I've made up my mind: no patchwork madras long pants for me, nuh-uh.
If I want to wear loud pants I have these:
And these:
And these:
And let's not forget these!
I do not want for statement pants. But I could use some more shorts (statement or otherwise), so that's what I'm making. I bought two and a half yards (I think) of the patchwork madras and since it doesn't seem to matter whether I cut parallel to the selvage or not, I can likely squeeze another garment out of this yardage. Maybe a short-sleeve shirt like this?
Yesterday somebody suggested I make one of those collarless surfer shirts from the Sixties but to me this looks like a pajama top.
Anyway, I managed to get a little sewing in today as we had a short break in our construction project.
I pre-washed my madras with the rest of my laundry (which included some heavy towels) and I'm not sure if this happened in the washing machine or what, but when I removed the yardage from the machine I noticed this small rip (I added the safety pin so I'd see it when I cut my fabric).
Fortunately this was the only damage. The patchwork is sturdy, but obviously with all those seams running both ways, it's not as sturdy as regular fabric. I'll probably wash my shorts by hand moving forward.
Anyway, I've cut all my pattern pieces and have completed the front pockets, which will be those long Op shorts-style patch pockets.
In fact, I'm using the same self-drafted pattern I used last summer to make those lavender corduroy Op short knock offs (below), with a few variations: the back waistband won't be elastic and I'll add an applied waistband instead of just folding over the top.
The inside of each front pocket is lined with gray shirting, and I cut the gray narrower so that when I turned the fabric right side out (I stitched them right sides together first), the madras folds over the edge a bit, hiding the gray completely.
I topstitched along the curved edge (that's the pocket opening) and then attached the pockets to the pants fronts, edgestitching at roughly 1/16" from the edge and then topstitching 1/4" from the edgestitching (on my Bernina, using my Singer straight stitch foot with the adapter I bought).
Readers, I hope to have an update tomorrow if I am able to sew around the construction. If not, hopefully on the weekend.
I do hope your sewing projects are going well. I have two new sewing books (and one sewing video) to tell you about, so stay tuned.
Have a great day, everybody!
(RIP Esther!)
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Those are going to be wonderful! I thought you may use that pattern for them. It suits them well. Can't wait to see the final product!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marcia. The patch pocket also provides an extra layer (actually two, since it's lined) to what is pretty thin fabric for pants.
DeleteWhat is the adaptor you're using? Is the Singer foot what you use for that beautiful topstitching?
ReplyDeleteYes. It's this:
Deletehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/200834439695?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Love them. Great inspiration for getting myself motivated to sew some shorts for my kiddos.
ReplyDeleteI had my heart set on pants, but the shorts will probably get more wear. Also--I hadn't realized you were in possession of so many statement pants. I love them all.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous and impressive pants YET: they won't be able to outdo you with your smile on the blog header :-D !
ReplyDeleteI always admire your 'daring difference' concerning your dress code.
(= myself sitting amongst 'nerd-coloured' OZ-Melbournians ;-) )
LG, Gerlinde
Thanks for the reminder/hint concerning 'extra layer' by doing pockets like this.
And - since matching age to having partially grown up with her: RIP Ester from here as well; Boy I admired this mermaid!
Ok, I have a question (sparked by this post, but kinda more general): where the heck do you store part-constructed garments?
ReplyDeleteI mean, I understand the concept that fabrics can stretch out of shape before they're sewn, and maybe you could stabilise them or maybe not. But where do you put part-finished bits to keep them safe?
Your apartment looks as small as mine, and although you don't have kids, you do have pets who might sometimes bump over chairs etc...
Do you hang fabric pieces in a cupboard? Do you have a big desk where you can leave them lying out? Hanging over the ironing board?
Hi Peter
ReplyDeleteThese are going to be great! I really admire your attention to detail with the "turn of the cloth" when lining the pockets. I can't wait to see the finished shorts.
Hugs
G
Looking great! Love the fabric.
ReplyDeleteLovely pockets! And I totally endorse the idea of a shirt with a proper collar, not a PJ shirt. Maybe make the collar in a solid colour (and add a solid colour faux cuff to the short sleeve)?
ReplyDeleteThose Toile de Jouy trousers - so beautiful! Glad to see them again! And the pocket construction is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of you this morning when I read about Esther - is Cathy, Esther's fellow bathing diva, coping OK?
You have some really great pants. I'm jealous but I don't think I'm quite courageous enough to wear print pants. My bottom half is a full size larger than my top half and I'd rather not attract attention to it.
ReplyDeleteLovely shorts! I see that fabric all the time and wonder what the flip people do with it- now I know.
ReplyDeleteBummed about Esther- about to check and see if any of her films are on netflix!
When I heard about Esther's death, I thought you would have a tribute, so I checked your blog. The post about the shorts was interesting, but I felt a bit let down, until I came to the end, of course! A lovely acknowledgement of an amazing star!
ReplyDeleteLovely pockets, Peter. I hope you get more sewing time in this weekend.
ReplyDeleteLove the fabric. It's the exact same as a madras hat I used to have. It was my favorite hat and I was sooo sad when it died!
ReplyDeleteI've never watched a clip of Esther Williams before. It's spectacular cinema.
ReplyDeleteThese are going to be so cute! I'm glad you decided on shorts!
ReplyDeleteThe shorts with the madras fabric are the way to go. They'll look great.
ReplyDeleteI do love your leopard pants and of course the toile! Cool purple shirt with the symbols on it.
Well yes you are ALL SET on statement pants and that Madras in shirts will give a nice preppy vibe!
ReplyDelete