[ my newly sewn late 30s trousers--I'm ready for autumn! ]
When the new Wearing History pattern popped up on my feed reader, I knew I had to get it!* All of Lauren’s patterns are top-notch, but this one was particularly appealing because she had updated the fit of the late 30s trousers a bit and it was also one of her shiny new graded patterns. Anyone who has ever sewn with an older pants pattern knows that the rise (or crotch depth) can be tricky at best and disaster at worst. 1930s and 40s style in particular seem to be plagued with extremely long crotch seams–ridiculously so! The kind that look utterly ridiculous to wear every day. While I’ve worked with my fair share of similar patterns and tweaked them, the fact that someone had already done it (yes, I can be lazy) was really appealing.
[ the Smooth Sailing pattern--I love the photos for this one! ]
I chose a length of cotton twill I had in my stash for this, fully intending the first version to be a “working muslin”. I was pleasantly surprised when the pattern fit spot-on with very few adjustments! I ended up cutting a 26″ waist and along the same size lines for the inner leg, while cutting along the larger size from the hip to hem (I always have to allow for my large hips). I think I probably could have cut the larger size from the waist to hem on the outer leg only–I ended up letting the front tucks out a smidgen. (Although truth be told, it’s that time of the month, so things are a little wacky size-wise!) Otherwise the trousers went together like a dream! Lauren has included some really good construction details, and as a result, I made these in about 5 hours. Can’t beat that for a new wardrobe addition!
[ somehow my standing-on-a-chair photos didn't turn out as cute as I hoped... lol. ]
The pattern also has a blouse included, which I haven’t made yet. The design has an interesting sleeve that is cut on the bias. I’m awaiting the perfect plaid or striped material to come my way–since bias-cut sleeves are just screaming for a directional fabric.
I can’t wait to wear these once the weather cools off so I don’t feel like I’m being slow-roasted alive in longer pants! Now if only I could find the perfect little plaid shirt and acquire some saddle shoes…
*Just for the record, as Wearing History is one of my sponsors: I paid for this pattern outright and this was not a “sponsored” post. I endeavor to write my honest opinion about any product I review here, and am just a very pleased customer and seamstress.
I’m glad they turned out so fabulous. I’ve been wanting that pattern, but with never having sewn a pair of pants before, it kind of makes me nervous…
It looks great. I love trousers like these, they are so elegant!
These look great! Success!!!
Mom
Perfection! You have large hips? Ha! Wish I had “large” hips like yours. I’ll have to show mine off in my blog sometime. Or maybe not.
Oh, I was just looking at the pattern last night and thinking it was exactly what I wanted…. now I KNOW I need to buy this! Thanks for the review!
I lived in Florida for two years, Casey, and it takes ages for the cool weather to come! I’m Pennsylvania born and raised myself, so I have a profound love for four seasons. As it is, I am in South Carolina right now–eesh–and summer lasts a minimum of eight months. Today was the first cool day yet! Also, the first couple days of rain in six weeks!
Anyhow, to get back to the main topic of your post…the pants look very comfortable and relaxing to wear.
I was going to say what Sarsaparilla said: I wish my large hips were that kind of large.
I might actually attempt to wear pants again, though, with a pattern like this. I haven’t really worn pants since wide-legs went out of style and my last pair wore out–buying off-the-rack pants is literally out of the question, and I’m so oddly proportioned that even alterations don’t always give me a good enough fit. Large hips + prominent backside = serious size discrepancies.
I know I say this a lot, but amazing job Casey!
Wow, those look so fab on you!!!! I just got a sewing machine and am barely a beginner but I hope to some day graduate to those pants!!! My mind is blown!
i love them! so cutee
i know this is random but i love your hair!!
how do you color ittt
highlights?? i would be so thankful if u helped me out!!!!
I think these are incredibly flattering on you! I would love to make these but fear they would be much less flattering on me haha. I shall live vicariously through you.
Great pair of pants.
These are so flattering on you! I love a cuffed trouser. Very Katharine Hepburn, no?
How was the length? I have long legs and usually have to add a couple inches to trousers.
These are lovely! I adore the front pleating.
I hate to ask, but do you know anything about the chair, (the one you posed on for the picture)? Do you know the furniture maker’s name, for example? I think I have the same chairs in my dining room. I’ve been looking for more chairs, but without any coherent information, all searches have been futile.
Of course, I can’t be sure about the chair style. There are some gorgeous blue pants in the way. You did a great job – the style and fit look perfect.
Fabulous pants. The close fit on the waist and hips is very flattering.
Absolutely Beautiful! The fit is perfect
Your review couldn’t have come at a better time, I have been looking for something just like this, I love the style but hate stuffing around adjusting the crotch depth on the vintage patterns so having the hard work already taken care of is very appealing, lol.
please, you don’t even have large hips. I bet you mine are twice the size of yours. lol It’s always amazing how fast you get some of your projects done.
Dear Casey, What a great pair of pants! Lots of style and they look comfortable. I’ll trade you fitting problems any day! Thanks for the pattern review, BTW your little sweater you just finished might look cute with this pattern.
Casey, these look just brilliant!! WOW! It’s so nice to see them made up and I’m so excited to read your review
Awesome work!
I love high-waisted pants from this era and yours are gorgeous! May I say the fit on you is far more flattering than it looks on the pattern, I’d probably have overlooked the pattern but now I’ve seen your pants made up, I’m tempted!
Gorgeous! It’s funny how much prettier ’30s and ’40s style pants are than the ones from today.
Oh, I just bought this pattern last week! Its great to know how good they fit – they look lovely on you
x
Very cute!
What large hips are you talking about?
Love the color.
How nice the pattern was already tweaked for you.
These are gorgeous! I haven’t made any vintage trousers, so it’s good to get the tips on the modernized stuff! And great to know that they fit so well and are easy to make! I’m off to Wearing History’s etsy profile…
Thanks Casey for responding to my comment about your new sweater. That was so nice of you. I read your blog almost every day and find it so interesting. I sewed a lot when I was younger but got away from it as my responsibilities increased as a mom and wife. I had too much work to do all the time! But it’s fun reading about your creations and your taste for 40′s style clothes. I still like the “mod” style from the sixties…that was my era. Happy sewing!
Evelyn
The pants look lovely, look forward to the top.
I like the idea of standing on the chair, it give’s a different look, nice idea.
Casey, thank you So much! I have been scouring the web for just the right pair of 40s pants for a while, and as im so fussy, (and am a peculiar fitting) I just couldn’t make my mind up about which pattern to go for. I had already been eyeing up this pattern, so thanks to your fabulous recommendation you’ve sorted out my winter fashion woes!
Can’t wait ’til the next installment!
Thanks! Sarika x
well i read this post, hopped over to wearing history and bought it! here’s hoping mine turn out half as nice as yours did (especially after my previous disaster turning the burda ruby shorts pattern into pants!).
i love those trousers, tres tres fantastique!
oh and shout out here.
they’re perfect!
These are gorgeous!! So elegant. Nicely done! Oh and, I love the new blog layout and design! Looks pretty and fresh