2020 is the year that just keeps on giving!
Not long after my last post I slipped on a wet floor and took a nasty fall. I broke a big toe and have done something quite unpleasant to my knee. I was in bed for several days, followed by time on crutches. It’s only this week that I’ve been able to get an actual shoe onto my foot. The toe is still buddy taped and the knee is still strapped, and I may need surgery.
But today…..I can wear a shoe and take blog photos. And the sun is shining. So let’s go for it!
One of the other casualties of this year was a holiday to Greece that a friend and I had planned in order to celebrate her 50th. I purchased several lengths of gorgeous European Linen from Ray Stitch to make a holiday wardrobe. Cancellation of the holiday cancelled my will to sew these up.
When my battered old pair of RTW linen trousers gave up the ghost after several years of wear, it was time to pull the linen out and replace them. I started with the black because I have several pieces of fabric in the stash that will make garments that work with these.
I’ve also a pair of ready to wear black jeans that don’t get much wear, because they are wardrobe orphans.
The pattern is the Fifi Woven Pant by Style Arc. I purchased these as a PDF, and, frankly, I’ll not be buying Style Arc patterns in that format again.
It was atrocious. Nothing lined up. At first I thought I’d printed it wrong and actually did a second print of it. Nope! It was only when I posted about my problems on Instagram that I discovered I wasn’t the only one who’d had issues with them.
It’s a shame. They draft such beautiful patterns. And this is the second trouser pattern of theirs that I’ve had success with. I’ll just stick with their printed patterns going forwards.
According to the Style Arc blurb, the Fifi Woven Pant is a:
Pull-on pant sewing pattern with a smooth front yoke, elastic back and side pockets. This new wide leg pant pattern gives you the option of 7/8th or full length. The Fifi Woven Pant is a simple pant to sew that will give you a sophisticated look.
I call them incredibly versatile secret pyjamas! Even though the linen does the whole crinkly thing, I still feel presentable wearing them. Today I dressed for a medical appointment, but I’ve also worn them with trainers for dog walking.
They’re incredibly easy to sew (unless you get yourself in a knot and sew them upside down), and I did minimal alterations to get this fit. I simply reshaped the front and back crotch curves, and added a little to the crotch length.
There’s a little bit of bunching around the tummy in these photos. That’s caused by the way my top is lying on the trousers. They actually have a really good fit. Certainly significantly better than any RTW trousers I’ve ever had. I could possibly tweak the crotch curves a tiny smidge more, but I think I’ll fall into the realms of overfitting, which seems pointless when I like these so much just the way they are.
So much so that I have another two pairs in the pipeline!
Thanks for the tip about Style Arc PDFs.
A very stylish outfit with your linen trousers paired with red jacket and handbag. I must admit, when I saw Mango’s linen trousers were in their sale, I treated myself to three pairs in different colours. They are so comfortable I have to remind myself I’m not still in my p.j.s although, unless I choose the right tops, shoes and accessories, as you have, it might look as if I am, particularly as one pair have stripes..
I swear you would look fabulous in pyjamas for dinner. You alway look effortlessly put together! I’m quite sad that the weather is cooling and linen trouser weather is almost over, because they are simply the most lovely thing to wear. I’m going to push it as far as I can until I’m actually shivering in them!
You might need surgery???? OMG – that totally sucks. I am giving you the healthy bone vibes so that no surgery is required. Also – so sorry about the trip to Greece (oh how I would love to be in Europe right now, in the “normal” world). Pls tell your friend that I get how yucky it is to turn 50 in the pandemic. But I am confident that a good trip is around the corner, if a while away. xo
PS: the alignment of pdf Style Arc patterns is truly horrible. I just try to ignore it (hilarious, coming from me, I realize). I figure I can “guess” where to cut. Of course, it’s very irritating when one has paid for a pattern, but I haven’t felt it’s a deal breaker as yet. Having said this, I won’t buy their paper patterns anymore because the dye just washes off the paper when one irons it.
On the knee and on recurring bursitis in my right shoulder! However I’ve stress tested my bones a lot this year (this is my second fall!) and they are holding up, thankfully!
I didn’t know about that problem with the printed patterns (which shows how often I press my patterns), but as you say, none of it is a dealbreaker because they design such lovely garments.
And when you come to Europe….I’ll do all I can to get to wherever you are to finally meet in person!
Pants look great, and so sorry about your injuries.
Thank so much!
the pants look great but what is up with shoes. I hope it was only for the pictures. You should be wearing sensible shoes. Oh no. Yes I know a lot of people don’t like to hear that. Go out and buy a good pair of sneakers. Yes, I have many years of feet problems. My doctor is always telling me New Balance sneakers even after spending good money on another pair of light weight sneakers for the Summer. Hope for a Speedy Recovery.
Your comment made me smile so much. I absolutely live in sneakers normally, but the only pair I can get on at the moment are totally revolting and good only for dog walking! These shoes are so pretty but only ever worn, like heels, if I’m not walking anywhere. I gave up on anything but comfortable shoes many years ago. Best decision I ever made!
I’m new to sewing, could you use a jersey fabric for the trousers?
It is possible to use a jersey fabric but it does affect the sizing, because of the stretch. This can be tricky to work out so I much prefer to use a pattern specifically designed for jersey, and would really recommend the Style Arc Como Knit Pants. These are a very similar style to the Fifi.
If you need any help with fitting them, the Palmer Pletsch book “Pants for Real People” is fabulous, and if you’d prefer a free resource then Closet Core Patterns have some excellent fitting posts and freebies.
https://www.closetcorepatterns.com/pants-fitting-adjustments-best-tips-for-pants-fitting/
Hope this helps! Happy sewing.
Thank You