Monday, September 28, 2015

Harem Pants


I've made another garment as a Britex blogger. You can see the post on their blog here.

When Britex asked me to choose one of their polyester fabrics, I was drawn to their Japanese-Influenced Polyester Crepe. The pic on the website doesn't show its true glory, so here it's draped over a chair:

I love the texture of a pebbled crepe and this fabric came through the washer and dryer like a champ.

But how to use it?

I wanted to sew it into harem pants, but I could also see this as a stunning kimono jacket. The fabric resists wrinkles and would be great for travel.

I decided to use Sandra Betzina's harem pant pattern, Vogue 1355. This harem pant is unusual in that it is close-fitting through the crotch. The fullness is located on the inside leg, not at the outer hip.

It is designed for a knit fabric, not a woven, but this fabric has such a wonderful drape that I forged ahead.

I made a few changes. The pattern uses 2 pattern pieces: one for the leg (this is a no-side-seam pant) and one for the yoke. I omitted the yoke and extended the rise of the pant.

The ankle of the pant is quite narrow. I realized it would be too narrow in a woven fabric to get my foot through the opening. I was considering shortening the pant slightly to remedy the problem but, in the end, I really liked it finished with a slit at the inside ankle.

The best thing about these pants, besides the fun print, is that they were a quick sew! Just one pattern piece (after my alterations) meant that I was quickly done.

Thanks to Britex for the fabric!

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37 comments:

  1. MarthaSeptember 28, 2015 at 4:28 PM

    I love these pants on you! I have admired this pattern for a while and it's fun to see it made up. Your change to the hem is just right.

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  2. AnnaSeptember 28, 2015 at 4:36 PM

    They look like a super comfortable pair of pants and fun too.

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    1. shamsSeptember 28, 2015 at 7:05 PM

      Anna, I wore these all day at Artistry in Fashion. It was a hot day and I was SO comfy!

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  3. Carol in DenverSeptember 28, 2015 at 5:14 PM

    You look better in harem pants than anyone else I've seen. Making them from glorious fabric shows your highly individualistic talent.

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    1. shamsSeptember 28, 2015 at 7:05 PM

      Wow, Carol. Thanks for that high compliment!

      Delete
  4. GracaSeptember 28, 2015 at 5:33 PM

    What fun fabric!

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    1. shamsSeptember 28, 2015 at 7:05 PM

      It's a great fabric, Graca! I'm tempted to get more and to make a kimono jacket...

      Delete
  5. Jane MSeptember 28, 2015 at 7:13 PM

    I would love this fabric in a kimono but your pants are flattering and unique. Cool!

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    1. shamsSeptember 29, 2015 at 11:20 AM

      It would make a to-die-for kimono, Jane! Thanks!

      Delete
  6. badmomgoodmomSeptember 28, 2015 at 7:53 PM

    They really are fabulous.

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    1. shamsSeptember 29, 2015 at 11:20 AM

      Thanks, bmgm! I hope you are doing well off in the Rockies!

      Delete
  7. UnknownSeptember 28, 2015 at 9:43 PM

    Love them!

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  8. The Material LadySeptember 29, 2015 at 3:20 AM

    I am too conservative in my trouser choices, I really should try some of the amazing trouser shapes that you show. These are no exception to your fabulous, quirky choices and they look wonderful.

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    1. shamsSeptember 29, 2015 at 11:21 AM

      Thanks, ML! Please do! I can't wait to see the reaction when I wear these to work. ;)

      Delete
  9. MardelSeptember 29, 2015 at 3:57 AM

    Fabulous!

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  10. SewTypicalSeptember 29, 2015 at 7:22 AM

    these harem pants look so cute on you!

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  11. luckylibbetSeptember 29, 2015 at 8:55 AM

    Those pants look great on you! I really like the fabric... so much that I actually went to the Britex site to look at it. Wow, it is really, really expensive. Good for you that you are a Britex blogger. - Heather

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    1. shamsSeptember 29, 2015 at 11:22 AM

      Thanks, Heather! This is definitely not priced like an average polyester, but it is not your usual polyester!

      Delete
  12. JaneSeptember 29, 2015 at 10:04 AM

    I saw these at AIF! This is Rebecca, I introduced myself to you on Saturday, I live in Berkeley, and I love love love your work. I sewed a lot as a teenager, took a many-years-long break, and am now committed to being a sewist again. Love the pants!

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    1. shamsSeptember 29, 2015 at 11:22 AM

      Hi Rebecca! It was nice to meet you, but it was too bad you couldn't join us!

      Delete
  13. BunnySeptember 29, 2015 at 10:06 AM

    Really cute! As always, you turn the most incredible fabrics into perfect for you garments. They totally evoke your style.

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    1. shamsSeptember 29, 2015 at 11:23 AM

      Thanks so much, Bunny! That is high praise, indeed!

      Delete
  14. Nancy KSeptember 29, 2015 at 11:51 AM

    I really admire how you take interesting fabrics and turn them into garments that I would never conceive and make them look fabulous and true to your style. The light color and pattern is perfect for balancing your figure. Just wonderful!

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    Replies
    1. shamsSeptember 29, 2015 at 12:47 PM

      Thanks so much, Nancy!

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    2. UnknownSeptember 30, 2015 at 12:04 PM

      Ye Gods, woman, you have the most interesting wardrobe on the planet. I'm always in awe that you find ever more creative ways to create such stunningly unique garments, much less arrive at such smashing combinations of them. Imagining, tinkering, fitting -- you set the bar. It's always such a joy to see what you come up with next. These pants are gorgeous, and combining them with this jacket is perfect. Creative Hormone Rush

      Delete
    3. shamsSeptember 30, 2015 at 12:10 PM

      Thanks for that high praise, Unknown!

      Delete
  15. RuthSeptember 30, 2015 at 11:33 PM

    A work of art - ingenious use of the fabric.

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  16. PhilippaOctober 1, 2015 at 1:55 AM

    These are just so cool. The fabric and pattern seem to go together perfectly, to my eyes, and you wear them well. Perfection!

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  17. AnnOctober 3, 2015 at 6:05 AM

    I agree with all the comments; the harem pants are fantastic. But $89.99/yd! 2.5 yds to make these pants -$225. Out of my budget!

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  18. Michelle PaganiniOctober 8, 2015 at 4:38 AM

    Too cute for words! If I saw you on the street and didn't already know you I'd run over to say hi! Great choice. I love the crepe no wrinkle part. Does the fabric breathe?

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  19. a little sewingOctober 17, 2015 at 6:16 AM

    I am late to notice this post, but I am gob-smacked! I could totally see myself wearing these harem pants because of the way they are designed with the higher crotch and the slim silhouette on the outer legs. Thanks for bringing this pattern to my attention! And the fabric - to die for. And finally, the way you styled the outfit is perfection. Finally, finally - super photos. I love you against those red stairs. Well done! well done.

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  20. AngelaMay 9, 2017 at 3:05 AM

    This harem pant looks so cool. It is Multi-color and different patterns and that's why it looks more attractive and stylish. Nice look.

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    Replies
    1. shamsMay 14, 2017 at 1:47 PM

      Thanks, Angela! I love using bold fabrics with this pattern!

      Delete

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