I’ve made a start on the first of my planned TNT patterns, which is this BurdaStyle slim legged trouser.
The fabric I used is a 100% polyester crepe from Abakhan. I’m slowly edging away from polyester, but I’d booked myself onto a Sewing for Fun day at Stitchscape with Celia Banks, and new this was one of the patterns I wanted to work on.
I’d already cut them in a cotton drill but when I’d tacked them together for fitting it was really obvious there was a problem. It turns out the fabric was completely twisted on the grain. So I needed a replacement fabric. And fast.
It had to be navy and this was it!
Whilst it was a bugger to sew, it drapes really nicely and worked well in a pinch for the sewing class.
For the purposes of fitting, I cut without pockets or fly zip and did an invisible zip in the back seam. This isn’t my favourite style of trouser but I believe it’s a great way to simplify the pattern and work on the fit.
Ah…the obligatory derriere shot!
This clearly shows how flat I am at the back. I’m straight up and down with no waist or hips to speak of. This is one of the reasons I have such issues with RTW.
But I’m really happy with the fit at the back. I’m not sure I could get it much better than that.
The front is pretty good too.
All in all I’m quite pleased with these.
I think with a couple of tweaks they’ll be spot on. I definitely need to take the waist in at least 1/2″, maybe as much as 1″.
I also think that I need to drop the waistline by about 1/4 – 1/2″.
And I may scoop that front curve just a smidge too.
Finally, I’d like the leg to be slightly slimmer, as the next pair I make will be the 7/8ths length shown on the pattern and I like a more slender leg for that style of trouser.
But…these are a great pair of smart trousers and a very wearable toile! I’d definitely wear them for formal meetings (although those are few and far between) or, more likely, with a pretty top and my wedding heels (as here) for dinner out with the husband.
Now if only he’d book the table…..
Ooh I like a lot! Have the same fitting/shape issues as you so maybe these would work for me. When you choose a size for trousers do you go by waist or hip measurement?
Thank you. I always go by hip measurement for bottoms. It’s so much easier to adjust the waist than fiddle with the hips. Especially with trousers! I think you’d love these trousers.
What lovely trousers. You would never tell that they were suppose to be a muslin. The fit is great and you look fab in them. The colour is gorgeous, very smart. Were you thinking of making the jacket to go with it? I think that the pattern is a smashing suit. Very fashion forwards without being too full on. The short length is fab. Burda have some great suit patterns. I have been looking for some for work and to be honest a lot of the Big4 ones look a bit, well, frumpy. Hope that hubbie booked that table. Xx
Thank you! I do love blue. Pretty much all my wardrobe is blue now and I’m happy with that!
I wasn’t planning on making the jacket to go with these, but, you never know! It is a great pattern for sure, and I think I’ll get lots of mileage out of it!
It’s a big chip on my shoulder how the Big4 style their patterns. They are totally clueless and there are some gems out there if you look past the hideous fabric choices and frumpy styling.
I’m on it about the table! 😉
Evie these are gorgeous! Such lovely drape and the length is perfection. Well done!
Thank you! *blushes*
Evie you look fabulous! Great fit and lovely drape. You must be thrilled to have found this TNT!
Thank you kindly! I’m really pleased with these and very much looking forward to making the next pair!
Oooh I like these a lot, they look very elegant on you and the fit looks near spot on. In fact, I might have to track down the pattern for myself! Great work, I bet you’re pleased with yourself! x
Thank you! I’m slightly chuffed I must say. And highly recommend this pattern.
Oh who am I kidding.
Love this pattern.
Love these trousers!