Boxy Tee Face-off: Mandy vs Hemlock

A bit of a boxy tee face-off!

Left: Mandy Boat Tee; Right: Grainline Hemlock

Polka Dot Suzy Pants

After seeing so many cute and comfy looking versions of Tessuti's Suzy pants online (in particular, the pairs at True Bias, Boo Dogg and Me, and SallieOh... lovely!), I decided to whip up a pair myself.

Now, did I have an inkling that these might not be the most flattering pants on me?  Yes.  Did that stop me from making them?  No.  Was I right?  Yes.  Do I care?  No.  These things are so comfy that it doesn't really matter that they look like pajama pants on me.  Tim, on the other hand, had this thought that he said out loud: "Those are for around the house.... right?"  Ha.

I do kinda wish that I had done the flat front waistband alteration that Kelli and then Sallie did... I may go back and change that eventually, which might help the look a little bit and prevent the rolling elastic thing I've got going on.

I made them with some green polka dot rayon challis that Martha provided from her stash (thanks, Martha! also: what's with me and polka dots these days?).  I skipped the pockets, per the tutorial on Tessuti's website (let me explain... no, there is too much... let me sum up: don't add pockets, sew straight up side seams), but otherwise made them according to the instructions.

Everyone wants a photo of their butt in the interwebs, yes?

 Please note my attempt at the casual "partial tuck" for my t-shirt.  I am not sure I achieved the correct look... it looks so cute when I see it in magazines and such, but when I try it, memories of soccer practice in 4th grade flash through my mind: an oversized t-shirt tucked only in the front, just so, into a pair of multi-colored fluorescent Umbro shorts.  Anyone? Anyone? 

Anita Pants in Ikat Ponte

Sorry for the break in posting!  Tim and I went to Cambodia for a week with friends... I didn't get photos of these pants before we left.  More on our trip coming soon at my other blog!

 After Thanksgiving, during the Black Friday sales, I bought this ikat print ponte fabric from Girl Charlee.  The color and pattern reminded me a lot of the traditional batik they make in Indonesia, the kind made using natural dyes.  I figured it would make a nice wrap dress or something.  Then, when perusing the sewing corner of ye olde interwebs, I got the crazy idea that the ponte could be used for some Anita Pants from Tessuti, slim, somewhat leggings-esque, angle-length pants.

I think they came out pretty cute!  I basted them together and decided to add width in the hips, thighs (shocking, I know), and crotch seam (yeah, I said crotch. what.) by using smaller seam allowances.  Without that teeny bit of extra help in those areas, I was worried they would split since the fabric was already stretched to the max there.  Other than that, by the book... a quick sew!

They're quite leggings-esque in the butt and thighs, but that's not unusual for me.  The lower leg is more pants-like.  Not sure I'll wear them with any top that doesn't cover my butt, because, in my mind, leggings are not pants. Also, I worry about camel toe.  I mean, I don't stay up nights, but it crosses my mind with regard to pants like these. But paired with a longer tunic or sweater?  That'll do, pig.

 

Next Tessuti pattern on my list: maybe the Suzy pants in slinky rayon challis?  perhaps the Tokyo jacket?  I've got both patterns, so you'll just have to wait and see!