Some Pants You Win, Some You Lose

Well I finally finished one of the hardest patterns I have yet attempted. Now, this should have been an easy straightforward sew. It is simply a pair of paperbag pants. The pattern creator decided to make this pattern overly complicated with a gazillon steps.

One of the major issues with the pattern is that the font used in the pattern directions was very tiny. I do have older eyes, but this seems like it was written in a size 10 font. In addition, the photographs included in the directions were tiny and there was not enough contrast in the material. I was unable many times to figure out from either the directions or the photographs which was the wrong and right side of the fabrics.

It is a PDF pattern and I probably could enlarge it on screen. Reading on a computer is not one of my better skills. I especially dislike having to read directions on a computer screen. The same issue arises with knitting patterns. I realize you can download the patterns to your phone or tablet, but I have tried that and I dislike reading patterns that way. I just am old fashioned and want a printed pattern direction sheet.

There were some parts of the pattern I never did figure out. For instance the pants have back pockets. These are some of the most complicated pockets I have ever seen (and I have sewn welt pockets on garments which many sewers fear and avoid). I could not figure out how the pattern designer wanted you to fold the pocket to create a flap. After about a week of reading and rereading, basting, etc. My life will still be complete without back pockets on these pants.

I thought well at least the front pockets should be easier....how naive. I think the pattern designer wanted you to create a french seamed pocket bag. She never called it a French seam in the directions, but I "think" based on the convulted directions that is what she intended. I have sewn French seams before and never had an issue. I could not for the life of me think why you want French seams on a pocket that will be hidden inside of the pants. If you are worried about fraying of the pocket seam there are other methods to avoid that without adding the bulk of a French seam.

I finally did get the pockets attached but a portion is backwards. After a week of trying all different basting techniques I decided I could live with a portion of the pocket being inside out and showing. By this time I realized I would most likely never wear these pants in public, they were a muslin.

The fit of the rise of the pants is actually quite good. After the pocket struggle I was still on the struggle bus because I had to do the waist band.

Here is the finished product which will probably never be worn. To add insult to injury this fabric is a little on the thin side. When I tried them on you could at least tell I was wearing underwear and exactly what color. Maybe if I am looking to get frustrated again I will try this pattern in the summer when sewing time is not so limited.