April 8, 2020

A Calder Pants Party with Blackbird Fabrics


The Calder Pants & Shorts are here! These wide-leg trousers provide maximum comfort AND maximum style thanks to a flat front, elastic back waistband, apple and pear fit options, and three lengths.

When a new pattern comes out, we know how helpful it can be to see it on a variety of bodies. So we teamed up with five of our Cashmerette pals to sew up final versions of the Calder using fabric that was generously gifted by Blackbird Fabrics.

You know and love Blackbird for their gorgeously curated collection of garment fabric, and their drool-worthy photography that makes you want to immediately drape yourself in whatever fabric they’re showcasing. Our sewists were able to choose from dozens of high-quality drapey wovens that pair perfectly with the Calder, and the wonderful folks at Blackbird want to help you get the look, too! Right now, you can save 10% on a single order of any fabric in their store (excluding sale fabric) with the code CALDER10 through April 30, 2020. (Please note that at this time, Blackbird is only able to ship to customers in the US and Canada.)

Okay, let’s get to the Calder party!

Shannon’s Calder Pants

Shannon sewed up her Calder Pants in the mid-calf length (View A) using a viscose linen slub in lime zest. We were so excited when she chose this particular colorway, and the finished pants are truly showstopping. Who says your pants need to be in a neutral? Blackbird carries this fabric in a number of other colors, including a lilac that is sure to chase away the work-from-home blues.

Shannon made her Calder in a size 22, grading out to a 24 in the hips. She used the pear fit option and cut her elastic 1″ shorter because her waist measurement puts her closer to a size 20.

Here’s what Shannon had to say about her zesty new Calder:

“The fit is really great! I love a pair of wide-leg pants, but they can be a deceptively simple silhouette to fit. I really appreciate the details that have gone into the fitting of the Calder pants to make them great for curves, such as the flat-front style with a generous crotch curve (good for bellies!), the wide elastic back, and the curved front waistband. The pockets are also thoughtfully constructed, with the tops anchored at the waistband and a facing so that you can use a fun lining fabric but still get an invisible side seam opening. The fabric I used is a lovely, swishy viscose/linen blend, but I’m also excited to try the shorts version in something with a little more heft for summer.”

You can follow Shannon’s sewing adventures over on Instagram at @rare.device.

Anna’s Calder Pants

Anna picked a lovely washed linen in rosewood for her new Calders. Blackbird carries this fabric in a ton of colors, from neutrals like black, navy, and olive, to more bold colors like mustard, teal, and dusty peach. We love that Anna picked a vibrant color to pair with her full-length (View B) Calders—the look is dramatically delicious.

Anna made her Calder in a straight size 18 using the apple fit option.

Here’s what Anna had to say about her rosy Calders:

“I thought the legs were going to be too big, but I LOVE them. The construction is very straightforward and I always love the inclusion of a reminder to do edge-stitching, since it makes garments look so much more finished. When I put them on, my first thought was: “well, I’m not taking these off anytime soon.” They’re SO comfortable, and as someone who has worked from home for six years…I have a lot of opinions on comfortable pants. And the washed linen is so soft and beautiful!”

You can find Anna over on Instagram at @ajlobster.

Chloe’s Calder Pants

Like Shannon, Chloe used a viscose linen slub from Blackbird, but in jungle this time. And did she make a matching headband using leftover scraps? You bet she did, and it’s the perfect accessory to complete the look.

Chloe made a size 20 in the mid-calf length using the pear fit option. She cut the elastic in the waistband to the measurement listed for size 18 and added 1.5″ of length to the legs to account for her height.

Here’s what Chloe had to say about her Calder:

“Sewing Calder is a joy! I picked the viscose linen blend from Blackbird Fabrics, in the color “jungle.” I was already a fan of this fabric, as it has just the right amount of structure and drape. I knew it would be perfect for the wide-legged shape Calder offers. The instructions are terrifically clear and straightforward, which made for an easy-breezy sewing process.

Wearing Calder is even more of a joy than sewing it was. Because the pattern is designed specifically for my body type, the fit is spot-on. The silhouette of Calder is classic, yet on-trend. My green Calder Pants can go perfectly with a boxy linen top for a modern, effortless look, a vintage blouse for a 1930’s inspired look, or an off-the-shoulder top for a romantic and feminine look.

As I’ve been wearing my Calders more one of the things that stands out to me most is the pocket design. I really appreciate how they are anchored to the waistband, providing extra structure that helps maintain the silhouette. They have the streamlined look of inseam pockets, but without any flapping about. I already wear these all the time, and I know there will be more Calders in my future!”

You can see more of Chloe’s dreamy makes over on Instagram at @seinfeld_wench.

Gillian’s Calder Pants

Gillian is the queen of elastic waist pants, so we were eager to see how she liked the Calder Pants. Gillian sewed hers up in a viscose twill in midnight spruce (we sense a green pants trend!) in the full-length version. This fabric has been so popular at Blackbird that it’s unfortunately sold out, but keep an eye out for future restocks.

Gillian made her Calders in a size 20 in the pear fit, and shortened them by 6″ to account for her height.

Here’s what Gillian had to say about her Calder Pants:

“I love the way they make my legs look really long when my top is tucked in! The viscose twill worked really well—flowy but easy to sew. I shortened the elastic a few inches because I hate pants that slide down, and sewed three rows of stitching using a triple zigzag which I think gave a nice finish.”

You can see more of Gillian’s sewing over on Instagram at @craftingarainbow and on her blog.

Birgit’s Calder Pants

Birgit chose washed linen in camellia for her Calder Pants, and now it’s clear: we all need a pair of pink pants. How fun are these?!

Birgit sewed her View A Calders in a size 16 waist, grading to a 12 in the hips.

Here’s what Birgit had to say about her Calders:

“These pants are so comfortable to wear and I find myself wanting to wear them every day!  I will totally make another pair or two of these pants. I live in the southern US and summers are extremely hot and humid.  I dislike wearing shorts, so this style is perfect for my life — cool and breezy yet comfortable in freezing air conditioning!”

Check out more of what Birgit’s sewing over on Instagram at @birgit.knutsen.

Save 10% at Blackbird Fabrics

A big thanks to all of our makers for sewing up and photographing their Calders, and to lovely folks at Blackbird for the beautiful fabric. You can get your copy of the Calder Pants & Shorts sewing pattern here, then head on over to the Blackbird shop for 10% off your order using code CALDER10 through April 30.

We can’t wait to see your new Calders! Be sure to tag your makes with #CalderPants and #CalderShorts on social media so we can drool over your makes, too.

One thought on “A Calder Pants Party with Blackbird Fabrics

  1. Andrea Porter says:

    I love these. My Easter Sunday make! Better than chocolate

Let me know what you think!