Finished: Super Comfy 1990s Trousers

It must be about a decade since I have worn trousers that aren't either jeans, pyjama trousers or jogging bottoms for an exercise class. I bought this pattern nearly 2 years ago with the plan to make some casual trousers and have, at last, got around to making them.

My current husband told me they look like something Elaine Benes would wear, and also asked if they had pockets that I could put my tamagotchi in (they do). So even to his non-fashion-expert eye they look pretty 90s. I'm surprisingly fine with that as I seem to be incorporating quite a few 90s styles into my wardrobe. Just not the ugly clumpy shoes. Never. I'm very happy to live in the 21st century for my shoes, thanks.

Pattern
Simplicity 1887, a pattern for trousers in two lengths with cuff variations, plus shorts and a skirt in two lengths. The waistband is elasticated at the back and all the styles have pockets. From the 'Designs by Karen Z' range (I don't know who she is). I made the longest length trousers without the elasticated leg cuffs.

Reason for pattern choice
I fancied making a pair of comfy summer trousers or even shorts, and these looked forgiving to fit.

Fabric & Notions
The fabric is a drapey viscose bought on eBay from Regency Rags (it's called Chalk Stripes) in January this year. It's nice quality and wasn't too hard to work with.

Pattern alterations or any design changes
Ha! See last post on crazy pattern ease. I measured about a 16 and cut a 10. I had to let the waistband out as it was a bit tight going over my thighs so it ended up around a 12 (with 10 in the legs). If I had cut the pattern at the size I measured, this project would have resulted in clown trousers. I also added 2" to the length but this still only allowed for the scant-ist of hems.

Best effort at a back view

How was it to sew?
Straightforward once the fit issues were tackled. I cut the legs and waistband for the 10 and basted the legs to fit to check size. Though I had to let out the waistband it still fit onto the legs fine. Probably due to my slightly lax cutting of the viscose.

I managed to put three holes in the fabric during the project due to the slip of a seam ripper and then accidentally serging the inside of the pocket to the waistband. Luckily the holes were in inconspicuous places where I could easily patch up using interfacing stuck on the reverse.

The front of the waistband is flat which looks nicer than elasticated all the way around - you can add a waist tie but I felt this would be adding unnecessary bulk and make it more difficult to wear a top untucked. I didn't get any good photos of the waistband while wearing them, so the rather rumpled photo above will have to suffice. I really like the look of the two channels of elastic but it was a bit tricky to do - one is bad enough! 


Would you sew it again and do anything different next time?
Yes I would sew again and would also make the shorts and maybe even the skirt - I love an elasticated waistband.

Would you recommend it to others?
Definitely, as long as you are aware of the ease issues, and also use a drapey fabric or the front pleats will look puffy and weird.

Cost
Fabric                   £7.66
Pattern                  £5 (Pretty sure I bought it for about half price)
Elastic & Thread  £3

TOTAL                £15.66

Conclusion
Great pattern but WWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYY the crazy ease, Simplicity??!! For some reason I thought this fabric pattern would be able to go with more than it actually does, but horizontally striped tops are out as they look really weird with the vertical stripe - although it's not a complete stripe. A bit annoying but they'll still get plenty of wear - they are so comfy to wear, just like pyjamas.

K x