Monday, November 8, 2010

My (Newfound) TNT Pants!

Simplicity 4135
I've had this pattern for a very long time, which is why I reached for it this time.  My work pants are all too big now, and with the weather cooling off, I needed some new ones.  The pattern I got from the pants class isn't that impressive, seeing as how it doesn't even have pockets, a waistband, or parts for a fly front.  The last time I made this Simplicity pattern, I was smaller (and I wore those pants A LOT), so I figured they would be a good place to start.  I didn't expect them to fit perfectly right out of the envelope, and have so many of the features I like the best.
The pants sit about 1" below the waist, and have a wonderful curved waistband.  The waistband is cut to hug your curves, so there is no gaping open at the center back, which is usually my main problem with other pants patterns.  There is a pattern piece to interface the edge of the pocket front, which stabilizes it from gaping open, along with the pocket bag that extends into the center front.  I re-adjusted the fly to open on the other side (like RTW), and am playing with the idea of narrowing the leg on the next pair.  They are wide (fit at the thigh perfectly, then drop straight down), but I like them.  The only other thing I would like to change/add is a back pocket, just to break up the real estate (if ya know what I mean...) even if it was a fake welt opening.


Like I said yesterday, the fabrics were both from the stash.  The beige pin-stripe is from Joann's and has tones of camel, ivory, pink and dark brown.  Please forgive the wrinkles, they sat through mass yesterday! There is a subtle herringbone, and slight stretch in the wool suiting.  I think the combination of the stripes and wide leg leaves me looking a little bit... squat and short (maybe it's the dark shoes?).  So, I am glad that I did the second pair in a solid.  The navy, on the other hand, has absolutely no stretch, but pressed gorgeously, and I feel like I am wearing very well tailored and expensive pants with these! On the second pair, I was smart and serged all the edges of the front and back pieces before starting construction.  I simply pressed the side and inseam allowances open, and they are perfect and flattened out beautifully.
If you have 4 hours (that's exactly how long the navy blue pair took yesterday!), I highly recommend this pattern.  Pants are hard to recommend though, since IMHO they are the hardest to fit perfectly.  Like I said, I think a narrowing of the leg will happen in the next pair... I'll either measure my favorite RTW's in the closet, or dig through my old issues of Threads (I remember seeing an article about this awhile back).

5 for $5!? Woo-hoo!!! Stopped at Joann's today (the cutting line was ridiculously long, so I'll have to get my lining elsewhere!), and Simplicity patterns were on sale, so I grabbed these 5:






Girl's & Girl's Plus Sportswear
 (Yeah... that last one? Not for me. Just in case you were wonderin'... )

21 comments:

becki-c said...

Those look fabulous! You are so slim and svelte, Ooh La Lah!
Congrats on perfect pants.

Faye Lewis said...

Both pair of pants look really good. I'v had that pattern for a long time; now I think it might be worth pulling out after seeing yours.

Adrienne said...

Very nice! I love this pattern! This one and 2700 are my favorites lol.

Lori said...

Fabulous pants and great patterns.

Amanda S. said...

Haha, "break up the real estate", you had me in chuckles. But seriously, these pants are fantastic!!! What a great fit! I'm off to see if this pattern is still being sold. Great job!

Rebecca said...

The pants look great! Fit is really good! Yay for TNTs!

LindaNan said...

the fit is fantastic, but definitely narrow the pants

Karin said...

Your pants look great- they really fit well. How great to have a tnt pants pattern. I know what you mean about "breaking up the real-estate!" What witty way to put it!

KID, MD said...

They look amazing!! Great fit!

Bunny said...

These look great. You have lost so much weight and look awesome in them.

Mary said...

4 hours for a pair of pants? Priceless! They look marvelous on you.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I think the Navy ones are splendid on you. This is a really great pattern for you...so I guess you will be churning pants out in a multitude of colors now! :)

amber said...

These look fabulous on you! And now I'm jealous- I'm still on the hunt for ones that fit my new body. So far, the pickings have been slim and I just don't have time to muddle through learning to sew/fit pants on my own. Le sigh.

glorm said...

Very nice! I do agree with you about narrowing the pantlegs a bit. I can see you doing the happy dance.

Angela said...

Great pants!! They fit so perfectly! I love the details for your sneak peak preview.

Summerset said...

They look great! Perfect for work, too.

Gail said...

Lucky girl. I'm still searching for a TNT pants pattern.

Anonymous said...

Excellent pants, nice to have a pattern that fits well and sews up quickly.

Anonymous said...

These both look great, esp. the second pair. They look so RTW!!

Jane M said...

Wow, those pants look wonderful on you. I have this pattern (of course when it was $.99!) and appreciate your waistband remark. I bought 3 of those same patterns....now when to get to them!

CK said...

Wow, those pants look great! It makes me want to get the pattern!