Pattern Review: 30’s Trousers from Wearing History
Over the last couple of weeks things have finally started calming down and I’ve managed to squeeze in some personal sewing time. I’ve known for months what my next project was going to be – I’ve been desperate to try Wearing History‘s pattern for mid-30’s trousers – how cute is this?!
Smooth Sailing by Wearing History
I’m a tad bit obsessive about fit (I’ve been known to sew while in my skivvies so that I can try on the garment every 30 seconds) so I figured my first pair would just be a mockup and I’d have to tweak the pattern for the real one. This was one time I was GLAD to be wrong! đŸ˜‰ Lauren did such a great job updating the original pattern that I only needed minor tweaks. 30’s & 40’s trousers are notorious for low crotches and shapeless legs, but she’s done a great job of adjusting this pattern in all the right ways.
In addition, this pattern has all new instructions – a vast improvement over vintage sewing instructions! No need to fear if you’re still learning how to sew.
The only change I made to these was shortening the front & back rise 1″ (I’m shortwaisted and the waistband was creeping up my ribcage). Seriously. The ONLY change. Awesome. Look how cute!
(I think Chris is making shadow puppets on me in the Back view)
I found some bluish-gray checked fabric on sale at Jo-anns – it’s a poly-rayon blend, so it’s machine washable but still drapes nicely. I think next time I’ll do a lightweight denim or chambray – I want to be just like the pattern cover!
A few notes:
The waistband is snug, so if you’re in between sizes, go up.
The hips and thighs are cut full, so if you’re larger on the bottom, no worries. If you’ve got slim thighs, I hate you you might want to cut a smaller size through the leg.
I skipped the belt loop template and just stitched them on where they looked nice.
I hemmed them slightly shorter than the pattern because I hate getting caught up in cuffs.