After a full day of working on pants, I am happy to say I have a completed pair! Even though the class was 8 hours, yesterday’s class at Needle Nook went really quickly. The first part was devoted to learning about alterations (what to alter, why, how, etc.) and the changes made to our patterns. My pants had several alterations including changing the crotch curve and depth, decreasing the width of the legs, shortening the inseam and rise, and adding pockets!
Next came the actual construction. Since Ann has her own method of sewing slacks, we scrapped our individual instructions – my favorite part, the pockets. Some of the patterns I’ve worked with in the past have you sewing the pocket edges directly to the pants front and back (then sewing together) while Ann’s method has you sewing the front pocket and creating a finished pocket edge before attaching the second pocket lining and sewing the seam (I am sure I am not clearly describing her method, but let me assure you, it creates a lovely, flat pocket).
Of course, along the way, I learned several tips and tricks. The biggest lesson? I learned how to do a proper blind hem (without the blind hem foot, even). This is one of those techniques I don’t frequently use, so I definitely needed more guidance in this area (now if I can only replicate my results in my next pair). On the left is my final result – I have to say, the fit is great and they are uber comfortable. I am planning on making a second pair in a printed slinky knit – I think that this pattern would work beautifully with the material. This should also give me some practice with blind hemming as well as adding a quick pair of pants to my wardrobe!