Hello poppets! Isn’t it funny that sewing and blogging are theoretically such solitary activities, but that in fact they’re supremely sociable? I just got back from an amazing weekend in NYC with a bunch of lovely lovely ladies, who I already “knew” but had never met. Plus extra bonus: lots of crotch time (more on that later).
All trips to NYC of course must start with maxing out the credit cards at the Garment District. I found some $155/yard organza at B&J which I admired from a distance…
but ended up actually picking up my goodies from Metro Textiles and that consummate salesman himself, Kashi. From top to bottom: geometric crepe de chine; square silk; laser perforated neoprene (available at Gorgeous Fabrics, albeit for twice the cost of Metro); red wool, and blue wool. I found some black wool knit for a new Burda project, and the most intensely amazing emerald green cashmere for this year’s coat from Mood.
On to the main event! I was in town to attend Workroom Social’s Pants-making Intensive. The perky proprietress Jennifer met us in her beautiful studio, and proceeded to ply us with tacos, brownies, pizza, tacos and strawberry margaritas. Oh, and sewing.
Needless to say, I was awed in her presence:
And then, the crowning glory ….. IT”S PURPLE HAIRED LLADYBIRD LAUREN HER VERY SELF!
After I had a stiff drink to calm down about being in the presence of such sewing celebrity, we were able to hunker down to the task in hand: making pants. This is something I’ve never tackled for myself before – I made my brother some Thread Theory Jebediahs, but let’s face it, boys are all straight lines and smooth planes. I on the other hand am short waisted with a nice little tummy, slim hips and a flat and low bum.
Hence, garments straight out of a pattern look like this. Oh dear.
Luckily, Lauren and Jennifer were on hand to guide us through the entire process from beginning to end.
Lauren was most certainly very excitable on the subject of crotch curves, and can you really blame her?
I made up my pair in Robert Kaufmann denim, with wee little peeks of quilting cotton in the pockets, fly and my bonus welt pockets
The pattern we used probably wasn’t the best choice for my shape – in contrast, it looked stonking on the more pear shaped ladies in the class. However, I just ordered Simplicity Amazing Fit 1696, and I’m hoping this could be the lower-waisted, slim fitting pattern of my dreams… I’m also going to try the StyleArc Barb pants, as I’ve heard they draft more for my shape.
All in all, I had a smashing time. This class from Workroom Social was probably most suitable for advanced beginners, but as an intermediate-level sewist I came away with tons of fitting advice, a new method for fly fronts and welt pockets, and a sore tummy from laughing so much. Thanks to Jennifer for setting up such a fantastic event, and to Lauren for bringing some Tennessee flavour to Brooklyn!
We’ll be J crotch-buddies for life, darling. Don’t tell your Mum.
Did you manage to snag a copy of Style Arc Bart Pants when they were giving them away free for signing up for a newsletter a while back? If not, I’ve got copies from size 12-22 (I may had made my sister and mom sign up too so that I could have sizes for all of us! 😉
I did! And I heard from Shams that they’re drafted for less pear-shaped bodies, so looking forward to trying them!
That’s interesting! I”ve sewn a million Style Arc Elle pants, and I’m definitely a pear… now I’m curious to try Barbs and see how they compare!
it sounds like the best week-end!! out of curiosity, and because i am a definite pear myself, what pattern did you use?
They’re these ones:
http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/pants-shorts-pages-114.php
They are *very* high waisted, so everyone had to take out there, but they looked excellent on proper bums! If only I had a proper bum… *sigh*
Looks so fun, and your pants look great. I’m all for people giving pants sewing a go, so any more encouragement and process-demystifying is brilliant. A London event like this would be awesome.
Yeah! I love all your pants, I aspire to that hopefully soon!
What fun!! I can’t wait to pet your haul. I think I’ll be sneaking scraps of that lazer cut poly out of the trash for myself. 🙂
You may be in luck, m’lady…
My favorite j crotch of all! ♥ You’re so freaking awesome and I’m SO GLAD I got to meet you! Ahhh!
Huzzah! See you again soon I hope.
GAHHHHHHH I’m so mad I couldn’t meet you!!! DAMN YOU, G TRAIN!!!!! I will make my way up to Boston soon to get my Crafty Fox on with you party dudes! OK, so these are a great start for trousers! I’ve got a flat butt so I will avoid this pattern, but I’ve heard good things about Simplicity 1696… maybe I’ll give that a whirl if I can get over my fear of crotch curve fitting!
PS- I bet you’re about to get some super weird search terms LOL!
MAJOR BUMMER! But I hope that we will finally be united, soon….
great roundup of the weekend! i think you make a great point about jenny’s classes, but i love that there was the time and opportunity to give a more advanced class member some additional value. that really makes the weekend more special and productive! yay!
Totally! It was a blast
It sure sounds like you had a blast! I don’t think making women’s pants is for the faint of heart, regardless of ability. I can’t wait to see you find your perfect fit! That emerald cashmere sounds so beautiful. I still have a purple wool Marc Jacobs coating in my stash waiting to be made into a coat after 2 years…. I guess it would actually have to get cold here for me to want to make that!
Well I have now ordered the StyleArc Barb and Elles, and Simplicity 1696, so hopefully one of those will fit… If not, I might just give in 🙂
What a fantastic trip! And oooh, that fabric haul is good. I really like those pants. Seems like they’d be nice for the office, when you want something a little more trouser-like. I’m excited to see your next pair!
Not entirely sure this pair will get worn, but more are planned ASAP!
So fun meeting you! I loved talking all things sewing and more. Can’t wait to hang again soon! I know we will!!
You too, yay!
Totally jealous that you were there and I was not. I’m on a pants fitting odessy myself these days, so I am fascinated by your crotch curve. In a good way, of course!
Your pants were SO GOOD at Gertie’s, I’d be thrilled if I made some even nearly as good!
Meeting you was even more awesome than I thought it would be!!!! You are delightful! Can’t wait until your next visit!
BTW, It wasn’t until I hugged you goodbye after dinner that I realized I had just dined with THREE Jennifers! Who knew so many awesome women would have the same name :p