And we have trousers

So firstly apologies for the lack of posts recently. I went interrailing round Eastern Europe with the boyfriend and it was amazing! We booked it less than a month before going though so lots to organise in minimal time. Managed to squeeze out a couple new makes for my holiday wardrobe before going though, so there will be a blog post to come soon!

This one’s all about the trousers though.

I’ve loved the patterned trousers trend so thought I’d give it a go. These are Cynthia Rowley pattern 1371. I loved the shorts so thought if make the trousers too. I made one alteration which was to remove the waistband and use black binding as the finish. The super high-waisted style worked well for shorts but I thought it might be a bit much for trousers.

I used material bought at Kendal’s indoor market and it was labelled as ex-Topshop. It’s quite thick, so perfect for trousers, and I really loved the monochrome pattern – so much so it took me ages to pick something to make with it! I get such a fear of wasting any particularly nice fabric I buy, so usually sits in my stash while I’m being very indecisive. This fabric had the same pattern on the other side but with the colours reversed, so even more choices before I could even start sewing. Honestly it’s a miracle these trousers ever got made!

I’m really happy with how they turned out. I just love the shape of these trousers.

Next for this pattern will be to make the top in view A… Or I might be brave and copy one of my favourite sewing blogs House of Pinheiro and try making the pattern into a playsuit or jumpsuit – hers was amazing!

Thanks for reading!

Cynthia Rowley for Simplicity 1371

IMG_3911I used this pattern to make my first ever pair of shorts and I love them!

I used grid print crepe fabric from Remnant Kings to make the high waisted shorts in view D, inspired by a pair I saw in Topshop. I got two metres of the stuff and managed to get a shift dress and these shorts out of it – well impressed!

I’ve always avoided trousers and shorts, thinking they’d never fit right or be too difficult, but these were pretty easy to make and are a great fit.

I’d definitely recommend this pattern for anyone who, like me, wants to just have a go at making shorts. The high-waisted shape with the pleats at the front and darts at the back is really flattering, I think anyway! Just a warning though, they are really high waisted. I love that about them as I have a fair few cropped tops that will go great with them and my quite a long torso!

The instructions for this pattern are so clear and detailed, which I was so grateful for because I could not work out which pieces went together how to make them! I didn’t need to alter it at all either – although to be fair I wouldn’t know how yet!

I’m really pleased with how these turned out. I’d definitely make them again.

IMG_4170

Next I’m going to have a go at making the cropped top, view A, minus the ruffles! It’s so similar to tops I’ve seen in Topshop and River Island, but I’m going to make my own unique version.