Chicken Soup and Dress Pants

I can't remember if I mentioned that my Mom, who has made a remarkable recovery from emergency hip surgery last November, has been staying with us.

Three months ago I wasn't sure how quickly she'd bounce back, but I am happy to report that she's not only back on her feet but also back in the kitchen -- one of her favorite places -- and cooking up a storm.  She makes excellent soups, and this week whipped up a chunky chicken soup we devoured.  I'd share the recipe but she doesn't follow a recipe.  She just wings it with consistently excellent results.  Currently simmering on the stove: lentil.







Meanwhile, in sewing land, I'm almost finished with my khaki cotton trousers.  Having just made two pairs of jeans, I was reminded that dress pants are much more challenging.



The fabric I'm using is smooth, lightweight, and light-colored.  Every imperfection shows plainly, in my opinion at least.  A few close-up pics of how things are developing:

I finished most of my seam allowances with my serger.  Seams are pressed on the narrow edge of my June Tailor board so as not to leave an indentation on the front. 



I skipped the instructions and used commercial waistbanding.  I'm not sure if it made finishing the waistband any easier, but it does give the pants a more professional look.





For me, dress pants are harder to fit than jeans as the last seam completed is the center back (i.e, butt), which is challenging to fit on oneself.  With jeans, the last seams finished are the side seams.

 The welt pockets I complained about the other day no longer seem so bad.  The next time I make these pants I'll do a neater job.  I can't put a buttonhole in these with my buttonholer, so if I want a functioning buttonhole I'll have to have it done at Jonathan Embroidery.  Another option is to add a button loop under the seam above the welt.  Or pocket flaps.





Here's a peek of the pants from the front and side.  They will benefit from a good pressing.





And that's it.  I may not post these in full till March; I still feel like there's a lot of room for improvement and I'd like to make a second pair.

Right now, however, it's time for some more soup.

Have a great day, everybody!