Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Can't Touch This

Y'all.  I made hammer pants.  And I love them.


And no, this is not an April Fool's prank.  Now I know that these will not be everyone's cup of tea.  But these pants are awesome.  Awesome, I tell you!  Don't hate.  Whether I look like a tragic fashion victim or not, I am digging the breeze.  


I made harem pants.  I think I probably snorted my drink the first time I read that harem pants were a thing.  What was that, last summer maybe?  I am, like always, late to the party.  I usually pick up on a trend when it's no longer cool.  And to be fair, I am not a fan of the drop crotch.  But there is something about harem pants that drew me in.  I think I like the laid back, bohemian vibe.  I came across this Sandra Betzina pattern (Vogue 1355) while browsing the Vogue catalog during the last pattern sale and immediately purchased it, along with a cheap poly knit to test it out.  I like that this particular pattern had the drapey genie leg but without the drop crotch.


This wacky version is my wearable muslin.   I made no attempt at pattern placement or matching since I was really just trying to figure out if I could pull it off.   The pattern placement is not too unfortunate, I think.  My muslin is a size D with no changes.  This pattern is dead easy.  Three pieces, three major seams.  There are two darts on either hip.  It was a super quick sew.  The waistband uses negative ease instead of elastic-- like yoga pants.

After my muslin, I made the black pair out of the softest bamboo knit ever.  I ordered several yards of this bamboo/rayon knit from fabric.com and I don't think I'll ever be able to use cheap knits again.  This is seriously nice stuff.  It is soft and drapey but also opaque.  And being opaque is high on my list of priorities when making a bottom.  I actually looked for a suitable knit at Joann's before ordering this stuff but everything there was too see-through.  Anyway, I have already ordered more bamboo knits from fabric.com.  Hopefully they will hold up over time.


The only change I made to the black pair was to add 1.5 inches of length.  That's it.  Fun, easy pattern.  In case you are wondering, both pairs are really just intended to be lounge wear at home.  I am still toying with the idea of maybe wearing the black pair out and about, but I need to figure out something to wear on top.  They are a little bit ridiculous, I know.  J likes them.  He said they bring back good memories of his zubaz pants.

31 comments:

  1. Really you're not wearing the black pair out?! I think it makes such a cute casual look. Definitely make more - these pants are so you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You could totally wear the black pair out, they look really good with that high/low hen Tshirt. I too have previously scoffed at harem trousers but you've converted me - but definitely still no dropped crotch!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You could definitely wear the black pair out, they look great. I think they go pretty well with the t-shirt you're wearing them with in the photos.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like them too! Those drop crotch versions can look a bit silly, but these have just the right amount of billow :) I wouldn't hesitate to wear them out on a casual trip.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I like both pairs! And I now want the pattern :) Looks like a total win to me. Simple and comfy--I like it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. These look fab. Wear them out with pride.

    ReplyDelete
  7. These look fab. Wear them out with pride.

    ReplyDelete
  8. i love them, they look so comfy! also love the print of muslin version..

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think these are both great. They look casual and comfortable.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I think these are both great. They look casual and comfortable.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Well I think they look awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love the pants!! and the shirt - did you make that as well? pattern?

    ReplyDelete
  13. These aren't that different from the jogger pant trend (I'm thinking of the True Bias Hudson pants), but maybe these are a bit dressier. I know that's a funny thing to say about something you planned as loungewear! You can definitely wear these in public--I think they are really cute with the top you have on here and would also work with a more fitted tank or tshirt.

    ReplyDelete
  14. wait please wear those out. both. i wish i could teleport this pattern onto my desk RIGHT THIS MINUTE.

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is great! I've been planning on making some harem pants for yoga. I need to get back into my yoga habit though...

    ReplyDelete
  16. Seriously cool pants! I can only imagine how soft and comfy they are. No reason not to wear these out! I'm in the process of making some true bias hudsons for outer wear right now!

    ReplyDelete
  17. These both look so cool on you!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love them! They turned out quite elegantly.

    ReplyDelete
  19. They are not ridiculous at all!! Wear them out of the house with pride - they look fantastic! I have this pattern too (what can I say I'm a pattern junkie) - but I haven't made it up yet. You can totally rock this look. In the summer you can wear them with a tee or a tank, and they go perfectly with your sandals too. I went to Italy during the summer a while back, and there were tons of people wearing this style. It's so nice for summer. You rock it lady! PS: I just recently hopped on the bamboo knits train too, and I don't know how I'll ever go back - they are so nice.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Never thought I'd say this about harem pants, but they look so elegant in the black fabric! Do figure out a way to dress them up for date night, especially since the boy approves. ;-) I'm kinda loving the crazy print ones too...

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am impressed with how stylish these look, particularly in the black bamboo. These are uber casual but chic. I have seen quite a few European backpackers wearing trousers like this, and thought how comfortable yet smart these look for travel

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am a major lover of harem pants and drop crotch pants. They're seriously the comfiest thing when chasing after kids. I love these! The black pair is super stylish. You could definitely wear them out. I think I might need to invest in this pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Do not hesitate to wear the back pair out! they look both chic and comfy. I reckon that top looks really cool with them too :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. I have not really been a fan of harem psnts but these are very stylish and elegant. The black ones look very dressy indeed and would look ace with some high-heeled sandals. I love them. Xx

    ReplyDelete
  25. Both outfits are totally ace! I would wear them out in a heartbeat!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I think you look absolutely chic in these! When I first saw the photo I thought, "Yes! Liza Jane is in a groove! This is LJ style all the way!" Don't disappoint me by only wearing them at home!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Awesome! I've been looking at this pattern since it came out. I never thought of them as at-home clothes. Just imagine with high strappy sandals and a slightly more fitted top...oh la la.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I"m going to be honest - I want some of my own! And I can't see any reason you couldn't wear either pair out and about with that top. Go for it!

    ReplyDelete
  29. These trousers are so cool to wear out in the summer, they look great with sandals. They are comfy yet stylish - you have to wear them out! I like a good sewing pattern for knits and this is one of them.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Those are fab! You should definitely wear them out and about. Is that tee made out of laguna jersey? It's a great outfit :)

    ReplyDelete