New Pants

I've been working on a new pants pattern for two weeks now. First I did a muslin and boy am I glad I did.

My Project Recap:
Simplicity 2700; pattern includes customized fitting instructions

• Ok, so I'm still in search of the perfect pants pattern. I know I must have at least 15 pants patterns, but I'm still searching for the one that I can just pull out of the envelope to make me a pair of great fitting pants. I think this pattern is almost it - notice I said almost.

• Don't get me wrong, this is a good pattern, however I did have a few problems with it. First problem ten (10) pattern pieces. Come on now, can't I get that great fit with say five pieces. For the pockets 3 pieces; then there was the back and front pieces; the zipper area 2 pieces; the back waist band and two separate front waist band pieces. When I get really rich I'm hiring somebody to put the pattern pieces back in the envelopes...how about that!

• The pattern has room built in for adjustments like 1" side seam and back seam allowances that really, really helped me out. The pattern also have sizes that fit slim, average and curvy body types. Of course I used the curvy pattern - should be glad for my curves - because I remember when I had none and wanted them so badly (lol), now I have an abundance of them. We have to be careful of what we ask.

• Fabric used: Lightweight Black with thin pink stripe. Fabric Type: I don't really know, but it was a really good Walmart price from my New York vacation fabric purchase last summer.

• The pockets do lie flat and were not hard to construct so you know I like that.
  

• Notions: Medium weight fusible interfacing; thread; two (3/4") button because I couldn't find the 1/2" buttons called for; some lining material I had on hand for the pockets; a 9" nylon zipper and stretch lace for the hem.

• I had a problem with the front fly zipper application. Too much work. I prefer the Sandra Betzina's mock fly application and that is what I will use next time.
  

• Problem number 2 - the waistband. This pattern has a contoured waist band that comes in four pieces. Two for the back and a separate front left and right band. I always have a problem with this type waistband.
  

• The pants fit well, I think I will enjoy wearing them and plan on making a pale pink knit top (I have the knit in my stash) to wear along with them.
  

• I am planning on making these pants again as soon as possible but I will surely be making changes to the zipper application.
  

Here's my picture, I'll be wearing them to work as soon as I get my matching top made. I don't know how well the pictures I took will show up, but dang these pants fit me real good. Yayaaaa me! While making these I had made up my mind that I wasn't going to use this pattern again. But they fit so well that I guess I'll have to fool with that darn contour waistband again after all.



Also, here's a sewing confession: Why is it that every time I make machine worked buttonholes I forget to pull down that little lever next to the needle that sets the buttonhole mechanism in motion? I forget to do each and every time and there I am trying to start the first buttonhole and the machine just won't cooperate at all...until I have that "light bulb moment" and finally remember what to do...