Putting my new Slim Pants Block straight to work now. First up is Slim Capri in the pants fabric from the Nakkashi Euphoria 11042 Anarkali outfit I ordered from India a while ago.
Style Shots & Mug Shots
WORN WITH: 1-2 Self-drafted Nakkashi 5036 choli top + Agnès b. Hommes shirt; 3 Burda 2016-08-125 stripe front tie T; 4 Self-drafted Nakkashi 11042 anarkali tunic & dupatta shawl;
The Design & Pattern
Design Inspiration:
You can’t see much under the tunic in the photo. So apart from a slim silhouette & capri length I had to make up the rest. I decided on fly front with button closure for a more yin-yan look. Would have added pockets and belt loop as well, but the fabric doesn’t have much give and frays badly. So I omitted this to keep the silhoutte slim and avoid tears during construction.
Block Used: Slim Pants/Trouser Block
Changes Made
- Design: Mid-rise, F side dart, B 2 darts, capri length, Fly front, no pocket.
- Fitting: To accommodate lining bulk & my middle age spread, added ease by sewing approx 1/2″ SA instead of the 3/4″ SA added to the pattern for side seams & inseams. This gave me approx 7/8″ extra ease at the waist tapering to no extra ease at the bottom of the legs, almost 1/2″ extra crotch length.
Fabric & Notions Used
- Fabric: Polyester (?) Jacquard from Nakkashi Euphoria 11042
- Lining: Rayon lining from the Stash, Black Poplin from Minerva Crafts for waistband facing.
- Notions: gold metal button from M&J Trimming NYC, gold brass metal zipper from Wawak, Interfacing from the Stash
Construction Notes
- Interfaced waistband, front fly extensions
- The Jacquard & lining both fray badly, so had to overlock as soon as the pieces were cut.
- Stretched bias edges – inseams, leg side seams, back crotch fork – as much as possible, which is not much in this fabric with no give.
- Because of the angles of my crotch points, it’s easier to sew the inseams first, then crotch seam. This does mean it’s not possible to fit the inseam as I sew (like suggested by Pants for Real People).
- Sewed side seams & inseams with 1/2″ seam allowance instead fo 3/4″ tapering back to 3/4″ at hem.
The Verdict
Not the most comfortable slim trousers thanks to the fabric. I reckon it’s synthetic. There’s also not much give. So despite being almost the same pattern as my Slim Pants Wearable Muslin 5 (apart from waistline), this pair feel more restrictive. Of course I would finish something a bit thicker & not so breathable just in time for a heat wave. I still have a fair bit of the fabric left. I think a skirt or dress with more ventilation may be a happier match.
On to the next pair!
Wow, these fit you so perfectly – unsurprisingly I suppose since you used your own block!
I enjoyed seeing your project and hearing about what you did. I think your pants fit very nicely. The fabric is beautiful. Your top looks great too. Thanks for sharing!