I was very excited to see Marcy Tilton's pants pattern, 8929, in the recent Fall offerings from Vogue. Unfortunately the smallest size that this pattern comes in is a size 8, which is too large, as I like my pants to be close fitting.
So I took my well fitting Style Arc Barb pants and laid the pattern on top of the size 8 Marcy pant pattern, view B. I removed a large amount from both the front and back crotch. I also removed quite a bit from the front side seam.
My alterations did not affect the pants length. My horizontal alterations ended above the knee, so the pants are designed as you see them at the knee and below.
I used a wonderful stretch woven to make these up. In fact, it's the same fabric I used to test the Barb pants. This fabric is an anthracite color (which goes equally well with blacks or browns) and it washes and wears beautifully.
I apologize that it's a bit hard to see the detail on these pants in the pics on me. We are having a rare gorgeous day, so that makes it harder to see the subtle detail. I don't have a striped bottom-weight fabric, but these would be great in stripes, as you can see on the pattern envelope. The front features a great pocket and the front and back feature a giant oval inset, once the side seams are sewn. I love this detail!
I LOVE these pants! The length is perfect, so if you are taller than 5'5", you may need to lengthen. They taper at the ankle, but are not super tight - they lightly skim the body. It's a wonderful pattern and I will be making them again, especially when I find the right fabric!
I have started my next project. It's a top and I have spent hours altering the pattern, as I want to retain elements of the pattern, but I want a different shape, not unlike the changes I made to the recent Mizono top. I was recently musing to some friends, wondering if my extensive changes affect the integrity of the design, and one (highly creative) friend said she changes every pattern she makes; she sees the commercial pattern as a starting point, only. I like that interpretation!
Today I wore this outfit to my wonderfully funky church and then to a blogger meetup. I am also entering it into Visible Monday, so no sewing for me today. Have a great week, everyone!
fun fun fun pants! I was going back and forth about this one's working for me or not, between your and Marcy's posts on these ones i'm really excited to try!
ReplyDeletepfft. here's just my *first* iteration on Katherine Tilton's zipper collar tee:
http://tinyurl.com/mdqzxj6
i sew because i want to make clothes i like, that fit how i want them to, and that have design details i enjoy wearing. i can't get that by sewing 'out of the box'. If designers want that type of control, i think they'd be creating their own line to sell as RTW. my two cents.
Stay cool! we're looking at 100F here today, so we're on our way west.... ;) steph
So cute! They look much nicer on you than on the pattern.
ReplyDeleteYep, I like that pocket, too. Thanks for that photo of the crotch shape. It's so "skinny" and it work for you perfectly. Always enjoy your great creations. Looks great with that plaid shirt too!
ReplyDeleteYou look so healthy and happy these days and everything looks great on you! I am feeling a little better about the sewing project I emailed you about. Hope to blog it soon.
ReplyDeleteDidn't think I liked this pattern but having a change of heart. Love the pocket details too.
ReplyDeleteGREAT PANTS!!! I'm not sure what your comment on the close-fittingness was about...they look perfect to me! Can't wait till you do a striped pair...
ReplyDeleteWow the pockets are awesome and your waist is tiny! Love the seams on the front-very sporty without actually looking like trackydacks.
ReplyDeleteGreat style lines!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about a pattern, a great place to start! Looking forward to your next creation.
Shams, I love these pants on you! I am incredibly jealous that you can take any old pants pattern and turn it into a perfectly fitting pair of pants. I am now off to rework, for the bezillionth time, a not so perfectly fitted pair of pants. Argh!
ReplyDeleteButt-less wonder or not...you did a perfect job fitting those pants. They are fabulous! I love the silhouette on you, and the design lines are so interesting! Ain't sewing just grand!
ReplyDeleteGreat pants that skim beautifully. The pattern is so perfectly you.
ReplyDeleteThis one is on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteOMG Shams, you are getting tinier each time I see you. Love the pants.
ReplyDeleteLove the pants, especially nice with the shirt. Re the belly: embrace the round, I say! Elle
ReplyDeleteI love multi-view patterns. These pants look great on you. Although I'm far from a 'buttless wonder' and would probably have to alter my pattern to add a little more crotch contour, I am seriously considering investing in this pattern.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Great trousers! Love all the details, and the fit looks perfect. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun pair of pants, Shams, and they pair perfectly with your shirt (for which I have serious shirt-envy :) ) You make me want to give this pattern a try.
ReplyDeleteI would not have chosen these from the pattern envelope, but I love your version of them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reviewing this pants pattern. Great detail as always which is very much appreciated. I may just have to purchase! The vogue pictures were so horrible and thankfully Marcy helped with more details on her blog.
ReplyDeleteI saw them in person and am so envious of the fit, fantastic. the pocket is a great detail. I would say you are the queen of pants but you also rule in the coat department :)
ReplyDeleteThese are really nice on you, and all the photos show a happy, stylish friend :-) I do NOT see a tummy in your side shot.
ReplyDeleteReally impressive! You did such a grand job. If there's a tummy problem, it doesn't show. I'm a fan of a little roundness right there, anyway.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, as well as all the other pieces. Best textured coat ever. Reminds me of a Vera Wang (for Kohl's) brocade coat I need to drag back out and try again this winter.
Now sign of cooler weather yet, but am ready for some soon!
Love these pants. Thank you for sharing the process. You convinced me to get the pattern. I so appreciate the details you provide!
ReplyDeleteLove it. The design lines on those pants are just incredible!! So much fun to be had there. And you're looking great!
ReplyDeleteThose pants are great! I'd have to go pattern/pattern for the fabric for these (like different scales of the same print, like stripes, floral, or polka dots), because I would just HAVE TO...
ReplyDeleteI was just discussing those pants with a sewing friend today and want to transfer my Elle crotch curve to the pattern. Love them....and loved seeing you on Visible Monday.
ReplyDeleteShams, you look great! I'm amazed at how healthy you look. It's an inspiration to us all. The pants look great too.
ReplyDeleteHaven't read any of the other comments. Just wanted to say Look at you! Gorgeous! And great pants project. I love how, even though you have to alter the patterns, sometimes a lot, you persist, and look at the results! You inspire me!
ReplyDelete