Saturday 8 August 2015

Holiday trousers- Cropped Portfolio Trousers

I made a stash busting pair of summer trousers.  I had been eyeballing printed trousers on other people for a while now.  Then while I was trying ineffectually to clear some of my fabric stash, I started pairing fabric pieces with potential patterns this piece of dark blue woodblock printed cotton from my mum's stash suggested itself to me as cropped trousers.


 There was only just enough fabric to cut the trousers out.  I used the Simplicity /Lisette 2245 Portfolio pattern which I used and hashed up here.  It is a simple trouser pattern, just front and back legs and then a front and back "yoke" and a side zip.  I left off the decorative tabs as I had such a small piece of fabric.  This time I was delighted that I cut a size 12 and they fit.  Last time I couldn't squeeze into them once I attached the waist yoke, took it off and added an elastic casing.  I hasten to add I was a tiny bit pregnant at that time. I still wear those trousers, even with the elastic waist, they are now my goto trousers for the messiest play days and playgroups.

There is not much to say about making these up.  I had cut the trousers out about a month ago and then rediscovered them at the bottom of the ironing pile.  I didn't have enough of the woodblocked fabric for the waistband so I used a plain dark blue cotton that also came from my mum's house.  I couldn't lay my hands on the pattern instructions so I just sewed them up. The trousers are just very straightforward, two back darts to add a bit of shape and a side zip.  I like the lack of bulk, the lack of roominess and the lack of pleats in this pattern.  I see potential in this pattern and I would like to make it again in a grey or black ever so slightly drapey fabric for a  more formal look.  I am starting to apply for jobs and need something neutral and smart if I ever ever ever get an interview!  Please any advice on what sort of fabric would be up to the job?

Back to this particular pair, they are great summer holiday trousers. Simple and comfortable, I look down and wonder if I am in pyjamas every now and then.  Isn't that what summer holiday clothes should feel like?  But, and there always seems to be a but, I don't seem to have many tops suitable to go with these trousers. So many of my tops are patterned.   In my mind I can see exactly what I need, but I can't translate that into reality. I would really like a white or cream squarish shape tee, probably woven fabric. Oh and maybe a red one too.  It dawns on me that a Portfolio top would go well with these trousers...though I have my eye on a couple of other pattern options.  But I am stumped for fabric choices again.  Help anyone?

10 comments:

  1. I really like these. Both print and shape. I think I have this pattern and it's good to see it made up so successfully. I am afraid I can't advise on bottom weight fabrics as I find them quite difficult to find to my satisfaction, other than denim or cotton, which depending on the sort of jobs you are going for probably won't be ideal for interviews. Top wise, I can definitely visualise your squarish creamy top or t! x

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    1. I think you should make this pattern if you have any time. I think I need to buy smarter trouser fabric in a real shop , not online. X

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  2. Love the style... and the fabric! Looks great :)

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    1. Thank you, I am glad to have used some of my mum's stash x

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  3. Nice trews! and fabric. What about a true bias sutton top, or the Lou box top, although they are more flowy than boxy! Thanks so much for the comment on my blog.

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    1. Thank you, I am going to check out those suggestions :) XX

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  4. Absolute winners!!! Nice summer trousers. In terms of tops, if you want a knit too, there's a nice one in this months love sewing mag. I'm going to make it up in some sweet spriggy floral Jersey. The pattern also has a cross over back woven as well ( but that's not my thang). Or even better, have you made the free Maria Denmark kimono tee shirt ever? That's a great knit top pattern. You might not want to make any knits though....but if you are like me, you'd appreciate how they can be turned around quickly- both sewing and then wearing ( no ironing ;-))

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    1. I am curious and am going to look at Love Sewing in the shops now. I do actually have the kimono tee in my folders but haven't got round to printing it off. We ran out of printing ink and it is so expensive I keep putting off buying any more!nBut I do love a quick knit project so I will have to give in and buy that ink. xx

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  5. These look like they fit great! I've still not tried trousers, I find the thought quite scary! I was going to suggest the Maria Denmark kimono tee as well but then I noticed you said woven. Have you tried the Grainline Scout tee? I love it! It has a really nice shape, not too boxy, and only uses a metre of fabric.

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  6. These look so nice on you! They fit so beautifully! Generally my instincts are to look for twills for trousers, often cotton but sometimes wool. Is there ever nice wool in op shops near you? That would be so lovely for fall! Or perhaps corduroy?

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