Saturday, January 23, 2010

First Garment of the New Year!

Simplicity 5205



I guess this would be considered a vintage pattern, although a little young, 1981, by most standards of vintage.  This was my first vintage pattern and I must say what a difference from today's patterns in the quality of the pattern itself and the fit of the garment.  I made View 4, the gray pair, using a black poly suiting with a cerulean or peacock blue pinstripe.

The pattern size is 14 but to be on the safe side I made a muslin and added 1/2" to the side seams. After trying them on I took the seams in 1/4" and liked the fit so cut my garment fabric with 1/4" added. This was the first time I had worked with a stripe in a pant, but try as I might, I couldn't line everything up perfectly, but unless you where really looking you wouldn't notice.  The poly suiting really frayed so I finished the seams with a zigzag stitch. I know I really need to work on my finishing techniques, but I get so impatient to finish the project sometimes.

All in all, I am happy with the fit. I don't really think I need to add the 1/4" to the next pair as these were quite roomy. But it just seems that the fit on the older pants pattern is more in tune to the real world, or perhaps it is just the style. I remember having several nice pairs of RTW  pants just like this and they fit very nicely.......who know the 80's were good for something!

So here are my pants, sorry the picture isn't great. I'm trying to work on better pictures but you get the idea.  The pinstripe is the EXACT same color as the cardigan....and if I had taken a picture from the back...my tush looks AWESOME!!!




I am actually going to make another pair of these next, in a heather gray poly suiting with a fushia pinstripe.  And I have redrafted the pattern without the front pockets.....I know, I know......most everyone loves pockets but I am not a big fan.  I may also take a little fullness out of the leg, I'm not sure yet.  What I do know is that if I don't get them done in the next few weeks the cooler season here will be done for and these will be regulated to the far end of the closet!

1 comment:

  1. Isn't it great when you fnd a well fitting pants pattern. I'm almost certain that I had this pattern in the 80's and made them over and over!

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