Readers, remember this abstract linen I found on Tuesday's outing with decisive Ann? Well, what I didn't share with you was that I had actually brought Michael's Color Me Beautiful color chart samples with me.
That's how I decided on this very mid-century-feeling abstract print I bought at Fabrics for Less -- a yard and a half from a 60" bolt for $10. It's heavier than the flowered linen I'd bought there for Michael's shirt (and my shorts), but still beautifully drapey.
It picks up many of Michael's colors (He's an autumn, by the way):
Michael decided he'd rather have pants than a shirt, so I combined my vintage Kwik Sew jeans pattern (2123 -- which I used for my toile de Jouy jeans) with my vintage Simplicity shorts pattern (5044 -- which I used for my most recent shorts). I combined them because Michael wanted side pockets instead of jeans pockets.
I was out of short zippers, so yesterday I swung by Fashion Design Books, the independent bookstore/notions store next to FIT on 27th St., and they had a special -- get this: pre-packaged bags of 100 YKK zippers for $4.99! That's like a nickel a zipper; I usually pay $1 each. I'm not sure what I'll do with the other 99; I guess it'll be tan zippers from here forward.
So far the pants are coming together nicely. I'm using faux flat-felled seams on these -- serging the seam allowance and topstitching it down from the top.
Here are some fitting pics; no waistband yet.
These pants are not for everyone but I think Michael can pull them off -- and they're in his colors! There's something about linen....so cool and summery, even in an autumn palette.
OK, back to work.
Happy Thursday, everybody!
Posts
Those will be really cute. Love the retro print. I'm still in shock (and envy) over 100 zippers for $5!
ReplyDeleteThose trousers will be totally crazy. Re the bag of zippers, I bought a similar, but larger, bag of zippers at a tag sale when I was in high school (my 25th reunion is this year). I still have it, and still use the zippers. They are so picked-through that at this point, colors like mint green are disproportionately represented, but on a fly front, you can't really tell the zipper color.
ReplyDeleteI LOVe those! V snazzy :)
ReplyDeleteJ'adore that fabric! I am coveting it in a BIG way!
ReplyDeleteThey are going to look BONKERS! Good work on the zipper find
ReplyDeleteCoveting? As a guy, I'm experiencing "menvy"!
ReplyDeleteEven man boutiques don't carry pants like this.
Definitely want a pic of the two of you together in your printed pants!
ReplyDeleteThe delicious Michael looks delicious in these pants even at this early stage. I am pretty gobsmacked that he is an autumn however, looks more like a spring in the photos!
ReplyDeleteWell, color me impressed! You're really on a summer pants tear! I really like print pants. Very fun for the summer.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Michael liked the fabric! Printed pants are big for women this summer, and I think they might be a fringe trend for men. Check out this pair: http://www.zappos.com/moods-of-norway-even-flo-floral-print-suit-pant-beige
ReplyDeleteI can't beleive you got all those zippers for 5 dollars! You're set for life.
These are incredible! I love the fabric and I love that Michael wants pants. Does he have something to wear with them already?
ReplyDeleteExcellent work! When you're done you guys should hit the town with Michael in this masterpiece and you in your toile de Jouy.
ReplyDeleteYou make that look so simple. I'm awful with clothes for myself so far. I'm attempting what should be easy, shorts, and something went wrong. I'm on my fourth pattern adjustment. Hopefully if it works out I'll be on a shorts marathon.
ReplyDeleteGreat find on those zippers too. :-)
Oh my goodness, I love that print!
ReplyDeleteUm....not to stir the pot or anything, but I'm thinking there is something to this color pallet thingy, at least where Michael is concerned because these colors really do work for him. Now I want linen pants....
ReplyDeleteLove the colors. Random question: what type of paper do you use for your pattern tracing/alterations? I'm always on the look out for something better than flimsy tissue.
ReplyDeleteI hate to be a spoil sport, but OMG, that fabric is just kind of, well, hideous. I can't actually fathom wearing those pants out in public, and I've appeared in public in strawberry-print shorts. Better you than me, that's all I can say. :(
ReplyDeletehehe Color Me Beautiful. I love that he still uses that.
ReplyDelete