Thursday, August 29, 2013

Suzy (Pants!) in New Orleans

I have a pair of Elk Pants that I have worn consistently since buying them a year ago. So much so that a friend recently bought me the green ones as a gift. I've always wanted to make my own similar pair as I love them so much, but haven't ever found the right pattern.

Until Tessuti released their Suzy Pants Pattern.

Readers, I cannot lie to you. I love this pattern. It is simple and fits my aesthetic perfectly. I love a comfortable, funky pair of pants that I can wear with a t-shirt. I first muslined these pants in a viscose faille, but I actually found that the drape was not right - perhaps the fabric was a wee bit too heavy. I also found I needed one crucial adjustment (more on that below). So I bought a silk crepe de chine called 'New Orleans' from Tessuti.


The drape of the silk crepe de chine is perfect for these pants. If you are going to make them (and you should!) I highly recommend a lightweight fabric.

Sunshine!! Yay for Spring!
I wanted these pants to be very similar to the Elk pants, so I lengthened both the front and back crotch curves by 3cm each. I wanted to wear these just below my belly button (although my Elk ones sit just above my hip bones). I made a size small and didn't make any further adjustments. I think they are just about right.


The crepe de chine was lovely to sew. Very stable. I used a 'sharps' needle and sewed sloooooowly. I handstitched the hems, and used a wider elastic than the pattern calls for - they ask for 1.2cm elastic, but I only had 2cm wide stuff, so that was what I used.


I'm wearing them here with my Elk sandals, Sportsgirl t-shirt, and a Funkis necklace I got in Sydney on the sewist's meet-up.

These are definitely coming to Brissie with me tomorrow! They will be lovely in hot weather. They are loose and airy and made in breathable fabric. So - what do you think? Are you going to make the Suzy pants?

Pattern: Tessuti's Suzy Pants
Fabric: 1.8m of silk crepe de chine from Tessuti
Notions: 2cm wide elastic
Size: small
Alterations: lengthened back and front crotch curves by 3cm each.

12 comments:

  1. The pants look great - I am now considering giving these a go too! Enjoy your well deserved holiday. Are you back in time for Frocktails?

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    1. Thanks Lara!

      I sure am back in time. I've (just) finished my dress and bought new shoes yesterday. Can't wait!

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  2. These pants look so stylish and comfortable - they'll be perfect for Queensland!

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  3. You are so clever - these are fabulous! Brisbane weather has been delightful, you can even pack a short dress!! L xx

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    1. Thanks Lotus! I have packed a short dress or two and denim shorts! Bring on 28 degree days! Xx

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  4. I love the pants. I also love Elk. Have lots (well,some) of their jewellery and a much loved hooded jumper. Have been tempted by silk crepe de chine many times but the washing kinda does my head in. Are you going to dry clean them ? (OMG)

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    1. Love love love Elk. I prewashed this fabric in a laundry bag in the washing machine on the delicate cycle. I'm not up for dry cleaning 'play' clothes!

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  5. Fabtastic pants Rachel! Thank you very much for the shout out and for the link to the cool Elk pants, I now want to try these pants out in a plain lightweight cotton!
    Have fun in Brisbane and enjoy the warm weather.

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  6. The pants are amazing!! this would be a perfect pattern for all the japanese silk cottons in the stash...
    Elk make some lovely things. I have a pair of their boots and same sandals as yours in mustard. best.
    Its so nice to have some sun in melbourne!!! :-)

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  7. Oh, wow! These look amazing and they are so your style! So much radness in one post- I tip my hat!

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  8. This is the second time I've seen this pattern today, it must be a sign! Can you tell me if the front waistband is elasticated?

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    1. Yes it is. But I Kelli from the True Bias blog modified them so there is no elastic in the front waistband.

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