The process of being walked through construction of a garment from start to finish, generally with helpful videos posted by the host(s), typically with a 4-7 day time frame to complete the garment, with the chance to win tempting sewing prizes at completion for posting photos of your finished garment---aka my new sewing addiction.
Enter in So Sew English Fabrics.
Enter in New Horizons Designs Portlander Pants.
A match made in Heaven.
To try my hand at these oh so cozy looking pants, I chose a 2 yard French terry, 1 yard double brushed polyester, and 1 cord Zephra bundle offered up by SSE. This turned out to be the most buttery soft, can't stop petting the fabric bundle! It was a dream to lay out, cut, and sew (the fabric alone makes me want to wear these pants every day).
The Portlander Pants pattern offers up a pants or shorts option, a tall waistband that can be folded down yoga style if you wish, optional drawstring, and optional patch pockets. It's drafted for sizes XXS-3X. For the pants/shorts you'll want to choose a knit fabric with at least 35% stretch and good drape; for the waistband a knit fabric with at least 50% stretch and excellent recovery.
I chose all the bells and whistles for my first pair of Portlanders, and I don't regret it one bit.
I followed the step by step videos posted by Heidi Hilmerson of SSE, and construction of the pants went so smoothly--from printing to taping to cutting to sewing. I especially appreciated the extra tips and techniques passed on along the way.
Something I want to note is that I did add almost 2 inches to the length of the pants (I think that stems from frequently having to wear high water pants as a girl) and finished the raw edge of the hem with a rolled hem stitch on my serger. In hind sight, I probably wouldn't have had to, but I did cut an XS waist graded to a S hip as I fit smack dab in the middle of the measurements for each. The final result is a pair of pants that are comfortable, cozy, relaxed, and beautiful. Made just for me, by me.
I see many, many more sew alongs in my future. And many, many more Portlander Pants.
You can find SSE fabrics on Facebook HERE
You can find SSE Sew-Alongs on Facebook HERE
~the next one is scheduled Aug 3-7 for Halla's Bliss Dress~
You can find New Horizons Designs on Facebook HERE
You can find SSE fabrics on Facebook HERE
You can find SSE Sew-Alongs on Facebook HERE
~the next one is scheduled Aug 3-7 for Halla's Bliss Dress~
You can find New Horizons Designs on Facebook HERE
***Note: No affiliate links were used in the writing of this post***
