Conquering a fear – trousers

I made a pledge at the beginning of last year not to buy clothes I could make. This is easy enough for dresses, tops and skirts. Doable for knickers, although bras are another proposition, and something of a challenge with knit fabrics.

But! I gritted my teeth, fitted a stretch needle, found a lovely pattern and did it.

Trousers, with a zip fly, on the other hand, were a challenge on another level. Fortunately we have Sandra, who can do these things with her eyes closed. (I’d be prepared to put money on it, but she’d be shy)

So, with her patient and intuitive instruction I have a pair of recognisable jeans.

The only real difficulty came with trying to sew the waistband.

The denim I’d chosen is rather heavy – I liked the colour – and six layers of top-stitching was beyond my Janome. But Sandra has an impressive Singer that handled it without complaint. Likewise the buttonhole.

I’ve not worn them yet, it’s too hot, and there’s one more touch I’d like to add. I’ve got a rivet kit, but I need to dig out my leather punch as my awl isn’t up to penetrating the four layers at the corner of each pocket where a rivet should go.

I have worn these, though. They’re indigo linen and don’t even crease too badly.

For a hot day at work, they’re chic and cool and go with a lot of my wardrobe.

The linen was also sufficiently light that I had no trouble with the waistband or buttonhole.

The pattern I’m working off is a much-adapted block. It’s flattering to my body shape with wide legs and a yoke back.

It translated very well to these:

Doesn’t everyone need ridiculous trousers?

The fabric is drill from LargeCraftandFabric chain store which I couldn’t resist. Sadly, not much seems to go with them, but they do make me smile!