Love Notions Sabrina Slims Pants…

Any second now I’ll start doing the twist in my new Sabrina Slims! 

This pattern and the designer, Tamy Meyer, are both new to me, brought to my attention by Deepika at Pattern Review in a recent blog post. I checked out Deepika’s Slims and a bunch of versions on the Love Notions site. Great look.

The pants are styled after 1950’s cigarette pants, shades of Audrey Hepburn. But I keep thinking of the dance scene in ‘Pulp Fiction’ – Mia and Vincent doing the twist at Jack Rabbit Slims.

There’s a lot to love in this pattern: lots of versions in sizes 0 – 28, easy printing based on size and version, a great instruction booklet, including how-to’s for addressing fit issues – and the best waistband I’ve ever sewn on a slim pant.

These are meant to hit at the ankle, so I used the 28″ inseam for my muslin. I think they’re a little short on me (although this length might work in solid black).

So I redrafted them with an additional 4″ at the hem (basically the 30″ inseam + 2 more inches). Much better, this is the look I wanted…

OK, the difference is subtle! I like both pairs. 

Sewing notes:

• Sewed the size 14, plain vanilla – no pockets or front center seams.

• Used ponte knit from Girl Charlee. I love this fabric – it’s light, washes beautifully, and is so easy to sew.

• And I made only one change! It’s impossible to see on this print, but my first pair are a little close below the knee and the side seam wants to twist forward in that area. On the second pair I added 3/8″ to the front outside seam, from the knee down, which made them hang perfectly – fitted above the knee, straight below the knee.

Now, that incredible waistband – it’s slightly contoured and finishes at a little over 2″ wide (calls for 2″ elastic). And I love it.

I like this so much that I’m planning to redo the waistband on my 2 yoga-band maxi skirts. 

And the second trick here is the design of the back rise – it rises. It looks funky on the pattern, but boy, it works. Normally I have to add 1.5″ to the back rise on my fitted knit pants. Not here – these fit and my pants stay up.

This morning I’m working on a pair in white cotton/spandex. It’s mid-weight at 10 oz. and has 4-way stretch. I like that additional stretch for this pants style – no baggy knees for this girl.

Bye for now! Coco