Pattern Description:
Claire Shaeffer's pants pattern with a trouser fit, contour waistband, straight legged. Instructions included with and without (couture finish) hip darts.
Pattern Sizing:
6-22; I made a size 16.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
The envelope picture is on a dress form and they look more straight-legged than mine.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
This pattern is worth the price JUST for the instructions. The couture techniques are very clearly described and can be easily followed by even a beginner, I think. And, of course, the techniques can be applied to other projects. I particularly liked both the zipper insertion and the waistband facing application.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I wanted a pattern with a contour waistband which is comfortable. I also liked that they look very slimming (on the pattern envelope).
I was able to ease out the hip darts as instructed in the pattern and the fit is really nice. This is a wonderful fitted pants pattern.
In my size (16), the pants looked too full, particularly given that skinny pants are so very stylish right now. I took a total of 4 inches out of the width of each leg and I'm pretty happy with them now. To me, they look more straight-legged.
Also the two buttons on the waistband are really a bit too close together. I think that is a function of this soft corduroy. In a stiffer fabric, like a wool crepe, the two button closure would be great, I think. Also it would have been possible to use a clapper to make the waistband more flat. With this soft fabric, my buttonhole foot just couldn't get these any further apart without getting hung up on the seam allowances.
Fabric Used:
a very soft cotton pin-whale corduroy, interlined with rayon Bemberg amibiance.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I took a class with Pam Howard on fitting pants. We made many fit changes to accommodate my flat rear. Also I had to add to the top of the pants in the back to get the waistband to conform to my shape.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I'd love to make these in a wool so I can really get the benefit of all the couture pressing techniques. Corduroy is lovely to wear, but not really a couture fabric. I definitely recommend this if you are looking for a fitted pattern that is flattering.
Conclusion:
A great pattern, one I will use over and over again. I think this is a must-have pattern for every sewer.
Pictures:
Side view
Waistband
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Nice pants! I agree that the pants look straighter in the picture than in real life. I also just finished these pants and am similarly pleased.
2/25/13 10:14 PM
Great fit! I really like the pant leg width.
2/26/13 5:31 AM
Beautiful pants and a great fit. Could you tell us where you took the class with Pam Howard?
2/26/13 7:35 AM
Beautifully done! I love corduroy pants.
2/26/13 8:15 AM
Great looking pants. I agree with you about the legs -- very wide for a straight leg. Your alteration makes them fit the description.
2/26/13 10:21 AM
These look very nice - good idea to take some of the width out of the legs
2/26/13 12:06 PM
Your pants look really nice.
2/26/13 5:21 PM
Great pants, Martha. Super helpful review, too, so thanks for this tip on this pattern. I'm enrolled in Sandra Betzina's pant fitting class and this will be a good pattern to move on to...
2/26/13 8:22 PM