Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Sewaholic 1203: Denim Thurlow pants






As soon as I was emailed about this pattern I ordered it! I've had a lot of trouble fitting Sewaholic tops/dresses on me (even though I've made heaps for my Mum/daughter), but since the crescent skirt fitted me so well I figured the pants would too.
I made the first version as a pair of shorts for my daughter, they weren't a success (I based them off a pair of shorts she told me fit well, after I had nearly finished the thurlow shorts she tells me that she hadn't worn them in months and the rise was way too low and the waist was too tight......) but they did give me a go at the construction. The major thing I changed was the fly, I had a lot of trouble wrapping my head around the instructions and wasn't really happy with the end product so on my pants I changed the pattern to a cut on fly and followed my normal tutorial. This let me cut two of the same front legs rather than a left and right front leg.



I also did the no-fail welt pockets here since it worked so well on my Sailor pants.


All told they went together quite well, I scooped out the back crotch curve by a lot but otherwise they are a straight size 16 in a stretch denim I think I got at Lincraft (its not the best quality material but good enough for the first go). I tend to cut wide seam allowances and fit pants as I go instead of making a muslin as its so hard to match the same stretch material but I ended up cutting off all the wide seam allowances as the pattern has a lot of built in ease (5" as its designed for woven fabrics).
I am really happy with them, I had a minor freak out at my first try on, because they were too big in the legs and because the rear crotch seam wasn't sewn (you do it last) I had a lot of fabric pooling at the back and it looked terrible! Thankfully after I took in the seams and basted the rear seam it started to look better and once the waistband was on I was happy! Its not perfect but good enough for me!
Next version I'm adding a little extra to the rise at the back, they don't sit really low but I like them slightly higher than they are. Plus some stay tape to the pocket edge as I've found they have started to stretch out.


I highly recommend this pattern, especially if you have curvy hips/thighs. I have a lot of trouble with RTW pants and usually stick to a wide leg pant because I hate how tight usual bootleg/flare jeans are at my knees but these start to flare above the knee and skim down to a nice wide hem. Also, the pockets don't gape!

13 comments:

  1. These look really good on you, well done! I may have to go ahead and order this pattern myself.

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  2. They look really good on you. I have been looking for reviews of this pattern and they are almost non-existent, so thank you very much for this.

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  3. A great fitting pant - so hard to achieve - well done!

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  4. Right, first off, where do you get the time to make so many garments? Apart from that, great looking trousers (pants). Fabulous make - especially in the area between the legs if you know what I mean!

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    1. Thanks Ruth! I'm pretty lucky to only work 2-3 days a week so I have plenty of time to sew (not caring about housework helps a lot too, lol!), and honestly its my destress time, I'm a lot happier if I've had time to sew!

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  5. Its looks lovely! I agree with Ruth, I don't have kids but i'm not as fast as you! :0

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  6. Great pants Suzy - looks fantastic on you.

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  7. They look fab!!! I have a white pair to do then I'm on to my jean version.

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  8. I love these pants on you. So much so, that I have just ordered the pattern! Soon I'll be able to sew a whole sewaholic outfit, jeans, top and jacket and all thanks to you (in one form or another..)

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  9. Those look nice. Just wondering if the waist gapes when sitting?

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    1. Hi Marla, I haven't found they gape at all even when sitting :)

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  10. THANK You for the review. I'm ordering right now. Those Welts are Awesome!!!! The pants really look great!

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  11. OMG, these look incredible on you! Great job and I love the polka dot trims. I was wondering whether to make these because I usually feel awful in trousers but if I can look as good as you then I want 10 pairs!

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