Friday, August 14, 2009

Vogue 1051 - Gray penstripe capris

I'll bet you were expecting actual pants, right? Me too. Unfortunately, while I was cutting this out one piece at a time to ensure the pinstripes lined up perfectly, I somehow ran out of room for the bottom of the last leg. Because I love this fabric sooooo much, I decided to cut off the other legs and try for a pair of capris. They were suppose to match a shiny pink long sleeve top that is currently an orphan. Well, now I've got two orphans, because nothing in my closet matches this except a boring white shirt. It's kind of a yawn of an outfit. By the way, this fabric is a thinnish stretch suiting from Hancock's that I bought last fall.

I'm still working out a few fit issues with this pattern, but not bad for my first pair of pants! Oh, I've made others years ago, but the fit was always so poor they never got worn. I think the back is a better fit then the front. These are also my first ever welt pockets, which I found very easy to complete.

I decided to use pink contrasting fabric for the inside waistband. The problem was the pink could be seen when the pants were fastened. So I went back and put a bit of gray at the front fly. But that seam adds a bit of bulk to the front and can be seen in my picture if you look for it.

This is the side waistband where I matched up the pinstripes:

Here you can see my welt pockets and matching pinstripes on the derriere. (I thought you'd prefer it this way and not a close-up butt shot.)

Instead of turning up the inside waistband and slip-stitching it to the outside waistband, I edged it with bias tape and stitched-in-the-ditch on the outside. I used gray thread for the machine and pink thread in the bobbin so it would look nice on the inside. I also *gasp* used the zigzag stitch to finish the pocket edges and pants legs. I usually try my hardest to avoid zigzagging, but I think it was appropriate in this situation.

Things I'll do differently on the next pair:
1. Interface the inside and outside waistbands, especially when using this thin of a fabric.
2. Not use a contrast fabric for the inside waistband.
3. Allow more fabric in the front crotch area and inner leg both front and back.
4. Make the front fly longer. It seems to end really high up on me. But now that I'm studding the pattern envelope, it doesn't look too high on the model. I'll have to review this again.

Next weekend we'll be attending my husband's grandfather's 100th birthday party in a small map dot town in west Texas. (Anyone ever heard of Plains?!) I feel I must have a new dress. Simplicity 3775 is my next project - view D. As it's a simple little knit dress, I'm hoping to have it whipped up by Sunday. Have a great weekend, y'all!

26 comments:

  1. Those look great! I may have to still your idea!

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  2. I love the pink in the fabric! It looks great as capris! Good luck with your dress! I'm sure it will be awesome! :)

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  3. These are really cute. If you quickly whipped up (or bought) a plain pink tshirt it wouldn't be an orphan for long. It would look so nice on you.

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  4. Great job on your first pair of pants! I love grey and pink. You'll love the Simplicity pattern, it goes together fast, and is really flattering. Have fun!

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  5. Nice trousers, And great pattern matching!

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  6. Those capris look gorgeous on you. You are such a neat seamstress!!!

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  7. The capris came out great and you did a fantastic job on the pockets and sure the dress will be just as nice.

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  8. You really did well matching the fabric - I don't think I would have the patience to match it all that well!! I just made a pair of capris and nearly ran out of material. I had to really play with the positioning to get enough, so I can relate!

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  9. WOW those are a gorgeously sewn pair of capris!!!

    You done good! :)

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  10. Those are fantastic. What a great fit.

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  11. Very nice. I like them with the "boring" white top. Nothing wrong with a simple ensemble every one in a while!

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  12. They look awesome as capris. Good save.

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  13. They look good as capris, if it is cold enough in winter (not sure where you live?) they would look good with boots too. I have noticed that on RTW that has a contrast facing, it usually shows - I always presumed it is meant to and I actually like it that way, otherwise you are the only one who knows it is there :-) JMHO.

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  14. These pants are genius. Your first pair of pants and you've gone for a pinstripe that needs matching and welt pockets - that's some task - and, yet, you've made a perfect pair of pants!!! I love them.

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  15. The pants is beautiful, fits perfectly and great job.

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  16. I like them that length... Also, good practice for next time... I'm so impressed with your meticulous work lining up the pinstripes like that!

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  17. They're beautiful! Hope you're over your pants sewing fear. I noticed the other day that I am waaaay more critical of the fit on pants I sew than ones I buy. Why is that??

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  18. I love your outfit, especially the way the silver shoes jazz it up. I think this could become a real staple in your wardrobe. You did a beautiful job, as always, on the construction.

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  19. Those look wonderful! Great job on lining the stripes.

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  20. Amanda, I am in awe. Your construction techniques are meticulous. The capris are just so beautifully put together. I have the Simplicity dress pattern but have never made it. I look forward to seeing your version. Good Luck and have fun at the birthday party.

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  21. The capris look fantastic!! You did a superb job!

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  22. You always do such a detail and great job. I admire your matching of the pinstripes. Look great on you too!

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  23. I have this same pattern, but I haven't tried it yet. I love how your stripes line up so well. Nice work!

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