Saturday 13 July 2013

Stretch denim Capri pants

Good afternoon. First off, the winner of the book giveaway is Clipped Curves - hoorah! Congratulations Clipped Curves, please email me your address and I'll get the book sent out to you. Thank you to everybody who entered and for all your summer reading suggestions.

Right, on with the sewing… When the latest Butterick patterns by Gertie were released, I pounced on this one (B5895) within seconds. A kimono sleeved, tie fronted blouse and sassy stretch Capri pants. Swoon.



Even the cover artwork looked good - I could quite happily have made all the variations on the front cover. I started with the trousers first though, as they looked like the easier make of the two. I used a lovely stretch indigo denim which I bought on a recent fabric buying trip to the Goldhawk Road with Tilly. Sometimes a fabric shopping buddy can really come in useful. I'd told Tilly what I had in mind whilst we were eating cakes and planning our strategy beforehand, she then firmly steered me away from a murky looking denim I was wavering over, straight to this one. It's perfect, just the right amount of stretch and a bargain too at £5 a metre. As it's wide, I only needed 1.5m, so £7.50 for these beauties. Not bad eh?!



I'd read in reviews that there's a lot of ease in the trousers, so I cut a size 12, even though the size 14 is probably nearer the truth. The reviewers were right - I still had to make quite a few adjustments to get the fit right and next time, I'll cut a size 10. As is my lazy way, I didn't make a muslin, but I was able to make all the adjustments on the go which was lucky. I took in quite a bit off the hips (they looked like jodphurs when I first tried them on), a bit from the inner thigh and reduced the front crotch curve all the way down. 




I left the back crotch curve exactly as it was and look at the result. This pattern was made for my backside!



The zip looks a bit lumpy - I promise it looks better in real life

Despite being figure hugging, they're surprisingly comfortable to wear (although not in the current heat), which must all be down to using stretch fabric. I love the retro feel of them too, it makes me feel like I should be hanging out at a soda fountain or playing a ukelele…. 

It's my son's - I can't play a note!

Next up I'm planning a turquoise gingham version of the blouse. Good job a bolt of turquoise gingham has recently landed on my door step then! I've actually made a tiny dent in my gingham mountain already. Look, gingham pockets! 


Beatrice from Butterflies and Hurricanes has just had exactly the same idea, even down to the pockets! And there was I thinking I was being original! I love her version though and I can't wait to get started on the matching blouse.

Right, off to jump in the back of a red Cadillac with some bad boys (as if!)  

Have a great weekend everybody and don't forget the sun cream. x


32 comments:

  1. Aww cute! I had a crack at the top and didn't do so well I don't think :/ love to see what urs looks like/fit issues..or any haha:)

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    1. Your top looks lovely but it's a bit scary how short it sews up isn't it?! I've lengthened mine by an inch but I've a feeling it's not going to be long enough. I'll just cross my fingers and hope for the best! x

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  2. So cute! You look great in this style!

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  3. Both look so nice on you. Nice job on the fit. Love your use of the gifted gingham for the pockets. And a blouse to match them will be sweet!

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  4. OMG - you're the cutest thing ever.

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  5. These look fab! I must make some when I get back to sewing.

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  6. Great job. That is really good info about the way the pattern fits. I usually have to buy a 16 or 18 size pattern according to the measurements but I have trouble with fitting.

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  7. Hey, thank you very much - how exciting to win a giveaway (I'll email you now).
    The capris look great... excellent fit (an out of the packet bottom! tee hee). And glad you got to use your new gingham.

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  8. Jane, my friend, you are a super cool chick! Making trousers that fit AND look this cute is no mean feat. I know I say it every time, but I adore your style! You've nailed retro-with-a-modern-twist!

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  9. Fantastic Jane! These are so classy--I love the vintage feel of them!! Well done!

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  10. This pattern was made for you!! Such a great look on you, love them :)

    And that's the funny thing about pants/ trousers that fit well.... they're so comfy... such a novel experience :p

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  11. Yey Jane for making up the trousers! They look great. I think I take you as inspiration now and have to make a denim version. It's such a good and easy pattern isn't it?
    We can be gingham pocket twins now, hahahaha.
    Can't wait to see the matching blouse although the black gingham one is pretty perfect with it already.

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    1. Thanks Bea, the blouse is cut out and ready to go! Hope it turns out as well as yours. x

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  12. Sassy ladeeee!! They are too cute for words! Congratulations on making such a well fitting fitted pair of cutie pie trousers.
    But what's the song you're playing to? Sadly all I can think of is, 'when I'm cleaning windows'- sooo not the song for such lovely trousers!!

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  13. These capris look fantastic on you, because you have the right shape - I would love some as well, but I'm hipless:)

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  14. They are very, very cute. The Ukelele comment made me laugh as first glance at the photo had me all envious that you could play!! I bet the matching shirt will work perfectly, can't wait to see it. Bethx

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  15. Lovely pair of Capri pants, a matching gingham shirt to go with the pockets will be perfect!

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  16. They look fantastic and really suit you. The gingham is inspired. I would have been terrified to go ahead without a toile!

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  17. Hi there Jane,
    I am new to sewing world blogging and glad to have found you. Your style and pictures are so refreshing :)
    What cute pants these are, I really like them on you! And that pic with the ukulele… GREAT! Thanks for today’s first smile!
    Jasmin

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  18. These are gorgeous pants! I've looked at the pattern and would like to give them a go but need to take a pants break after I just finished my first pair!

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  19. Hooray! It is great to see someone making these capris and successfully too - the absence of reviews had put me off trying this pattern.
    Turquoise gingham! Fantastic! Great fit, Jane! :)

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  20. They look great and I especially love your red sandals!!

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  21. I love these, so cute. The pattern caught my eye as soon as I saw it but I resigned myself to the fact I wouldn't be able to get them to work with my shape :o( You look fab, I love the whole ensemble!

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  22. They look great! Well done I love the gingham pockets and I covet those sandals!

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  23. You're adorable in this! May copy your capris, but couldn't imagine the cropped top on my body shape,

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  24. I've never made any pants, but the Butterick ones I've been seeing recently seem super flattering. I love how streamlined these came out—the idea of owning pants that actually flatter my hips is wondrous to me. I'm so glad to hear they're comfortable! And I can't wait to see the gingham blouse. I already want the one you're wearing.

    If you get the chance, you should drop by Kollabora and upload these! Even though it's almost a hundred degrees outside, I miss seeing pants on the site.

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  25. These are fabulous, so flattering! And the gingham pockets are such a nice touch. I'm working up to trying to make some trousers, maybe this would be a good pattern to start with.

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  26. Love that! The capris look so nice and have that cool and elegant 50's feel. It will be perfect with the matching turquoise plaid shirt.

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  27. Totally lovely! Especially with a ukelele to match your gingham :)

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  28. extremely sexy marry me

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