[ click for a larger view. ]
This is a project that has actually been finished for a couple weeks, but because I kept forgetting to get photos, it’s taken me a bit to do a blog post! After seeing Reilly’s charming version of this pattern a bit back, I bought myself a copy of the reprint pattern–I couldn’t resist the easy-fit and elegant lines of the slacks! It’s taken me quite a bit to complete this project (it was just one of those things that stretched out over weeks; not because it was difficult, but that I just snuck in sewing in little slots of time), but was so worth it!
[ the reproduction pattern from the Vintage Fashion Library. ]
The slacks pattern, a reprint of an original 30s pattern, was like many from the era in needing some fitting modifications. What is commonly referred to as the “diaper look” among many vintage seamstresses; older pants patterns often have very long crotch seams. Sometimes this results in pants that look like they’re hanging around your knees! So I tend to automatically adjust the crotch length before I begin. I also reduced the amount of width in the back upper legs and front inner seam. This helped create a more fitted backside, which I find is just more flattering. The usual waist and hip adjustments were made too, along with raising the front upper edge a bit to accommodate for my long torso and high waist.
[ click for a larger view. ]
The final pants (after a muslin fitting!) were made from light-tan linen/rayon blend. I thought about doing a darker, more “practical” color, but really had my heart set on a light colored linen. White or cream doesn’t work with me–I’m too clumsy to be trusted not to get anything on a light colored bottom within the first five minutes of wearing! So tan was the next best thing (and also fit into the “practical” category as it goes with a lot in my wardrobe). The belt buckle is a vintage shell one I bought on Etsy. Perhaps one of the biggest design changes I made with this pattern is to move the zipper from the front (originally the zipper is installed along the front over the hip) to the left side. The original look seemed too sporty for the more sophisticated fabric color, plus I like side zippers!
[ sorry things are a bit wrinkly--I was just sitting at my computer before I took these! ]
These are super comfortable–I could seriously wear these forever! lol. I would say they’re akin to yoga pants in the softness and looseness of the cut. Plus, I love how flattering the shape is, compared to most slacks. The 30s definitely knew how to cut pants for a woman’s shape!
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Love the look! Those togeter with your sailor top would be super!
They’re fantastic, Casey – I love them. Also, if you keep swing dancing, they’ll be brilliant for that. ;] Seriously, one of the first things I think when I see an item of clothing now is ‘Could I swing dance in it?’
-Andi x
you never ever cease to dazzle us with your talent ! not to mention the fantastic eye you have for what will look good! xo
Those look great – the fit looks spot on and very flattering
These are fantastic–wonderful job, as always!
Cuuuuuute!!!
How fabulous! They really are super flattering, great job on the fitting!
Very classy!
Fabulous dahlink, just fabulous! They really are a good look on you, and I’m amazed at all of the adjustments – just inspires me to learn more!
LOVE. I need a pair. They are beautiful and look fantastic on you.
casey, these are amazing! you look fabulous!
They’re simply marvelous! What a striking silhouette, too.
LOVE! These look amazing on you. I desperately want a pair now. Just what I need, another vintage pattern obsession!
Oh! I think these are great. I love how the slacks of this era are just so feminine.
just perfection. If you ever decide to make and sell such beauties, I’d be first in line
Those look great, the width of those legs are exactly what I prefer on me. Are you going to make that little top? It’s adorable and please tell me if the scarf is detachable and actually comes through the shirt, because that’s what it looks like to me. Am I right?
those are super cute, casey! i have a soft spot for high waisted trousers.
i have this pattern also, and have been meaning to make it up. and with all the high waisted trousers patterns i’ve used, i’ve also had the same problem with the baggy crotch. it makes a world of difference to bring it up just a bit. and much more flattering. i have a pair of linen trousers hanging on my door that i keep meaning to finish, but i end up forgetting about them. i’ll have to finish them for spring!
Nice work!! You are my sewing hero. I didn’t know about the weird extra-long diaper thing, haha. Learnin’ new things everyday!
I love the fit you got with these! They look so beautiful. I want a pair!
I would never have thought to alter as much as you did in your pattern. I would have done it as is and then poohpoohed myself for having no sewing skills. Thank you for making this mention of all your alterations.
Love them! I just recently found some green gabardine fabric at an estate sale. I was thinking of attempting to make some late 30′s slacks!
XO~Syd
I love love love these!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, those are beautiful! They look amazing with the striped shirt.
so excited about finding your blog!! it’s adorable!
love all your projects- it reminds me that i too know how to sew and i should do it more often!!!
Great job. I love that look!
That outfit is just so cute! i love the adjustments that you made to the pattern.
oh goodness. seriously. I want you to come over and teach me to sew better since I can’t figure it out on my own no matter how much I try. If only I had a teleportation device!
Wow… “Diaper look” doesn’t describe this. You look like a tall drink of water in these pants. Love the fit on you!
Oooh, they came out wonderful! I love that you moved the zipper and can make patterns your own so easily – I would have no clue how to make an adjustment if I wanted to (beyond increasing a seam allowance, haha).
Oh, how utterly gorgeous!! So flattering and elegant!
Wow Casey your pants came out so nice and they look lovely on you:)
WOW this is amazing! The pants look fantastic on you, and I love the nautical feel of your outfit! I also like that blouse in the pattern!
I’ll just echo everyone- they look terrific! You did a great job! See ya soon!
Love,
Mom
Oh my word I need some of those!!! Why can’t they make pants like this anymore?! I’m so tired of seeing pants in the stores that are cut for men but say they are for women, it’s not right!
Oh, these are ever so smashing! They are exactly the pants I’ve been dreaming of for my new winter wardrobe. I love the cut – you’ve done a tremendously good job x
I bought this pattern a couple of weeks ago, and have been wondering whether to move the zip. Yours look brilliant, I’m very inspired now!
Oh my gosh, those look wonderful!!!
Great job! I love how casual it looks but still very lovely! Especially the red necklace!
Love them! I made a pair too from a 1933 pattern, they are so comfy and sleek! I’m loving the color choice on yours, red would be fun too!
Gorgeous! They look very sophisticated.
Wonderful! I think the slacks have a very Ginger Rogers-feeling to them. Elegant but comfortable and relaxed. Perfect for spring!
Oh yeah, I am SO making another pair of high waisted trousers soon because those look really, really lovely! Andconsidering all the changes you made to your pattern I think I’ll just stick to altering that same old pattern I’ve used before…Ah the joy of pattern alteration!
Ooh I love!
I’m certain there’s a movie where Ginger Rogers is wearing that. Or Katherine Hepburn. Absolutely!
So So cute! I couldn’t wear these at the moment but I want to!
What a nice pants! And thanks for sharing the fitting modifications you did, it will be very helpfull when I will sew my own pants.
lovely! i really like high waisted pants but i think i’m too short for them.
Thanks again Casey – I made mine over the weekend!
These are darling! Cannot wait to try my hand at high waisted trousers!
You really look like Judy Garland in these photos!
I am afraid of this type of slacks since I have a high waist, naturally. But they look DARLING on you.
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