Sewing by numbers
People often kindly remark 'how creative' when I mention that I made what I'm wearing myself. I feel a bit uncomfortable about this. I consider myself a moderately creative person and there are some immensely creative people in the sewing world, but when I've simply found a pattern, put it with some fabric I like and followed some instructions, it feels more like the sewing equivalent of painting by numbers than a truly imaginative creative process.
See what I've done with the pose here?
These trousers embody that sentiment. Whilst I'll admit that having a vision of an item of clothing or an outfit and being able to make it from scratch does fall into the bracket of creative endeavours, these trousers, in fact this whole outfit, are pure ready-to-wear rip off.
Image from The Daily Look
I'm not sure how I stumbled across this (duh, Pinterest), but I saw the above picture and completely fell in love with everything about the outfit: The loose silhouette, the colour palette, the baggy pants with statement florals, the mix of florals and stripes, the layering. Everything (well except the slightly trashy shoes).
So after not being able to get it out of my head for a few days I started summoning supplies to see if I could emulate it and this is what I came up with.
I really like these trousers; they are comfortable, the fabric is the right amount of floral without being twee or overpowering (I'm looking at you neon neoprene party dress) and I like the super high waist, the pleats and (mostly) how they fit. I added an inch and half to the crotch depth and probably could have done with less. (Note for next time as I'd love to make a cropped pair in the summer.) And added three inches to the length (of the version with cuffs - but didn't cuff them). Other than that no pattern alterations, although I did consider adding welt pockets to the back, but as I've never done them before and I had no excess fabric, I didn't want to risk a bodge job. So welt pockets saved for another day.
The tee was also made by me to replicate this look and gets worn all the time. It's a lovely lightweight cotton knit using Grainline's Scout Tee - which I've adapted before (here) but never made straight out of the packet and I love it. The neckline, fit across the shoulders and loose style are perfect and so comfortable for everyday wear. I love the idea of layering it over a shirt, although it looks a bit odd without the jacket it has to be said.
Whilst I was hoping with the layering I could wear the trousers this winter, they are totally impractical for my day-to-day life: they need to be worn with heels, they're not very warm and I trip over them a lot. Perfect for marching 15 blocks through the snow pushing a double stroller ...
So; impractical, sewn by numbers and a total rip off of someone else's idea. Just like most of the stuff on the high street. Oh well, at least they're better made, I don't have sweatshops on my conscience and they fit me.
Outfit details.
Tee: grey stripe fine cotton knit from Mood using Grainline Studio's Scout Tee pattern.
Jacket: I was going to make one using Republique du Chiffon's Bernadette pattern, but I already have one white jacket in my closet, I don't really need another, so I ditched that idea. This is from Zara, more than a few years ago.
Shirt: Pale denim also from Zara a few years back, (without being a total sycophant, I'd use Grainline's Archer if I was going to go all out and make the whole outfit).
Trousers: Pattern is Vogue 8836 and the fabric is a lovely drapey rayon challis from Harts Fabric. (I haven't sewn with rayon challis before and now I get why everyone raves about it. But I'm confused as it's not something I've come across in the UK - is it known by another name? Viscose??)
Shoes: Ridiculously high stack heels from Hobbs in the UK.
See you soon x