Friday, September 12, 2014

Complete: Hudson Pants

Well, after that brief foray into glamour last post, we're back firmly in comfy territory! Here's my version of the Hudson Pants, which I think is the first pattern released by True Bias. These were a bit of a departure for me - I usually have pretty firm ideas about what I think suits me, but sometimes this can get in the way of experimenting with something new. So since I've been seeing some really wonderful versions of these popping up around the place (Nic, yours made me download the pattern immediately!), I thought I'd branch out and give them a go once I found some deserving fabric. 



There are much snazzier versions out there - contrast trims, etc - but when I found this fabric on a recent jaunt to Melbourne, I decided to keep them simple. Which, on me, I prefer. The fabric is from Clear It in Fitzroy which I discovered through the ever-gorgeous Sarah of Fabric Tragic, and is an Alannah Hill wool blend. (A burn test at home suggests it's rather more blend than wool, but never mind...) It feels sublime to wear, SO soft, snugly and luxurious that it's like wearing a cashmere blanket, and has tiny spots (V-shaped, but I don't know what else to call them) that gleam and subtly catch the light. (I'm very excited about my summer sewing haul from that day, and was debating about showing it here; do people mind reading show-and-tell sessions? Or is that only interesting to the show-er?? Don't want to bore y'all!)


The fabric had exactly the right amount of stretch recommended in the pattern, and I made them up exactly as written with no modifications at all. It's a beautifully drafted pattern and the instructions are very clear. Plus there's a sewalong on her blog, so it may well be the easiest pants project ever. I was able to make them up (including taping and cutting out the PDF) in an afternoon, so for a relatively instant gratification project you really can't do better!


My photos aren't sterling, I'm afraid, and I seem to have the big-head-tiny-feet thing happening that comes when the camera's not pointed straight...Most of the time my 13-year-old photographer does a great job, so I shouldn't complain. Maybe I should look into getting a remote and tripod though - I'm sure she'd be thrilled!


I do have a sneaking suspicion that these will be one of those makes that in a few years I'll look back on and think "less than flattering", especially from the back, but given it's a pretty current style I think I can get away with it for the moment. (Favourite Anne of Green Gables quote: "I'd rather look ridiculous with everyone else than plain and sensible all by myself.") Besides, they just feel so unbelievably lovely to wear! And I love them with my Rowe tops.



The importance of pockets really can't be overestimated... These do look great in the pictures I've seen as a contrast trim with matching cuffs, but being a good foot or so off being statuesque I'm always a bit leery of anything that visually cuts off leg length. I'll leave that to the amazon-proportioned of you out there....

The only thing I'd be watchful of next time I make up this pattern is where the elastic overlaps at the back. I didn't stretch the fabric over this slightly thicker section enough when I sewed the casing for the drawstring, so there's a 2cm or so part that doesn't gather as tightly. It's not a massive issue, especially since a top will usually be covering it when I'm wearing them, but when the rest of the pants went together so nicely it just niggles at me a little.



 It's just occurred to me how much of my sewing for me this year has been with knits. So I guess we can tick the become-more-confident-with-knits goal off the list for this year. Mind you, there are several outstanding goals on that list....I may have been a touch over-ambitious. Or blindly optimistic. So many projects, so little time!

I'm trying to decide whether to finish off a couple of unfinished projects or move on to my new exciting ones....What do you typically do? Finish the old or usher in the new?? I'm curious!










18 comments:

  1. I've seen these popping up all over the place as well and they are so cute! I may have to get the pattern. Yours look so comfy and I like that textured knit. I have so many UFOs that I'm getting a tad embarrassed about it. Need to finish them off before I start something new.

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    1. Mmmm, I'm starting to feel the same way - there's a dress on my desk that I cut out ready for Me Made May '13...If only the new projects waiting weren't so enticing!

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  2. Hi Danielle I've been browsing your blog ... you do wonders with knit fabric! Love the pockets on these ones ... so neat !!!

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  3. Such neat knit sewing!! You can well and truly tick it off your skills list I'd say. Ticking things is so satisfying, isn't it? Especially when you get to tick and you also have a big pile of loverly hand sewn garments as testament to your new skill. Re: UFOs, I say either finish them or scrap them before starting something new... good for the mind!

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    1. You're right - I'm getting tired of feeling reproached by inanimate objects :( And I quite like the prospect of feeling virtuous AND indulgent once I get down to the new stuff. ;)

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  4. They look great! Haha I bought that fabric in black and was gutted when I went back and it was all gone! I'm really keen to make these too - just waiting on the right fabric of course. I'm like you - lots of knits this year but I'm finally getting to the point where I'm just so happy with the quality of the finished garment because I've perfected all the little finishing techniques. I just can't wait for warmer weather and warm weather sewing - I've got one cooler project left to finish then it's all about the new season!

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    1. You should be happy - your knit garments are amazing! If that last cooler project is your vintage jacket, I can't wait to see it!

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  5. These look great and so comfy. I am all about the comfort. I want this pattern but it will have to wait... no printer! I'd say you mave definitely mastered knits.

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    1. Oh, thanks Louise! We've only just got a printer last month, so I know the frustration! Mind you, now I'm going a bit overboard with the PDF pattern thing...

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  6. Your Anne of Green Gables quote made me laugh a bit. :-) I really like the style of these pants, and they look so comfy!

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    1. Ah, the wisdom of Anne! These pants are as comfy as they look - can't recommend them highly enough :)

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  7. Hi Danielle,

    I hope you're well! I would like to nominate you to take part in a Blog Hop, if you're interested. It involves writing a post answering 4 questions about your blog writing and sewing, then nominating some other bloggers to "pass it on" to.

    I love your blog and selfishly, I would love to read about your creative process. Let me know if you're up for it! I'm posting mine in the next few days, and you would then post yours a week later.

    My email address is: reemadeinfo [at] gmail [dot] com. Let me know if you'd like to join in and I'll give you the details!

    Marie (Ree-Sewn)

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  8. Thanks Dani! I'm wearing my green ones ATM, so perfectly snuggly on cold nights ;) I'd love to catch up when you're in Melb next - and well nabbed on the grey wool mix - I like to post fabric finds on instagram - hmm... I have some unphotographed from my Sydney Frocktails trip... ;)

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  9. Ohhh, Frocktails looks amazing! One day I'll get there.... And yes to catching up! I've never been to any blog-related meetups of any kind, but they always sound so fun :) I'd just better make up some some of the fabric from my last trip first, so as to be guilt-free ;)

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  10. Yay for fast and comfy makes! These look so cosy and I love the fabric. Are they maybe flecks, rather than spots? I know what you mean about questioning how flattering they are, though. I like the idea of these (or the Papercut Animas), but am not convinced I can pull them off. I wouldn't know what shoes to wear!!

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    1. Oh, and for the record, I am always interested in seeing fabric hauls! Please share.

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  11. Ok, I will! And I know what you mean about shoes - that's the trickiest part of any outfit, I find...

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