One of the things I want to do this year is sewing pants again. I love my three Thurlow trousers I made in past years, but I want a different style this time. I’ve mentioned in my Top 5 of 2014 post that I will sew more things that are my style this year. I’ve eyed vintage and rock’n’roll outfits for years and I’ve decided that life is too short to wish to dress in a specific way and not doing it, especially if you have sewing and knitting skills.
I wanted to try high waisted trousers for a while but I’m not sure if I’d like it. Not the aesthetic, but I wonder if I would feel comfortable with it. I remember some old jeans in the 90s that were especially uncomfortable on the waist area. It’s also true that they were not made to measurements but probably cheap RTW. Well, one thing I know: if I don’t try I’ll never know. And they will look so good with my new blouses (more to come).
I’ve been eying a couple of Gertie’s patterns:
These Butterick jeans (made by Tasha of By Gum By Golly, Rochelle of Lucky Lucille, and Stacey from Stacey Stitch) and the pants included in Gertie’s last book “Gertie sews vintage casual”. I own both patterns, but I ignore if they are the same or if they are worthy mods on any of both. I would need to unfold the one that comes with the book and print the one from Butterick to be able to compare them.
Both pants have a back zipper, and that is what I’m not so convinced about. I think it would feel awkward and I would prefer a side zipper, but again, it’s uncharted territory for me.
Other option would be the Sew Over It Ultimate Trousers. I’ve seen nice versions online and they have a side zip.
And then we have the Ginger jeans. Everybody has highly praised this pattern but I was not so sure about the leg design. I don’t look too good in skinny jeans (I was planning on widening a bit the ones above), but then this project completely sold me:
They are made in non stretch denim and I absolutely see myself wearing something like this.
I also have this Angela Wolf Bootcut Jean pattern that looks a lot like the jeans I’m wearing nowadays, and has very good opinions on Pattern Review. I like the style but I would mean just making what I’m wearing these days and less experimentation.
Which pants should I make this year? And you? What are your sewing plans?
I’m not a pants lover (at least not at the moment!) but I’m curious to see which one you choose to sew!and no, no sewing plans in sights, just things to finish :D!
I wear pants a lot, especially when it’s cold outside, and I want to try something new. I think I’ll go for the Butterick and the Ginger Jeans, and if I have time also the Angela Wolf Jeans. I might not sew all that but why shouldn’t I try at least 😉
The Angel jeans look lovely, and I see what you mean about the high waist on Gertie’s trousers. I sort of have a plan to make jeans too. I want to use the rub off method from Kenneth King’s Jean-ius Craftsy class.
I would use the rub off method if my jeans fit me perfectly but I always have problems with the waist since it tends to be always too loose. I hope you make them soon, I’m looking forward to seeing them!
I really like the Angela Wolf Angel jeans myself. I cannot pull off high waisted jeans, though.
Yes, I also like the pattern a lot, so I think I’ll make a muslin at least and then decide. About high waisted jeans, I don’t know. They used to be uncomfortable but that was 20 years ago…