak)!

    Susan in Tucson from SG

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  37. Shams you rock! I have three au bonheur patterns (not that one) and have yet to take the plunge - now I am inspired to do so.

    An international sewing sister in Oz.

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  38. Dear shams, alas that you did not trace the trouser pattern in a larger size! I love it, fly flap and all. I must be more funky down deep than I think :-) If you're willing to ship to England I'd love to be included in the drawing.

    Regarding comments - I think it's all right to respond sometimes and not always. As the spirit moves you. I enjoyed reading the replies.

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    1. A ha! Love to hear that the funk lives within, Elizabeth. ;)

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  39. Awesome pants with really interesting details!

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  40. Way cool pants! I love doing things like those inset circles. I did a bunch of them (by hand, though) for a vest I made recently. Very fun! And oh, oh, please god of the random select, pick me for the giveaway!

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  41. Love your blogs! After reading the one about your failed projects (I had several of my own)I again found my creative side. Thanks for that boost! Please enter my name in your drawing for the Marcy CD.

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    1. Jean, I'm so happy that my post on failed projects helped! Believe me, *everyone* has failed projects. Sometimes, one right after another. And mojo ebbs and flows, just like everything else in life. :)

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  42. Please enter me in the drawing for the CD.
    I get so much pleasure -- and information -- from reading your blog. And I'm very happy with your responses to the comments on the FBA in knits post.

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  43. Those pants are wonderful. I especially like the details around the waistband. I really enjoy when your posts arrive in my inbox. I don't have much time for sewing lately, but every time I look over one of your recent projects, I feel inspired to dig through the fabric stash and give it a go. Thanks for sharing your work!

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  44. I look forward to your blogs - I love the trials and tribulations of fitting and finding a good style for your body and mine! Where I used to sew something to wear the next day now it takes at least a week if not 2 - I must make a trial, adjust it to fit, and then modify it to work for me. Thanks for all your help, inspiration, real life stories! I'd love to be entered in your drawing. Thanks.Infotectives@comcast.net

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  45. I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog. Such inspiration. I love Marcie's patterns and have made a few. I would love to have the CD!

    Terry

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  46. I enjoy your blog immensely. Our personal styles may be different but you are true to your style and it's fun to see what you come up with, especially how you manage to adapt patterns to fit you so well. And, yes I'd love to be included in the giveaway.

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  47. I am relatively new to independent pattern designers. I never heard of AuBonheur patterns! I love the pants, but they wouldn't look good on me! I have the huge bust--but not the skinny legs that you do! So it's good in the long run that I didn't discover them or I'd be broke! But would love to be included in the drawing! Fingers crossed!

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  48. Fabulous detail on those pants Shams - they are perfect for you!

    I would love to be included in your 'giveaway' if you are willing to post to the UK.

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  49. Love your pants. Can you post the address of the Paris shop? Would love to be considered for the 'giveaway' but am in New Zealand. sheilacodd@gmail.com

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  50. love your blog. Love Marcy Tilton. Love Paris. Love the pattern. I'd love to have the cd.

    Mary

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  51. Pant's look great! Will you send me a copy of your pattern???.........

    Nora :)

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  52. I gave your fba post to my roommate to read as she definitely fits the catagory. She didnt just read it, she studied it. Great post.

    I think you have better pants patterns than this one.

    Thanks in advance for including me in your drawing.

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  53. I've told you before and I'll tell you again: I love your blog and I love the clothes you make and I love how you write about it all!
    And I wouldn't mind winning the cd, if fate were to send it my way!
    Janet in Forest Knolls

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  54. Hi Shams: I couldn't figure out how to reply to your reply...but thanks for the comment about my blog. That's pretty old stuff (I'm a terrible blogger!). BUt, I am working on a project that combines sewing and metalsmithing. I'll send you a photo when I finish!
    Helen

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  55. I wish I had the time to sew as much as you do. Garden is crying out for me this spring. But I would love to learn how to sew the inset circle. thanks!

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  56. Sounds like and interesting video. I like the side flap on the pants. It's unique.

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  57. Very cute pants, Shams. I admire your bravery for posting the photo of the two fronts sewn together and then meticulously "ovaled" with the cutout. You must have had to take a walk around to block after that discovery! The pants are wonderful and are another reason why I regret not getting some of my favs of that collection before the company went out of business. You look great in those pants, so look for excuses to wear them. :)

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  58. Delurking to say thanks for all the sewing information and inspiration. I was going to order Marcy's CD (I have the T-shirt and Jacket ones already), but if you are giving it away, I'll toss my hat in the ring.

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  59. I thought the fba on knits very interesting because I thought it's not necessary because of the stretch ..

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  60. Am I too late for the drawing?

    Great job, I love the pants.

    Rose in SV <--has bought NEW lingerie in her size from Ebay....

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  61. I love the pants. If you ever wish to part with or otherwise share that pattern, I'd be most eager. :)

    Hope to see you at BABES.

    Neefer

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  62. That video sounds great! I really appreciate seeing your sewing projects (and mishaps - then I know I'm not alone with those ...)

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