Woven Upcycle
Oh we went back to last month’s theme with an upcycle using a woven I thrifted. If you are wanting to practice your sewing skills check out sheets sets at the thrift store. You get a large piece of fabric to use in practicing new patterns and techniques without cutting into your precious “good” fabric.
I thrifted a set of queen sheets from Target Christmas line at some point in the past few months. I like to use sheets for first attempts on pant patterns, which can be a bear to fit. The only pants pattern I really do not worry about cutting the first time out of good fabric is any pair from Sinclair Patterns in the petite sizing. I know those pants are going to hang correctly and fit. I do cut off the elastic on the fitted portion so the fabric will lay straight. I have wanted to try the Tulum Pants pattern from Styla Pattern Company. Using these sheets let me try the pattern. It was a little much trying to match the patterns, but anyhoo…
I really like the waistband on these pants. The directions for applying it were very clear. Now I am not sold yet on the tie in the front. When I make them again I have 2 ideas. One is the easiest. I would sew the tie on before I insert the elastic. The pattern lists this as the last step since it is an optional feature. It is just basically a decorative feature. You bar tack the tie you made onto the front. This means you sew it right through the elastic. Maybe I might be wrong but sewing through elastic I believe weakens the elastic over time.
My second idea is to install grommets (you know I love me a grommet). I would then attach an end of the tie to each end of the elastic so it could be a true drawstring waistband.
I am also not totally happy with the pockets. I think it might be user error. This material is a little thicker than what it probably needs to be. I need to work on the sewing of them so they look a little more professional. Also they have these pockets lined and I do understand why, but…. Next version I might use a lighter base for the inside of the pocket - no one will see that. Or I might just attach a bias binding to the pocket edges which would add a decorative element to the pants.
Anyway I am very happy with the fit. I have a plan to make a matching blouse so I will get a lounge set out of this project.
