Comments on: Le Sigh.

By: Erin

Erin — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:11:10 +0000

Thanks for the comments, everyone – with all this advice, I was able to rework these into pants that actually fit today – Yay! \o/ You guys are wonderful.

NPH – I did add in a 1/2″ allowance into the pattern, but I don’t think I realized how much the base pants were stretching over my chubby hips. Next time, I’ll know to use a non-knit pair. I found the tracing process a bit awkward, but it was a good way to learn how one assembles pants, in general.

Sandi – I surely hope I don’t muck up the AMH stuff. It’s too pretty.

Maura – that’s a great idea. I should just block the dogs out for a bit and do it that way. Bit rough on the knees, but I won’t be spending hours on the floor as with basting. I took your advice on the new pair today and ironed the casing – it really did come out better, thanks. I also used a triple-stitch on the crotch seams this time, so they’re less likely to rip.

Elle – thanks for the compliment on the kitty and the pants. That’s Marshall, one of Mike’s cats, who seems to be adopting me.

Jane – thanks! The second pair was far easier.

By: Jane

Jane — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:18:55 +0000

I hate painful lessons like these – I’ve had a bunch. But you always come out smarter! They are darn cute!

By: Elle Clark

Elle Clark — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:10:43 +0000

The pattern is really cute! Perhaps a gift for someone else? The good news is how much you learned from these pants! And what a beautiful cat!

By: maura

maura — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 04:57:37 +0000

I find cutting out easier on the floor. No table is ever big enough. On the floor you can lay out the whole fabric and pattern in one go.

As was suggested, you can probably save these pants by adding strips along the side seams.

To make a nice casing top, always use the iron and press it before sewing. Pin at 2 or 3 inch intervals and pull the material taut from front to back of the presser foot.

I understand the 3/4″ mark and ease instruction , but I do not agree with it. Crotch seams are not eased. They are sewn with two identical pieces,(two fronts or two backs) so there is no easing possible. Easing is done when you are joining dissimilar pieces, like a sleeve into an armhole. Crotch seams are usually sewn double for strength.

By: Sandi

Sandi — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 03:43:21 +0000

Congratulations on getting to point where you could actually try the darn cute pants on! Many on-line tutorials do assume a certain level of previous experience, as you pointed out. Good luck with the AMH fabric. I’m sure you’ll have better luck and some comfy pants after the next bout!

By: nopinkhere

nopinkhere — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 02:47:49 +0000

I want to make these pants too. I just have not found the sheet at the thrift store that calls to me yet.

First, next time sew from the pre-hemmed bottom leg openings up to the top. Then the hems will come out even. You can always add extra fabric at the top to make the waistband if you need to.

Second, to fix these, you could rip up the side seams. (ripper again!) Then you could add a strip of contrasting fabric wide enough to make the pants fit. Heck, you could even piece together scraps.

Also, did you remember to add the seam allowance when you traced your pants? I looked at the tutorial and I don’t know what the 3/4″ mark is for either. It doesn’t seem to be referenced again.

Thanks for helping my learning curve for these go smoother. The pants I plan to trace are knit as well.