Thanks for watching my trouser making journey! Don't forget the first 1,000 people to use the link or my code thumin will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/roseryapparel07221
I know a lot of sewists are really reluctant to a) Blend between sizeson a pattern and b) Make a toile/muslin/mock up. This video is a great lesson in why it's important to do both of those things. If your waist and hips are usually different sizes in RTW, why would they be the same size on a sewing pattern? That's the beauty of making our own clothes, that we're not limited to those standardised ratios. I know blending between sizes and mock ups can seem tedious, but a little tedium at the start of a project can save a lot of grief down the track, especially when a precious fabric is involved. Well done for persevering, and great choice with the neutral corduroy - they will go so well with so many tops. A bonus tip for measuring for trousers (from Cashmerette patterns): measure your waist, and especially hips, while sitting down, as our bodies can spread out a little there when sitting and actually need a bit more room.
I just want to say I have been practicing sewing every single day for about a couples weeks now. I’ve had to teach myself because I want to create all my own clothes. Your videos have been such a blessing! I’ve purchased all your patterns and with a lot of mistakes and fails I’m slowing learning and will eventually have my very own me made wardrobe. Thank you!
Good on you. Just remember, keep it simple to start with. I'd recommend doing a simple elastic waist skirt as a first project, then a keyhole blouse. For pants, an elastic waisted pull on pants (or shorts) eg pyjamas, is a good starting point. Happy sewing.
Me too! It's a tough road teaching yourself, but also incredibly rewarding when you can successfully work through all the little problems as they come up. Best of luck!
Same. I did a few bags and then I thought I’d do a simple dress and it was awful. I’m going back to bags and hats for awhile. I find that sewing and cutting really strains my neck. I’m not sure if anyone else new to sewing has the same issue. I find that cutting straight is so difficult, no matter the tools I use. But I’ll keep trying.
Before sewing with corduroy there are fabric that need to be followed, corduroy has a nap and all pattern pieces must be placed on the fabric all going the same direction. From what I am seeing some of the the pieces were turned in the opposite direction which causes the color to change as a result of nap. The right side of corduroy should not be touched with an iron. If you must press, have a press cloth on the corduroy. Always iron on the wrong side with a towel under the fabric or a velvet board. This prevents smashing the nap . That is why it is a wise endeavor to take sewing classes and not try to self teach . There is so much to learn to make your garment look professional. Trying to do something on your own can be so discouraging and so expensive in materials ruined. . Sewing is so wonderful and when you learn the right way you will love doing it , not get discouraged. Then you can save money .Mistakes will always be made no matter how many years you sew, but you will learn from those also. Taking classes in garment fitting is really a must. Using that tape measure , knowing what ease is necessary when you buy and cut out your patterns. I am a seasoned sewer and I still take classes . I still make mistakes. 🥴
I love the blush coloured wide-cord aesthetic but I think that wide leg trousers are a challenge to wear. As someone who wore these in the 1970's and again in the 1990's, narrow the legs slightly to the knee. An excellent alterations dressmaker, in a high-end fashion mall completely transformed a pair of trousers for me this way. Another high-end trick .. add an extension tab to the waistband so that you can add a skirt hook and take some of the pressure off the button thus providing a nice flush finish.
I've been wearing mostly skirts and dresses over the past several years and have just recently started getting back into wearing jeans. The unfortunate side effect of wearing dresses all the time, they are so forgiving that I went up three sizes without noticing as much as I would wearing jeans.
I am delighted with this video. Showing the original construction and how wrong it went was not only a learning curve for you but for many watching this video. Step 1 - check your actual measurements with the pattern pieces. Err on the side of caution and go up a size - you can always take it in. Step 2 - read the instructions. Step 3 - Make a toile or practice piece. This construction should be used to check fit and shape. I would not do any of the detailed pieces until the fit is right. I would baste the main pieces together and try on the pants. Only once I am ok with the fit would I put together the fiddly bits. Your finished product looks good. I love corduroy.
When fitting pants always go for what fits your hips measurement wise then in the mock up pinch out until it fits your waist so you can see how you need to taper the cut of the pattern.
This was such a wonderful video to watch. I often get discouraged with difficult projects and it’s so nice to know that even experts who are so great at their craft don’t always pick things up and just immediately excel at it. Sorry you were frustrated but I love how real you always are with us!❤
I'm so impressed by you! You did such an amazing job and I appreciate the honest look at how difficult it was - that's how it feels to step up your sewing game!
I have the same fit issues, short legs, and small waist compared to my larger hips. I am not a skirt person and for 50+ years have tried on and off to make a good fitting pair. I have spent the last two weeks perfecting a decent pair. I have gone through a lot of bed sheets and old fabric to finally get a good fit. (Thank you RU-vid. ) I was driving myself crazy but I'm happy to have come out the other side happy with the result. I am now hoping that I can create different waist and pocket details to developer different styles of pant.
Totally agree. Pull on pants are so much easier to sew. I've done a half dozen trousers with a fly front and they are still a nightmare to do. I've resorted to doing a false fly front instead, and they look just as good, and so much easier to do.
I LOVE the fabric store! I actually order online and they ship to Chicago. I don't wear pants either. Mostly because I have mobility issues so getting in and out can be frustrating. Also because I'm chubby and 5ft tall. It's just... not worth the trouble. When it gets cold I wear cozy knit thigh high socks. 😉
The ‘they almost broke me’ portion of your title killed me! Loved all of the details and real moments!! I don’t wear dresses or skirts so pants are my everyday go to wardrobe basic! Thanks for sharing your journey on this!
I have the same problem! I have a large difference between my hips and waist. Charm Patterns by Gertie are actually made for people with a more hourglass shape, they're pretty nice!
GREAT JOB!!! They look fabulous. One detail that the pattern seems to have overlooked is the fly facing stitching. This is a top stitching that secures the cover of the zip to the placket underneath and prevents gaps or movement in that area. Keep up the nice work.
Thank you for sharing the process. I am also a dress person, finicky about skirts. I love your channel. Thank you again for sharing your honest experience.
Only 2 mock ups - that's great? Multiple mock ups and 4 years on and off practice I'm fairly close, but not quite there yet! Actually making specific adjustments without affecting adjacent pieces or the overall look is the trickiest part. Thank you ever so much - great video in skills and perserverance.
I also love dresses most, they are just everything! Feminine, pretty, comfortable, flattering! but I also like how your trousers turned out and the fact that you tried to make something different. :) and the result was very nice!
You are such a talented seamstress. When you said the hips were too tight, my first thought was to merge two sizes! So glad they turned out wonderful! Sewing a pair of pants is on my list of sewing to-dos as well. ❤️
I love that you're so honest with how you feel about your makes and why you avoid certain processes, you're so relatable. Makes me feel less daunted and like it's okay to make mistakes during the process, we're only human after all x
Out of all sewing vids watched, I love this one the most: knowing all those emotions of frustration are shared made me feel SO much better! Thank you - love your tuition.
Aww, pants are super difficult so good job on them, they came out beautifully! It's a frustrating journey though I get it haha - everyone is shaped so different, I don't know anyone who hasn't had to adjust a pattern for them!! I LOVE wearing brightly coloured trousers in this style and I've made a few pairs now from the same pattern and they still aren't quite a perfect fit but they get better with each one - with the zip and waistband you kind of have to complete them to know the fit which is annoying. Definitely think of the practice one as a success because that's what the practice one is for!!
So true! Yeah it’s annoying you have to pretty much completely finish the project before you can check if the fit is right or not 😅 I’m so proud of these and can’t wait to make more in other colours x
Great trousers, Janelle! I was a tad shocked that you decided to cut into your beautiful fabric without making a second muslin to check the fit, but thankfully it all turned out well, and they look awesome 😍 It's funny, I was never scared of making trousers, but I haven't gone for very complex patterns like this one. Personally, I prefer not to have a front fly adding bulk to my post menopausal tummy 😱, so I have gone for patterns with rear zips, or full or partial elastication at the waist. I am full of admiration for you, jumping straight into the "jeans" style of trouser. And now you've cracked it, you can make many more pairs! 👍
Good for you for charging forward! Pants scare me too, unless they are loose and loungy. You’re so talented and we all appreciate your skill and for sharing. Sewing is FUN…mostly!😉
Well done you, those trousers look fantastic and look like a perfect fit. Unlike you, I wear trousers a lot, mainly because I'm a bloke :) so trousers were one of the first things I sewed. Even after a half dozen pairs, I still have trouble with the fly front, so you did so well on only your second attempt. The pattern and its instructions looked to be first rate. I'm so tempted to buy it - do they do a mens version?????
I stopped even trying to make fly-front trousers due to technical and fit issues. I do make and wear pull-on pants (usually straight cut crops) that I wear under long tops and tunics.
I am so impressed with your project! You approached it so well, sharing your doubts and questions, then you persevered past the mockup. It's what makes you so relatable! I love the finished trousers! Well done!
Oh god I'm so grateful for your honesty!! You're very skilled and your videos are super motivating but when I (a self taught beginner) hit a disappointment it feels like I've been hit by a ton of bricks. But seeing you admit that you struggle and that it's not always fun is sooooooo refreshing and it motivates me even more!! 😊 Thank you very much!! And the result is super pretty!!!
Janelle! Those pants are adorable. Such a great fabric to pick for this project. Those red pants are the cutest thing ever! I'm glad you to have an issue with your hips like me😂. I seem to always have a gap in the back of my pants or they have to be very tight in the hip area. I can almost never find the "perfect" fit. Speaking of I need to stop procrastinating and fix my pants with the gaps. Lol. Can't wait for your new pattern and your next video. Take care.❤️
I'm so that person who loves the little details like flower material in the pockets. The trousers look great. Really love watching your channel. I got my sewing machine out to make face masks after decades of not using it. I was reminded that it's fun to sew and not that hard to oil the machine.
Thank you for this video! I am making these pants after watching this video and following along! The zip fly has me "stuck" so I am re-watching the video to make sure I understand correctly! So far so good! Luckily I will have success!
These look amazing! I'm sure it's a huge relief to make something you're proud of and that worked after your struggles. I love that you didn't shy away from it being difficult and that the final result was worth the pain! We don't learn unless we extend ourselves beyond our current capabilities and skill set and this was a wonderful example!
AWESOME Job!! Janelle you did a great job! They look so good on you!! I just made a pair shorts in a similar style. I even lined my pockets with a pretty floral print. I have you to thank for that idea!! Hope you will share the next trousers you make with us! Thanks for a great video!!
These are so cute! You did such a great job. And I totally relate to getting burnt out on a project before it even begins because you’re doing mock-ups lol! I actually started making some pants a few years ago and got overwhelmed, but this has inspired me to give it another go 😊
These trousers are PERFECT! You make an interesting point about sizing though. Its a VERY rare pattern that actually gets the sizing right according to our measurements. And pants just HAVE to be right! Who cares what SIZE they are if they FIT! Once we get that right the sky is the limit! Great job!
They look amazing Janelle, well done. I made a pair of cord pants for my major project in year 10, complete with braces, that was early 80s though... 😄
So crazy, yesterday I made a pinafore using tan corduroy and vintage floral sheets as the lining! I was like… did we just make the same thing?! I love it!
I hope you we’re paying attention to the nap of the corduroy, because it does have a nap that will be darker laying in one direction and lighter in the other direction.
This is a great video. Congratulations on perfect trousers, you look good in them. Thank you most of all for sharing you labouring over your toile, and sharing how tired and frustrated you felt when they weren't a perfect fit. Your recovery the next day was inspirational, as was your discipline in doing a planned section over the next few days until they were done, not allowing yourself to get too tired. Steady away and brilliant.
I found the Butterick pattern B6845 is amazing for creating a perfect pair of trousers (not jean like) for any body type. Includes basically a novel on how to make individual adjustments for different shapes. It’s a mental workout but once you have a pattern made it will work for any pair of trousers
Well done Janelle they look great, I’ve found that when I find a project challenging and you reach that point when you’re no longer enjoying it, I’ve learnt to walk away from it and go back to it the following day, I do the same when I find I just can’t work out how to sew a particular part on a project as well and it always works x ✂️
That’s when I stop and get on RU-vid. So many tutorials here. I’m learning the Palmer & Plesch method of fitting. I’m just starting but it’s enlightening.
They turned out amazing! Well done! Oooh the pants drama, Ive been dealing with it all my life (smaller waist vs broader hips, my legs are long compared to the rest of my body but not long enough for the size proportions of fast fashion), I dont think I own a single pair that didnt need some sort of alterations. I got into skirts and dresses recently, especially for the summer months, and it has been life changing so I totally get the feeling
Congratulations! Trousers/pants sewing is definitely a slow fashion phenomenon. Yours look great. After experiencing fit issues all my life I finally ventured into attempting pants from a sloper. After redraft (and remake) number three I finally managed to get comfy and wearable pants that could still use a bit of tweaking. You gotta love the process!
I have the opposite problem - long legs so all my life (I'm 72 now) I've had ankles hanging out. Also I've got wide hips and when I was younger a smaller waist. So making anything all my life has been a pain.
Enjoyed your journey, even the challenging parts. Thanks for sticking with completing the trousers. Fantastic pair of lovely trousers. Wonderful and inspiring video.
Wow , I have never been able to step out of my comfort zone to even attempt to make a pair of jeans. You are amazing for even giving them ago after your mock up. I would have given up there and then. They look amazing. Xx 💖
Oh I was so sad for you at the beginning.. I knew that disappointed feeling you were having BUT I had faith you'd do it lol... THEY ARE JUST SO CUTE Janelle!!! I love them and they look so good on you! You did an amazing job, well done!!! Love, Love, LOVE! X
They look amazing on you Janelle, good for you for not letting it defeat you. And thank you for taking us on the journey with you for the making of the trousers. ✂️🧵💕😊
Well done Janelle, they're so lovely and you look beautiful in them. I would definitely make some more pairs, maybe experiment with some different fabrics and colours. I think they would look great in a khaki green cord.
They turned out awesome. You are definitely a pant gurl now👌 I so appreciate you sharing the difficulties of your mockup 🍐as you always just seem to make things look easy peasy. Would love if you cud share how to do a PJ set out of one your adorable sheets U pick up from the opp shops🙏 💗
Amazing work Janelle! I totally felt your pain with the mock up and idea of doing a 2nd trial run, I've been there before and it definitely deflates the enthusiasm for the project. I was cheering for you while you went along. Your final result is great! Such a professional and flattering fit! 💕
Hi Janelle💖 Omw what an amazing journey this has been for me. Anything that is out of one's comfort zone is usually challenging, but Honey you nailed it!!! Well done and it's a perfect fit. You look beautiful in it. Keep up the good work. Remain blessed xxx