Friday 1 February 2013

This Red Squirrel has sewn some Red Trousers!

Hello there my lovely readers, guess who's finally wearing some trousers?! Yes, I have already completed one of my sewing goals for 2013 by sewing my first ever pair of trousers!

I always match my hat to my lipstick and slacks, don't you know!

These wide legged wonders were made using the marvellous "Smooth Sailing" pattern by Wearing History and the fabric is a beautiful scarlet linen mix that I purchased when I was working in Edinburgh  at the end of 2011. I can't tell you how happy I am to finally have these finished and ready to wear!


I would really recommend this pattern to anyone looking to sew their first pair of trousers, the pattern is very easy to use and the instructions are beautifully clear. Plus the wide legged finish hides all manner of sins (at least I hope it's hiding them!). I was very intimidated about sewing trousers - I think a lot of home sewers are! - because it means you're dealing with scary things like crotch length(!) and inside leg measurements, but I actually found the whole process really interesting and fun. It's so different sewing trousers compared to sewing dresses or skirts, and I enjoyed the challenge!

A cheeky derriere shot!

I also owe an awful lot of thanks to Sunni's Trouser Sewalong, which helped so much to clarify exactly how trouser fitting works and what you need to adjust in order to get the desired look. If you're thinking about sewing a pair of trousers any time soon then I highly suggest you check it out, you'll learn a lot, believe me! I did some fairly complicated adjusting from my original toile to my finished trousers and I would have been completely at sea had it not been for Sunni's help.


Back in the days that I bought modern clothes I would always struggle to find trousers to fit both my waist and my hips (there's a big difference between those two measurements!), so anything highwaited was pretty much a no no and I would have to settle for hipster jeans instead. Because of that I fell rather out of love with trousers in general, but this project has awakened that love with a vengeance! I can't wait to try some other styles of trousers to add some variety to my wardrobe :) 


I'm really pleased with how these trousers have turned out, and I can't wait to plan some more outfits around them! What do you think of this change of style for me?

Bye for now!

Katie xxx

P.S. If you were wondering, my sweet new hat was made by the wonderfully talented Jeanne of Bellapacella. We met at Anita's Vintage Fashion Fair and I couldn't leave without one of her hats!

14 comments:

anne w said...

Those are lovely, perfect colour! Well done on your first pair, they look great.

Katrin Ewert said...

Your trousers look amazing. I love the cut and especially the colour! They suit you perfectly. I have a trousers pattern cut out and only wait for the right fabric at a bargain price to show up somewhere :)

LinB said...

Oh, hurray for your new trews! You've achieved an amazing fit, I'd never have guessed this was your first make of pants/slacks/trousers. Don't you just love the way a high-waisted pant feels, just like a firm hug from a beloved friend? Hurry up and make some more, so you can stay warm through this windy, chilly winter. And they give you a perfect excuse to wear your new red hat again.

Tasha @ By gum, by golly! said...

They look fabulous on you! That pattern was my first pair of trousers ever, too. I definitely want to try them in something more drapey like you (vs. the corduroy I used). They're awesome!

asewingodyssey.blogspot.co.uk said...

Oooh la la, you look fabulous my dear! What a great style on you, they are so beautiful!

Brittany_Va-VoomVintage said...

This whole outfit is just fantastic!! It's my goal to sew a million pairs of trousers for myself this year, as I've been wearing my Heyday trousers non stop. I really love the cuff on these too- very nice! How do these fasten? Is it a side zip?

Emma said...

Oh, I'm so happy I found your blog! You're so darling, and those
trousers are perfect! I totally understand about the difference in hip
and waist measurements. I hated trousers as well when I wore modern
clothing. Thank goodness for vintage style trousers!

xo,

Em

www.fiercestlilliputian.blogspot.com

Randi said...

Out of all the things I should learn to sew, I think this post has moved trousers to the top of my list! I have enormous hips so a proper fitting pair of trousers would be amazing!

Speaking of amazing, your outfit is exactly that. I'm particularly loving your shoes!

ilovefilm85 said...

Aah these are gorgeous you've done a splendid job, definitely need to have a crack at making these! xxx

Emma Collier said...

Wow!! These look absolutely gorgeous!! Thank you so much for sharing, I am terrified of making trousers but have none and really want some. I'll def be taking your tips and watching those tutorials on altering them.

You look so super cute all in red :) always inspiring xxx

Juliet Thomas said...

You look gorgeous! Love the whole look - and well done on finishing your trousers!

Ginger said...

These are adorable! I LOVE them on you!

Debi_myhappysewingplace said...

Love your trousers! And how great to use the Edinburgh fabric! The whole outfit is stunning!

Sarah Gilbert said...

These are gorgeous trousers! I love the cherry red and the fit is spectacular. I agree with Debi, your whole outfit is spectacular!!

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