Let's recap the many twists and turns on this sewing journey. We start with fabric with 30% crosswise stretch. We continue with replacement fabric with 30% crosswise stretch. We buy new fabric whose label only lists cotton and lurex as fibre content but has 10% crosswise stretch so at the very least must have some elastane. We buy replacement for the replacement of the replacement which is linen and cotton after triple checking absolutely NO crosswise stretch but on the first fitting discover that the linen is very scratchy, even though it comes from a reputable source.
Very important lesson learnt: hands are rough and poor indicator of how fabric is going to feel on tender princess-like thighs. Best indicator? The area of skin between the nose and lips is very sensitive and if you can sneak a piece of fabric to your lips and give it a light brush (you might try to find a private space for this) you'll have a pretty good indicator of how this will feel on your thighs. That is, if you really find lining things tedious like I do and want to just get something nice and comfy from the outset. There was nothing for it but to line it, and that I did, with some cotton lawn from Nick's.
I like the idea of these pants - the straight leg, the pockets, the waistband finishing on the waist with the extended flap - but I forgot that linen needs ironing and so it isn't exactly lazy friendly wash'n'wear.
Technical drawing from Burda: (NB - I added half and inch from the outer front hip to the ankle to make the leg a bit straighter as this style is too slim in the front for me)
Costings: cotton/linen from Nick's (Line 7 manufacturers liquidation sale) $10. Thread 50c for overlocking thread, outer thread used leftovers from other projects. Pattern already costed first time round. Lining $6 Interfacing $1. Total: $17
I'm not totally in love with these pants, mainly because I really don't like linen that much. It has to be said though, as the humidity rises linen really comes into its own, so we'll call it a draw.
Lovely color and the fit is great!
ReplyDeleteWorth perserving. I'm not a big ironing either. My trick with linen is to hang it on the line on a pants hanger and while still wet, 'iron' with your hands. Never put linen in the dryer...only hours of ironing will remove the damage!
ReplyDeleteI love that colour combo!
ReplyDeleteGive your linen time. It will soften. I have the most sensitive skin known to man and Peter is amazed that I own a linen nightie (gotta love the word "nightie"), but really, it will soften. And the wrinkles won't matter so much when it softens. This morning I read a great article (in Peppermint mag), comparing environmental ticks of different fabrics. Linen looks pretty good, only using 5 - 20% of the amount of water required to produce cotton. I think that is worth a few wrinkles.
I love, love, love those pockets. Wish you were here to sew pants for me.
They look brilliant! The leg shape is great, and I love those squared off pockets.
ReplyDeleteShould I ask about the Line 7 clearance stuff at Nick's? Is it worth a trip? ;-)
J
I don't like the wrinkle factor of linen either, but the pants turned out great!
ReplyDelete(Be careful not to scratch your upper lip on future fabric tests...)
Your sewing, detailing and topstitching are wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't like linen either but I love linen-look!
Well, you ended up with a great looking pair of pants, so it was all worth it in the end. You will have to learn to love the wrinkled Linen look!
ReplyDeleteWell at least they look great - that has to count for something right?
ReplyDeleteI was browsing blogs and came across a project which made me think of you. Not sure if embroidery is your thing, but you might like the picture!
http://orangeyoulucky.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-know-im-not-only-person-that-does-bit.html
hope you've checked that embroidery on Judy Ross's link because it is so inspiring. Even makes me wish for a second or two that I had the focus to embroider/sew/craft...and then reality tells me no. Beautiful trousers.
ReplyDeleteWell, your fabric odyssey had me laughing out loud!! I would like to see you in the store "sniffing" the fabrics!!
ReplyDeleteThe pants look fantastic, even if you don't like the fabric. They are a cute style and the color is really pretty!
Hi - IM looking forward to seeing you in all your beautifully sewn creations in a couple of weeks!!
ReplyDeleteReally nice shape to those pants. Well done. I'm sorry it took so many replacement efforts! (I'm still trying to sort out what "princess-like thighs" means??? LOL)
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