Wednesday 23 January 2013

Simplicity 3688 revisited


Two years ago, the flags were raised, trumpets were blown and joy was spread across the land. Why? Because I'd made my first pair of trousers of course! As trousers go, I don't think you can get much more straight forward than Simplicity 3688 (unless you're making PJ bottoms, in which case, Simplicity 9871 wins the prize.) 


I thought my success the first time round was mostly down to beginners luck, but it's actually the pattern that makes life easy for you. The pattern is based on a 1940's design, with a high, darted waist and wide legs. The only slight niggle I have with the pattern is that the high waist is quite unforgiving on the stomach area. So unless you've got a washboard stomach, be sure to wear industrial strength undergarments if you don't want your stomach to look bigger than it actually is. 

I got to use my Margaret Howell 'trousering' at long last, but only just managed to squeeze the pattern pieces out of the 1.5 metres I had. The fabric is lovely and drapey and perfect for this style. Alas though, I think it's actually a linen/cotton blend, which makes it great for summer wear, but totally useless for snowy England. 



Snowy weather + not much natural light = gloomy looking photographs. Sorry about that. The trousers do look a bit grey and drab in these photos, but I've got high hopes for them in the summer teamed with my beloved red wedges and a crisp, white shirt.

...and one from the back

There's not much more to say about these trousers except that they're easy to make and give a great, retro shape. So if you're teetering on the edge of trouser making, go forth and sew them up. There's more trouser action from me planned for this year, but first I need a bit of feedback from you, which I'll go into in more detail in a later post. If anybody else has trouser plans for 2013, I'm all ears! x

59 comments:

  1. Lovely trousers! I have that pattern and I am making the skirt at the moment. Alas, I can't wear trousers any more. The skirt is unforgiving too - I am going to need a foundation garment of some sort underneath - but it is easy to make and (I hope) quite elegant.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The skirts I've seen from this pattern are all very elegant, looking forward to seeing yours. X

      Delete
  2. Looking good! Glad I'm not the only one making trousers this year! It was my sewlution! I am figuring out a bootcut from my straight leg trousers and making a warm corduroy pair for the cold winter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I wish I'd made cords, at least you'll be able to wear them straight away instead of having to wait months! x

      Delete
  3. They look great, and so glad to see you've used your trousering (still makes me laugh) to such good effect. I'm planning to make my first pair of trousers soon, using Colette Juniper. Am a bit scared!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! My next trouser conundrum is whether to make Colette Juniper's or Sewaholic Thurlow's, I just can't decide! Good luck with yours. x

      Delete
  4. Funny you should mention trouser making plans, because I have just sat down from tracing the Sewaholic Thurlow trousers pattern! Making these is my sewlution. Your trousers look fab, and I hope it doesn't sound too creepy if I say that the fit on the bum is great! (I'm a bit "trouser fitting" on the brain at the minute!).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not creepy at all, thank you! Making trousers with a fly front is my sewlution but I can't decide which pattern (see reply to above comment). Let me know how you get on with the Thurlow's. x

      Delete
  5. Oooh, these are really lovely. The fit is fantastic- you look good even from the back! The ultimate test for flattering trousers.
    I like the clean classic lines too. Roll on Spring!

    ReplyDelete
  6. The fit of those pants is really quite superb! I'm wearing a pair of totally similar trousers today (V1166)that are actually pretty forgiving in the waist. Maybe you'd like that pattern too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why thank you! Hhmm yes that Vogue pattern is similar isn't it? I might keep it up my sleeve, especially as they seem more forgiving, thanks. x

      Delete
  7. lovely - a great fit! i'm about to embark on my first trousers - collette juniper. i love the shape and i am putting my faith in Sarai's usually excellent instruction (and sunni's great trouser sewalong fitting advice) to get me through!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh good luck, I can't decide between Juniper or Thurlow so I'll be interested to see how you get on. x

      Delete
  8. My sewing list includes a black wool version of these. I also have a dark red linen version in my head for summer. Hopefully I'll find some suitable wool fabric on my next shopping trip so I can have warm legs again! I really miss having local fabric shops where I can dash out and grab some fabric when I need it :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, a wool version would have been much more sensible! But at least I've got summer trousers ready and waiting. Red linen for summer sounds ace, I'm also hankering after a red pair! x

      Delete
  9. Ooh very nice - such good fit! You look very comfortable in them, although your comment about the waist would put me off trying the pattern. I'm planning to rub off a favourite pair of trousers which look quite similar to these - the main difference is the much deeper waistband, which has the opposite, highly flattering and very comfortable effect! I might decide I can't be bothered though and go for the Sewaholic pattern instead...

    By the way I'm about to plunge into making a red Jasmine blouse, which I've been planning for ages - just the other day I came across yours, which is ever so nice!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've often thought about trying to copy a pair of well fitting trousers that I own, but I'm far too lazy! x

      Delete
  10. These are just lovely...and the fit is astonishing. I actually like a higher waist for and hide the unlovliness with a longer top!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Evie! Yes it's amazing what a longer top can hide! x

      Delete
    2. For which I am eternally grateful! ;-)

      Delete
  11. These are lovely, well done! I totally agree on the need for imdustrial strength knickers for high waist, obviously or a serious diet.... Hmm knickers it is then!

    ReplyDelete
  12. maybe not much to say, except that the fit (especially on the derriere) is perfect! you make it sound really easy, maybe i should try and make pants? it's just that, a less-than-perfect fit on a dress can most often be hidden under a cardi or with a belt, but so-so fitting pants? so uncomfortable. and unflattering. hmmm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They really are an easy pattern to fit. I've got a feeling the next pair of trousers I make won't be quite so straight forward though! x

      Delete
  13. They fit beautiful.. I have an eye on this pattern.. Must be just a good incentive to try

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rachel, the style would suit you perfectly. x

      Delete
  14. Oooh I was looking for a good trouser pattern to try, maybe I will give this one a go.. I like the high waist, looks very cute and a bit retro..
    I doubt my butt/stomach will love it tho.. but baggy tops are my friend:)

    www.becstitches.blogspot.com.au

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely worth a try, especially if it's your first pair of trousers. x

      Delete
  15. Looking very good! That definitely is not beginners luck Jane, you've got your tnt trouser pattern! So glad that you have got your wonderful fabric in marvellous stylish use too.
    I am not enjoying the indoor light at the moment either. Apparently it is only 8 weeks till Easter and the clocks changing!! Woo hoo!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Winnie, I'm glad the trousering turned out so well too! Can't wait for brighter days to come either, they just lift the spirits all round, as well as making blog photos look better! x

      Delete
  16. The fit looks great! Winter lighting is so annoying, it almost makes one want to wait until spring to even bother doing photos for the blog.
    I've got a built by wendy pair of pants WIP that are languishing in the corner. Maybe I'll get to them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know what you mean, I was tempted to not bother, but I'm too impatient to show off what I've made! x

      Delete
  17. Ooh what a great pair of trousers and the fit is perfect. I've just bought this pattern because I want some vintage trousers and prefer them without pleats. When I get to them it'll be my first make of trousers so appreciated the heads up about the high waist.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Fabulous trousers. Well done. They look great with the red spotted top. I agree worn in the summer with red sandals they will look even better, and they are always going to feel wonderful because you know you are wearing designer trousers. I am now convinced I should buy this pattern as there are also several stylish versions of the top floating around in hyper-space.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah thank you! Yes, I suppose they are designer trousers, well designer fabric anyway! I've seen great versions of the trousers, top and skirt from the same pattern, so I think it's a good investment. x

      Delete
  19. Great trousers! I'm also wondering what pattern you've used for the first top. It's delightfully retro.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! The pattern I used for the first top is a vintage pattern - McCall 6245, here's the link to the post I did about it: http://handmadejane.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/1950s-roobeedoo-top.html

      Delete
  20. Your trousers look great! I've promised my husband a pair of trousers, so I'll be braving the dreaded fly front some time this year...!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll be braving it too, but for me rather than my husband! Good luck! x

      Delete
  21. They look great. So tempted by that pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Really lovely trousers. great colour and fabric. They will go with everything and look comfy. hoping my first pair of trousers will be this good when i attempt them later this year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw thank you and good luck with your own trousers. x

      Delete
  23. Yay! One of my favourite patterns! These look fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Debi, your version was my original inspiration to buy the pattern! Thanks again! x

      Delete
  24. What a fabulous, tailored finish! These look like a total wardrobe staple and are just begging for wedges ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw thanks so much Amanda, I can't wait to wear them with wedges. x

      Delete
  25. That fabric looks incredibly comfortable to wear, and yet it's so nice & crisp - I love the colour too! They look great on you! I like this style but high waisted pants look HORRIBLE on me lol ^_^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The fabric is really lovely, I hope the high waist doesn't get in the way of them being really comfortable too! x

      Delete
  26. Pants have always scared me just a bit and I think I've only ever made a grand total of three pairs! It's definitely on my to-do list for this year! Yours came out lovely and are so flattering!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, trousers are a bit scary, this is only my third pair too! x

      Delete
  27. Your tummy comment made me laugh, as I have some very high waisted replica 30's ones and I have to wear very restricting undies for them to work! Your new trousers look great, they'll be fab with red wedges. Bethx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good, it's not just me then Beth! Ooh, I like the sound of your replica 30's strides! x

      Delete
  28. These look fabulous Jane. I still haven't attempted the trouser. Though I'd like to just so that I can look for some 'trousering'! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Fab looking trousers and just what i was looking for! I was torn between the Junipers, the Thurlows and these, but i think it will be these.
    I've said it before but I love your blog, so inspirational and motivating!
    Tracy x

    ReplyDelete
  30. The bag is great!!! Position of the birds makes it unique.
    I have just become a member of your blog and love what you do.
    I have recently purchased my first sewing machine, I have spent many hours on the internet picking up hints and tips.
    It is your blog that has inspired me to learn more about sewing, especially dress making.
    Thank You!!!
    PS I hope to share some of my creations!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love this pattern, great job! I have made the top about 5 times (which I love) and now am coming to make the pants and I have LOST my instructions! *sniff sniff* (Yes this is a cry for help!) Want to RAK a complete stranger with some scanned instructions??!! (And I promise I purchased this pattern fair and square, but when I lived in Holland so can't go back to the shop and say "remember me?")

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...