30s slacks

[ 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!

March 4, 2010 · 53 lovely thoughts
posted in sewing · tags: 1930s, 2010 sewing, sewing