Hi, I’m Emma and this is my second blog post for Amanda and Sewcial Studio. Amanda asked me a wee while ago if I’d like to pick a fabric, make it up into a garment and then write a blog about the process and sure enough, I said yes!
I must be going with the seasons as Autumn was just around the corner when I picked this Beetroot Cotton Canvas. When I picked it I had a few ideas, so let me tell you about them.
One was making another Carmel Jumpsuit by Nina Lee – I mean it would be a stunner. I think an ivory turtleneck like the True Bias Nikko perhaps in a Modal Sweat would look stunning together and rather festive as well …
The other pattern I had in mind was the Heather Blazer by Friday Pattern Company, yet another pattern I’ve made before and am really pleased with the results. This again would be a great piece with so many colours and prints.
My third choice was the Opal Pants by Megan Nielsen – yes, the paper bag waist won me over. The fabric is a great match for a paper bag waist as it holds the paperboy effect well without looking too stiff. It’s also got a slight drape, so it doesn’t feel like walking in cardboard. This is also a TNT pattern for me as this is the fourth pair of opals that I’ve made. I’ve already made a linen paper bag style and the other 2 pairs were the view without the paper bag effect but still with the elasticated waist.
The fabric was a dream to work with. It’s really stable, although you don’t have to, I overlocked all my edges just to give a nice finish – you could also do French seams but sometimes I just want to finish the task at hand.
I just fit in at the top range of the Curve Sizing for the Opal Pants but still find them remarkably comfortable to wear, whether it’s sitting or standing. Currently, the Opal Curve Pattern is available in 14-30 and you have a smaller size range that is 0-20.
If you don’t fit into the Opals, there are the Soline Pants by Staystitch Patterns that goes up to 64” hips (another favourite trouser and short pattern). Also, Style Arc has the Barry Woven Pant which has got the Paper Bag effect and goes up to an AUS size 30 (154cm/61”).
The paper bag option comes with optional belt ties and a belt, which I, without a doubt opted for.
Making this pair of trousers was really refreshing, as I had quite a few complicated and new makes on at the same time, it’s something that I call a “Palette Cleanser”. My linen paper bag trousers don’t have pockets as I didn’t have enough fabric when I made them – such a rookie mistake as I do use pockets a lot!
As I said earlier in the blog post, this colour will work so well in my wardrobe as I love a jewel tone and it’s one of the colours that are on my unofficial colour chart. I’ve included some tops that this pair of Opal Pants will work well with.
Thank you Amanda for allowing me to pick another stunning fabric and letting me have free rain on my pattern choice.
