Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Linen Silk Skinny Pants


Happy Tuesday! Here is another garment made from a lovely Britex fabric! You can find the original post on the Britex blog here.

Since spring fashions hit the stores earlier this year, I've been a little obsessed: I keep seeing a style of skinny pants called "joggers". I was particularly taken with joggers made from linen. Joggers typically (though not always) feature an elastic waist with a drawstring, patch pockets, and hems finished with either elastic or ribbing. You can see a few on my Joggers Pinterest page.

When Britex asked if I would like to sew a garment from their linen selection I was immediately drawn to this beautiful white linen silk blend with a green abstract reptile print:

Sheer Emerald Snake Print Linen and Silk Blend

I have always loved linen blended with silk! It wrinkles less than 100% linen and has a lovely drape. Because this fabric is a bit sheer, I lined it with Snow White Viscose.

For the pattern, I used Vogue 8909, view C. I did a simple alteration that I often do, because I am a card carrying member of the "Impossibly Tiny Bottom Club" (extra points if you get the reference): I used a medium for the front pant and an extra small for the back pant, cutting the crotch in a medium for both front and back.

I shortened the pants by 1", omitted the cuffs (I decided against elastic at the hem), and replaced the inseam pocket with patch pockets (which are difficult to see in the print).

I lined the pocket and reinforced the slanted opening with a strip of selvedge from the white viscose

The finished pocket

In effect, I made two pair of pants: one from the linen/silk, and a second pair from the white viscose. I hemmed the lining 1" shorter than the linen, and joined both layers at the waist. They are joined only at the waist.

Finishing the waistband by hand

I love my linen pants!
Right now we are experiencing cold, wet, foggy San Francisco weather (it's a good thing you can't see the goosebumps I had while doing this photo shoot), but when warm weather eventually arrives...
I am ready!

Vogue 8909

43 comments:

  1. Beautimous! Love 'em. (And I've been looking for a source for interesting linen -- will check them out!)

    Where did you get the shoes? Love those, too.

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    1. Thanks, Duck Bucket! The shoes are Fly London and I bought them a year ago in Santa Fe.

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  2. I love sewing silk/linen blends too. These pants are fabulous! I particularly love the print/color. Are you branching out from your traditional black/gray/red color scheme? It seems like I've noticed you sewing garments in blue/aqua/green tints lately. I sew mainly aqua/turquoise garments for spring/summer as it compliments my red hair. Karen

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    1. I am branching out a bit, Karen, particularly in warmer weather clothing. Thanks!

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  3. These are sooooo cool and scream spring/summer! Love the way you've styled them!

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  4. Fantastic! I've never touched linen with silk - sounds wonderful. Love your style!

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    1. Thanks, Kathy! I first sewed pants with a linen/silk blend some years ago and I really like them!

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  5. Shams! I really like your pants and am totally inspired to sew a fab pair of printed linen pants. Thanks!!

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  6. What gorgeous pants! I am going to get that pattern STAT! They are so flattering and perfect for the hot weather WHICH WILL COME (at least to Mountain View)

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    1. Thanks, Margy! I think this is a winning pattern!

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  7. Great print and they worked up beautifully in this fabric.

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  8. That fabric is shockingly fabulous! It's perfect for a pair of pants, I would never noticed its potential on the bolt. It's a really great fresh look, too! In every sense of the word!

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  9. Love, love, love. Great colors for you!

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    1. Thanks, Glenda! Yes, my eyes are green and green has always been a good color on me. But that white tee is SO white, so I was glad to find a scarf that is the perfect complement!

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  10. And are your legs getting longer too?
    Great fabric in a great pair of pants.

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  11. I had noticed this style in magazines but not considered making. I think the fabric you chose has become one of the nicest versions I have seen.

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  12. Your pants are lovely but your shoes are the real hero.

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  13. Absolutely love your whole look! Recently bought this pattern too but haven't tried it. I enjoyed seeing how you did the pocket.

    The pants are such a wonderful blend of fashionable and easy (as in, they look comfortable and elegant at the same time).

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    1. Thanks, Virginia! Next time I would make the pockets even bigger.

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  14. They're great! I was looking at that pattern. I think I'll get it.

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    1. Thanks, Claudine! You would look great in these!

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  15. I think these would look good as shorts too.
    Pattern going on my list now.

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  16. I love those! I would never have selected the pattern or the print but I love them both. Time for some bold fabric for some new pants. Thank you!

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  17. They are really cute shams! I never would have guessed from the line drawings. That print is totally lovely. Very tempting!

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  18. Love the tip about fitting for a tiny bottom. My mom has one--maybe now Ican get pants to fit her better.

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    1. You are a nice daughter, Mary! Let me know if this helps! I know a couple other tips for fitting pants to flat bottoms, but it can really vary from person to person.

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  19. This is what I call a cool pair of pants !!! Woaw this is a great great use of this lovely fabric !

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  20. Fabulous print. Love the colors. Great pair of pants!

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  21. These are fabulous pants on you!!

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  22. Lovely print and great lookig pants. The scarf is very cool too!

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  23. They look so much better on you than the envelope! Great job, as usual. Beautiful matching on the scarf and pants fabric...classy!

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