Was there a convergence this year that no one told me about? Over the course of 6 month, all three pattern companies we're using released work style pants, and, I have to say, I am here for it.
You may have noticed that cargo pants have been making a comeback, and while I'm not approving of many of my youthful fashions returning, I'm happy for this one. The looser fit, utility style, and abundance of pockets are all details I can get behind, and I'm really enjoying the way each pattern company interpreted the assignment. I hope you do too because we're making Utility Pants in the new year!
The best part of this month is getting to pick fantastic bottom weight fabrics (some of my faves). The winter months are reflected here with deep browns, neutral (snowy?) beiges, and a pop of bright blue. We can't wait to see these pants in action!
So, without further ado, let's dig in!
Sew Essential Box: Rika Pants from Closet Core Patterns
The most recent pattern release, the Rika Pants are a delightful return to what I think Closet Core Patterns does best. Jeans and pants have always been some of the company's best patterns, and I'm not just saying that because I live in my Ginger Jeans. The detailed construction and simple lines are just where we think they shine. So when this pattern was released, we knew we had to use it.
The pants themselves have two distinct views - a cropped dress pant and a full length carpenter style - so you can choose which direction you want to take your outfit. And oh yeah, our fabrics will work for both. So here they are!
- Chocolate 8 oz Cotton Twill - This twill is the perfect chino fabric. Soft, flexible, medium weight, and 100% cotton, it's an ideal fabric these casual pants, a blend of utility and dressiness. But what really sold us on this fabric was the color. Dark and stormy, this deep espresso brown is neutral but never boring. A simply gorgeous fabric!
- Cobalt Cotton Gabardine - With a twill weave and structured drape, this fabric acts similarly to heavyweight denim, but with more softness and suppleness. In a delightful cobalt blue, it is serene and saturated, perfect for winter when you need to make your own brightness. A gorgeous fabric if you're looking to make a cheerful pair of pants you'll love to wear!
- Natural 7 oz Cotton Canvas - Made from 100% cotton, this fabric is medium weight and supple, with a dry hand a slight nubbly texture. It's the perfect combination of sturdiness and wearability, plus an absolute classic weave. While unbleached cotton may not be a common choice, we love the idea of work pants that can show wear with you, whether it's speckles of paint or hints of indigo dye.
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Sew Select Box: Pinyon Pants from Sew Liberated
Sew Liberated calls the Pinyon Pants " a marriage of utility pants and your favorite jeans from high school" and we have to agree. They have the loose wide leg fit of a work pant, but with cute pockets, high-waist, and effortless style you always aimed for when you were in school.
Like the Rika Pants, these come with two views, depending on how "utility" you want to go. The first view is a simple wide leg jean with patch pockets and one added pencil pocket on the side. The other view goes full carpenter with a hammer loop, roomy back pockets and thigh pockets as well. No matter which fabric you choose, you'll be able to go from work to weekend with these fantastic pants! Let's take a look!
- Sand Cotton Gabardine - The wonderful thing about this cotton gabardine is the hand. Brushed and soft, it feels like a moleskin. Yet it's much sturdier and durable. The gabardine weave adds structure and strength, while the sanded color keeps things neutral. A gorgeous option for a light colored pair of utility pants
- Espresso Brown 9 oz Cotton Canvas - We can't get over the color of this canvas! Deep, dark brown, like your morning coffee or favorite chocolate cake, the color is perfect for year long wear. Plus, in a durable, classic canvas, you'll be able to wear these for years to come. At 9 oz, the fabric is heavy but still moveable, allowing you to feel comfortable where ever you wear these. A fabulous choice!
- Hydrangea 8 oz Cotton Twill - If you want a brightly colored bottom weight fabric, you really can't go wrong with this beautiful blue. The twill weave of this fabric is perfect for this cargo pant, and it's especially fun to play the softer color unexpectedly with structured garments. Sew up a jolly and vibrant pair of pants with this lovely cotton twill.
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Sew Indulgent Box: Oxbow Pants from Sew House Seven
Going farther back in time (the first two patterns are clearly 90s inspired) the Oxbow Pants are 70s inspired with a high waist, fitted hips, and a loose, slightly wide leg. But what I love best is the proportions of the pattern. Everything is slightly exaggerated, with oversized patch pockets, hefty belt loops and even a large button closure. The pants are playful in a way that you wouldn't' expect from a utility style.
On top of that, the fit is amazing. Two views again, you can choose from a cropped straight leg look or a full length wide leg version. Either one will wear like jeans but look like trousers, and we have to say, that's our perfect combination. You may start to wonder why all your pants can't do that. And now, fabrics!
- Pond Blue 8 Wale Cotton Corduroy - Wide wale corduroy will always have a 70s feel to it, and that makes it an ideal pairing for this pattern. The corduroy itself has a velvety soft hand and firm drape and at nearly 10 oz, it will wear almost like denim. Plus the dreamy pond blue color is unexpected and delightful. We're in love!
- Oatmeal Herringbone Bull Denim - A unique denim, this 10 oz cotton twill is woven with a herringbone weave. That means the pattern, which runs parallel to the selvege, will create a stunning striped effect on this seemingly neutral cotton. The color is flecked slightly from the unbleached fiber, and creates a gorgeous palette for your winter wardrobe!
- Tobacco Sanded Cotton Twill -Deep and dark, like your favorite chocolate, the color is just one thing to love about this fabric. With a sanded, dry hand and a medium weight, the 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. Turn it into trousers a wonderful pair of work trousers!
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While we usually have our Tried and True Boxes be notably different from our New boxes, there's something about January that makes me think of more tailored projects. So we're reviving our Wide Leg Trouser boxes from 2022. These are dressier pants in case you don't want a utility version. No matter which box you choose, you'll end up with an amazing pair of pants!
Until next time. . .
Happy sewing!
-Mary
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