Well, I suppose there’s one thing to say for having to wash every single thing that you own… it becomes quickly apparent where the holes in your wardrobe are. I mentioned before needing dresses, and that is true… but even more than that I desperately need some pants. Being rather short legged and high waisted, I have a hard time finding pants that fit me. Like, I don’t even want to count the number of shopping trips that have ended in tears and a pair that was “good enough.” Most of my pants are too big and too long. Sewing has made me realize that I do not, in fact, have to put up with lousy fitting clothes. And so… I’m planning to attempt some (easy) pants. I chose this pattern, Vogue 8604:
They’re made up in the new Vogue Patterns magazine, and they are super cute! I have a theory that I should try the high waisted pants. When low waists came into vogue, I had to be dragged kicking and screaming in that direction… and truth be told, I am tired of trying to find shirts that will cover my long torso with low pants… the proportions are off somehow. I bought this very lightweight denim fabric (it almost has a chambray feeling) to make them out of… in real life it is much darker.
They won’t be jeans exactly- this fabric, as I said, is very drapey and light. Maybe kind of like trouser jeans, but this is nothing like the kind of denim that frightens me. This is one of the fabrics recommended on the envelope (and has anyone noticed how Vogue is very specific in their recommendations, while other companies like Simplicity seem to just list every one they can think of?)
I will make a muslin, and I hope to get started on that today!
I’m also planning to make a pair of shorts (yes, shorts!) Look, I don’t wear shorts. I am not a sporty person, and I have skinny legs. But… sometimes you need shorts, and I don’t own a single pair. I’m going to use Simplicity 2654 (another “easy” pattern.)
I like the cute shaped waistband, and again they have a higher waist (I did try some high waists on in the store, and the result was positive! I like how they lengthen my legs.)
I’m going to make them in navy, and add buttons for a cute sailor style effect.
So… wish me luck! Pants do scare me a bit, but I’m certain there is nothing here I won’t be able to figure out… these patterns are not complicated, and I am good at working my way through problems.
More later on the rest of my spring wardrobe plans… I am so excited about warmer weather!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
I can’t wait to see your trousers. I have to say I never really liked the low waisted trousers we’ve seen the last couple of years. I think a waist that’s a little bit higher is much more elegant.
And now I realize I don’t have any shorts either! Should I have?
Pants scare the bejeezus out of me – let us know how it goes.
I have problems with trousers fitting me also – I have quite a long pelvis/high waist, and the crotch is never deep enough, so I always make my own.
If you need to make any alterations, my advice is to get the centre front/back curves and angle correct before anything else. If you pass a piece of string from your front waist to back waist between your legs, try to transfer the shape it forms to the pattern, measuring between points where necessary. I think it is essential to have this foundation right before any other alterations such as side seams, leg shape, waist, etc. Once you have this right make a card template for future patterns and you’ll be sorted!
And a handy tip is to fit toiles in gingham/check, then you can easily see if your grainlines are horizontal (this is v important) and vertical.
🙂
Good luck! High-waisted shorts sound so cute, especially in navy.
Good luck. I didn’t like the instructions on this one, but found them unnecessary anyway. This is a nice pattern and the high-waist should suit you well. Can’t wait to see yours.
I can hardly wait to see them finished. I have problems fitting pants too, but that’s because I have very long legs and am very long from waist to crotch. Good luck with them!
I could shout your post from the rooftops. I’m taller than you are, but have exactly the same fit issues: short legs (from knee to ankle), long waist, and add in a tiny waist to make things more difficult. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried on pants and wanted to cry, with the low wide waistbands emphasizing my midsection (higher waists fit so much better), and the back of the waistband gapping out so hugely that I felt like a misfit. I wish you lots of good sewing vibes that you can make pants you love, and look forward to seeing the FO photos!!!! You go!!!!!
Good luck with your pants and shorts! I haven’t made a pair of pants in about 25 years! They always seem to look fine, but they are never very comfortable. I stick to dresses, skirts, and tops.
Hi, I just stumbled across your blog, and love it! Oddly enough, I just made up the shorts version from that simplicity pattern! I made the shorter version; the only problem I had with it was the waistband- mine didn’t come out as pronounced as it does in the line drawings. Good luck, can’t wait to see the results!
I’m going to pay special close attention to your pants-making. I can NEVER find pants that fit me. In fact, I have not bought pants in years because of that awful fact. So, the thought of making my own pants to fit ME is very appealing.
Hello!
It is with GREAT interest that I have followed your blog over the last several months, especially as you progressed from knit fanatic to sewing star with, what appeared to me at least, absolutely no trouble whatsoever! Your blog has been a massive source of inspiration to me – more so, perhaps, as I also have recently begun to favour sewing over knitting. I wonder if you anticipated your own success when you started authoring your blog? We are different genders, ages and on opposite sides of the world and yet for all that you are something of a celebrity in my household! Indeed, you have even encouraged me to start blogging again. Keep up the fantastic work!!!