In my last post, I threatened to foist upon you some abominable photos featuring a tucked-in shirt. Good sense (and vanity) got the better of me and I recommissioned the photo shoot. These are a vast improvement, trust me.
These pants are from the much-acclaimed Lisette Portfolio pattern, although I've seen many many more tunics from the pattern made up than the trousers.
I was surprised they fit as well as they did, since I've never made a non-vintage Simplicity pattern for myself and didn't know what to expect. Since I usually make Burdastyle pants and sometimes Ottobre, I'll use those as a reference for my fit analysis.
1. With both Burdastyle and Ottobre, I have to flatten out the outseam/upper thigh curve, otherwise the sides stick out like oompa loompa pants. I think this is a posture issue. Anyway, it seems these were even roomier, as I had to remove more than an inch at the outseam, which is tricky to do neatly when you have a zipper in the side seam. (Note I installed the zipper after adjusting the side seams.)
2. The crotch curve is different (shallower?). If I make these again (or any other pants pattern for that matter) I will save myself the fitting trouble and just trace the curve from a previously used pattern. Why reinvent the
3. The size chart is off as numerous reviewers have pointed out. I'll refrain from telling you what I think about inaccurate charts. But, I ended up sewing one size smaller than my measurements indicated and definitely wouldn't have wanted to go smaller unless I had a fairly stretchy fabric.
Otherwise I'm okay with the fit. I know I'll sometimes miss having pockets. And it's a shame that the neat button feature won't be overly visible unless I make some shorter shirts.
Sources:
Lisette Portfolio 2245
Cotton gabardine (yum!) from Mill End Textiles.
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Cute!! Those pants have been totally overshadowed by the tunic, which is too bad - the button tabs are great and it doesn't sound like it was too much work to get a good fit. They look great!
ReplyDeleteI know - they've been overshadowed. Maybe that's partly because a tunic seems easier than pants. I made the tunic too, though, and I think it's technically more difficult.
DeleteI'm always looking for the definitive pants pattern, so thanks for the review. The button tabs are a nice feature, but, I agree, nothing beats pockets.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if this would be the definitive pattern, but I don't mind trying out different patterns once in a while for variety's sake.
DeleteIt's good to see successful pair being worn & talked about! They look great on you Joy, & the button tab & yoke is anice feature ....however as you say fitting with side zip & yoke is not a pleasure ! I have revisited mine & found that I've lost weight *& they no longer fit - the prospect of taking them apart to refit is not appealing - i'm trying laszy fixes....I dont think I'd make them again, but youve managed them great so I'm happy to see someone succeeding with them :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm not sure if I'll make them again, either. However, if I tweak the crotch curve, as I said, I know they'll fit well.
DeleteThese are cute pants, but I wouldn't want to mess around with fit AND a side zip- yikes! You really did a great a job! I mostly sew Burda pants too.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I like Burda because it's predictable.
DeleteThese look wonderful, i love the button tab details.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The button tabs definitely make the pants.
DeleteThe pants look great on you, Joy! You need to get busy and make some shorter tops or start tucking.:)
ReplyDeleteThere's the dilemma! But if I had to choose, it'd be the shorter top (: Some people just aren't made for tucking, I think.
DeleteThey look great. I love the button tab.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marie!
DeleteThat's a brilliant idea. I think you're onto something by having a crotch curve template on hand.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a tuck in girl either. I only do this to show the fit of trousers. The detailing is wonderful.
I love the little button tabs--such a cute detail. Tucking is a scary prospect, but it is really hard to photograph pants well. Every pair of pants I make, I feel like I have to choose between tucking or disembodied shots of my posterior!
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I made a pair of these and they are too high in the rise to be comfortable but they are so nearly right that I want to try again.
ReplyDeleteYours look great! And I love the print of your Portfolio dress! :)
These are great. I love your blog and sewing and family. Reminds me of myself when my two were that age and I sewed everything as well. So much fun. Your kids are precious.
ReplyDelete