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Now that I have completed January, I’m staring down the barrel at 11 more months of pants sewing. I’m not really sure which direction I want to go. I’ve been having fun collecting pattern recommendations and tips and tutorials on my Scaredy Pants Pinterest board…
…but it seems that I have a few courses of action to take from here. I could…
… Pick a pattern, sew and tweak a muslin every time. It is what most people do, but seems inefficient. I would likely start with a Jalie pattern (a basic, elastic waist, relaxed fit, pull-on pant).
… Follow along with Sandra Betzina in her “Pant Fitting Technique” Craftsy course (affiliate link). I’ve already watched the course through and have the pattern. I’m less excited about the pant style because it is more “business casual” than I usual wear, but it would give me a good idea of what to expect adjustment-wise and she answers her students questions in the class forums and can evaluate pictures of my pant progress. (button below is an affiliate link)
… I could see if Steph, The Consulting Dressmaker, is still drafting “Pants Blocks” for customers (a basic pattern that is used to create other custom fit patterns), although she might be too busy these days with her awesome pattern business. I ordered a pants block right when I got pregnant with Vinny, then I gained weight too fast and never finished tweaking it. It reeeaally doesn’t fit right now.
… I could try to draft my own pants block. I found an article of how to draft a pants pattern in an old issue of Threads Magazine. This seems rather involved and I wouldn’t have a mentor to help.
What would you do? Which direction would should I go in?
More #scaredypatns2014 posts here.
I’d go with the craftsy class or the simplicity pants pattern.
Sorry, no help here. This is why I don’t sew pants. Oh, I had a thought, could you use a Simplicity or other easy pattern and possibly use some of the techniques from Craftsy to adjust them? I know their class is focused on their pattern but I think some of it may apply still. Good luck.
Jidi, one of my favorite this is to get a pair of old worn out pants you loved or even a cheap pair from the store that fit great and take them apart to make a pattern.
Since you are interested in playing around with alterations, I suggest starting with a a simple drawstring type pant with no lining of complicated closures to worry about, just the fit. Although I’m sure you will rock those things when you get to them, seeing your bags 🙂 Also I can then live vicariously through you because I’ve always wanted a pair of those.