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I have a love hate relationship with pants. They are my favorite thing to wear, but they also are quite the project to make. And the styles keep changing! As do our bodies, because, you know, time marches on for all of us.
So if you're going to put a ton of effort into making a pair of pants, you want them to be something that will last. And this month, we're here to help you with that with what we are calling "Adjustable Pants." What does that mean exactly? Each pattern that we have chosen comes with ingenious ways for the pants to fit your body and not the other way around. Flexibility with elastic or knits or ties allows the pants to last you for years and feel amazing while wearing them.
Because we want you to have these pants for a long time, we decided to keep the fabrics and colors as classic as can be. Twills, linens, and bottom-weight cottons in traditional trouser colors. But don't worry. They are anything but boring!
So, without further ado, let's dig in!
Sew Essential Box: Magic Pants from Ann Tilley Handmade
Back in May, I did a live video with Ann Tilley, Brooks Ann Camper and Tina VanDenburg for Kinfolk Handmade, where I was introduced to Ann Tilley's amazing patterns. And then I felt bad that I hadn't discovered them earlier.
Her first pattern release was the Magic Pants, and can I tell you - they may actually be magic. A secret rib knit panel hidden under a sailor style pocket flap makes these pants incredibly comfy and easy to wear. Plus, the wide leg, mid-rise style is very chic right now. Basically these are pants that will feel like your favorite sweatpants put look like tailored trousers. An absolutely baller combination if you as us.
For fabric, the pants call for a medium weight fabrics, all the better to show off the loose fit, so we leaned towards cottons and linen in utterly classic colors. Here they are!
- Barnwood Organic Cotton Canvas - A good canvas can go a long way in your wardrobe. This cotton fabric is soft and flexible, and at 7 oz, just the right weight to be durable without stiff. The sandy khaki color is earthy yet light, and it will transform into an awesome pair of wide leg trousers. Comfy and classic, these pants will truly be magic!
- Indigo Cotton Kobe Twill - People often think of twill as a sturdy weave, like denim, but with the right fiber, it can be light and soft. This cotton twill is medium weight but is supple and thin, making it a perfect choice these wide leg pants. Plus, the navy blue is about as traditional as can be, made to go with practically anthing. If you're looking for a twill that can do it all, this is definitely the fabric for you!
- Charcoal Yarn Dyed Essex Linen - A mix of 55% linen and 45% cotton, this medium weight fabric has a full-body drape that is perfect for these pants. The beauty of linen is that the more you wash it, the softer it becomes. Plus, it's eminently breathable and durable. With a mottled, yarn-dyed gray, homespun with white warp threads for a rustic look, this fabric is unique and beautiful The look of wool and the feel of linen? What more could you want?!
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Sew Select Box: Meriam Trousers from Cashmerette
Somehow it has already been two years since Cashmerette released the Meriam Trousers, but they feel just as stylish today. Which is a good thing when you're looking for a pattern with longevity.
These trousers are an absolute wardrobe stable with a clever waistband that has secret elastic to stretch and move with you. That means that your new favorite dress pants feel amazing to wear and look as tailored and chic as an other non-stretch version. Wear them to work, to special events, or just because you like looking good. You'll want to make this pattern over and over again.
To mimic the dress pants look, we chose fabrics that look bespoke and expensive. A black linen, a silky gabardine, and a suiting style cotton blend are on offer and we love them. So let's take a look!
- Black Windowpane Essex Linen - There's something so appealing about windowpane fabrics. They combine the contrasting colors of a stripe with the symmetry of a plaid without being busy or oppressive. This black windowpane gets even better because it has the breathability and softness of linen. With a supple drape and smooth hand, your trouser will feel as wonderful as they look, and, I can assure you, they will look wonderful!
- Pecan Light Gabardine Cotton - Atelier Brunette recently released a lighter weight version of their cotton gabardine, and we are here for it! With a twill weave and structured drape, this fabric acts similarly to denim, but with the softness and suppleness of viscose. In a delicious caramel brown, it is classic and warm, perfect for fall outfits. A gorgeous fabric!
- Indigo Washed Linen Cotton Blend - Thin and medium weight, this linen has washed finish that stabilizes the fabric and gives it a smooth, slub hand. With a supple drape, it will give your trousers almost suiting look, while still retaining all the breathability and durability that makes us love linen. A sophisticated yet relaxed choice for your wardrobe!
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Sew Indulgent Box: Mitchell Trousers from Closet Core Patterns
Drapey and loose, the Mitchell Trousers ooze relaxation and cool. I mean, it's what you would expect for a pattern named after Joni Mitchell. These trousers are feminine, sleek, and yes, adjustable.
While not as stretchy as our other two patterns, this pair of trousers features straps on either side to act as a built in belt, flexing with your body as you move. The straps also add a lovely design element that contrasts nicely with the deep angled pockets and pleated front. These trousers are crazy stylish, and we bet you'll want to wear them all the time.
For fabrics, we wanted to play with the drape of the pattern, eschewing heavier fabrics in exchange for supple, flexible fabrics. Gorgeous cottons and a thin cord fit the bill for us. No matter which you choose, you'll have an amazing pair of trousers to last you for years. Here they are!
- Navy Heavyweight Cotton Broadcloth - Deep and dark, like the Atlantic on a winter's day, the color is just one thing to love about this fabric. With a silky, dry hand and a heavier weight, this fabric is supple and wearable, like your favorite pair of khakis that you wore until holes appeared. Lightly brushed for softness, this is about as classic as you can get for a twill. And absolute wardrobe necessity!
- Charcoal 21 Wale Corduroy - The wale of this black corduroy is so fine, it looks and feels almost like a velvet. It's plush and soft, with a drape that is supple, never stiff. In a classic charcoal color, this fabric will look like high end dress pants and feel like cotton pajamas. Sounds amazing to us!
- Latte Linen Cotton Twill - Nothing more classic than a creamy khaki pant. The earthy hue, a rich coffee creme, shows off the twill weave of this linen blend. Soft and delicately textured, this fabric has a fuller drape, it's the perfect fabric for the wide leg version of these trousers And because it's got a hefty dose of cotton, this fabric is not just for summer wear! These are year round, wardrobe staple pants if there ever were some!
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If you're craving sewing knits, I know we haven't done them in a long time. But don't fret! We are bringing back our zip-ups boxes featuring fall-ready fleeces and terrys. They are so snuggly and cozy for the transitional weather that is coming.
Until next time. . .
Happy sewing!
-Mary
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