Finished - Art Deco Hudson Pants!

As mentioned in my last post I've made myself a pair of fancy stretchy-wear pants - after my beloved declared them to be a little man-repelling he softened his stance and allowed that they 'weren't as terrible' as expected. Praise indeed! It's funny how there's certain types of garments that women love and men don't. I love these, my mum loves these, and my 84 year old great aunt thought they were fab. Yet the husband and brother - decided ambivalence there....




So here is my first version of the True Bias Hudson Pants. I love them. I'm a little surprised by this as they are indeed glorified tracksuit pants and I have a rather strict style policy in terms of wearing stretchy wear anywhere other than exercising or at home, but I have already worn them twice in public and, quite frankly, have been loving myself sick in them. It's a fun, easy pattern and Kelli has done a great job with the drafting.



The fabric is amazing and it is this that elevates my pants to fancy. It's a beautiful ponte from Style Arc that I literally snapped up the moment the email pinged into my inbox (and I've just checked and it's sold out, sorry!). It's double sided - one black, the other woven with this beautiful fan design in a silvery jacquard. In addition to its beautiful design I was tempted by the fabric content - it was a rayon/lycra/poly blend, rather than being all synthetic. Hopefully it wears well! I purchased it with the intent to make up another pair of Elle pants, but when it arrived the design was just too big for tight trousers - it would have been lost. I'd had the Hudson Pants in my sewing queue for a while so the decision was made!



After much analysis of different fits on different ladies I decided to cut a size 6 waistband and a size 8 hips/legs. I also lengthened the legs by an inch, but as it turns out I really didn't need to - I was happy with the length without the ankle bands, so ended up halving the width of the bands. I'm 172cm tall and I quite like these without too much bunching in the ankles - it makes them a bit sleeker and dressier.



I played with the idea of using the reverse fabric for some contrast on the pocket trim, waistband and cuffs but again liked the dressier look without contrast. I chose the size 6 waistband to try to minimise bulk around my ab, and as it turns out I was able to manipulate most of the gathering to be around the back and sides, and have the front of the waistband flat. Not sure how this happened but I'm going with it. I decided not to topstitch the waistband but did stitch the elastic down at the side seams to reduce rolling, and left off the drawstring. I also made my pocket lining in a thinner cotton-lycra fabric to reduce the silhouette of the pocket showing through.

In the interest of science you can see how they fit around the waist - it takes a lot for me to reveal my whitey-white ab to the world.... you can see how much I enjoy that even in a deserted alley....




What I wasn't happy with was the drooping of my pockets - not a flattering look over the hips. Again after much scrutiny of other versions (which is hard because nearly everyone has their hands in their pockets!) I think mine were a bit worse as the fabric is rather drapey. Unfortunately attaching the pocket binding is the very first step in making these, and thus it was a total pain in the arse to try to fix, but I did unpick one side to try to reattach it under a bit more tension. I had used lightening stitch to make these, and it truly took me 30 minutes to unpick that small section of side seam and pocket seam. I couldn't bear to do it on the other side, but did get some improvement by unpicking at the waistband and pulling the pocket edge up a little before restitching the seam. In the future I will definitely be stretching the binding along the pocket edge to stop the pocket droopage and recommend this if your fabric is fairly lightweight and drapey.



I must have done something weird with my ankle bands - it specifically says in the instructions they are slightly smaller than the leg openings for a snugger fit but mine were comically wider, and I ended up taking out at least an inch in width. Very strange..... Maybe it was because I'd added the extra length and so the bands sat lower on my leg at a narrower point. But again others have lengthened their versions and not had this issue so I'm guessing I had a bit of a brain fade when cutting out.

I'm really pleased with my fancy pants. I used pretty much every piece of fabric so couldn't do much in regards to pattern placement and was thrilled that I didn't have a massively inappropriate fan over the lady garden or centre back seam..... I think they will be perfect to wear when we finally get to see the Rolling Stones in a few weeks at Hanging Rock.

I'd also be very keen to try a pair in a woven chambray/lightweight denim. I've seen similar styles around and thought of the Hudsons.... Kelli suggests sizing up a couple of sizes - she's made a pair in rayon.

  

Sources 1/2/3/4

What are your thoughts on such fancy slouchy pants styles?

Comments

  1. Oh, these are great! I've made the papercut Anima pants, but I think I like the narrower legs on these. i might have to buy the pattern (or the perfect pattern parcel #6, I can totally justify that...) I'm going up to Auckland too see the Rolling Stones, can't wait! Hope you enjoy it:)

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    1. Thanks Kirsten, I love the slim leg - makes them a bit dressier. You might be able to slim down your anima patten.... I haven't really looked at them that closely to be honest. For about $10 though this pattern is pretty good value especially if you can make a woven version too....

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  2. I just can agree, they look great and the fabric is awsome! I made my first pair of Hudson Pants two weeks ago and I love them too. Since now I had no chance to wear them outside the house (the weather is turning bad here) but I would do so if I could.

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    1. Hi friederike! Thanks so much - I'm sure they'll be very cosy over your winter! Thanks for coming by :)

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  3. I love slouchy pants. There are lots of patterns for these in various editions of Burda magazines, but if you are purchasing, papercut patterns are fantastic.

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    1. Thanks Gail - Papercut is one pattern company I've never tried.....

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  4. Love these! I'm hoping to try this pattern out in the not-too-distant future :-)

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  5. Your Hudson pants are fabulous! I need to make a pair for myself. I love these in the dressier fabric.

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    1. Thanks Rebecca - I think it's a pretty versstile pattern if you're into the style!

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  6. GIMMMEEEEE!!!!! I really need to make some Hudsons in a fun print like this. And chambray is a BRILLIANT idea! My bf actually has a pair of sweats that look just like the hudsons in this beautiful denimy, chambray-y fleece and I've gone crazy trying to find something similar, but alas.

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    1. Haha, so I'm guessing you like them! Yeah I will be keeping my eyes peeled for some nice drapey chambray. Thanks for coming by!

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  7. These are fantastic! Have fun at the Stones!

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  8. These are wonderful! They look so flattering too. Wearing track pants out in public is not my style either, but I've seen so many great versions of this pattern, I'm thinking I might need a pair!

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    1. Thanks Sara - it's such a nice slim fit, I was a bit worried I'd made myself some rather expensive inside stretchywear but this fabric takes them to a whole new level. It's such a versatile pattern!

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  9. I was expecting something MUCH more man-repelling! These look very tasteful to me, but then again, I'm also a woman. :)

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    1. Haha! Maybe it was the way I was posing to him. I can't help but strike a crazy pose when in pants like this.

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  10. These are fabulous, so stylish and i think they would be perfect transeasonal wear.

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    1. Thanks Jo - I feel like the cats pyjamas in them! :)

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  11. Love these! It's such a fabric/pattern matching win!

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  12. I LOVE them! What a perfect match of fabric and style :) I coveted that fabric the moment I saw it too, but couldn't quite justify it so soon after my Melbourne jaunt...I'll just admire it on you instead ;) Isn't this just the best pattern?! I've barely taken my pair off. Definitely an occasion to ignore male opinion.

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    1. Such willpower! I do love them so, and I think deep down he secretly likes them! Haha...

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  13. Isn't it funny how our men folk can find things we love so repellent? You know, I'm a big believer that this whole "fancy tracksuit" fad is incredibly overrated and quite frankly I find they look rather fugly and unflattering on most body types. Oh god did I just say that out loud? I'm going to be lynched. But, and I'm being totally sincere, they look fantastic on you! I don't know what pattern magic you cast, but bravo!

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    1. Haha you make me laugh! Glad you like mine - there's definitely some super fug pants out there in the wild - it's all about the styling I think!

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  14. I want those pants !!! I think there is a time and place for every kind of garment - (...and a body type ) The pants that I made by mistake and are cut almost like these are getting lots of mileage! Funny thing I think my man would loooove to see me wearing only this kind of pants … hmmmmm

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    1. Thanks Sasha! Your man must be very fashion forward!

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  15. oohh that fabric - fabulous indeed. Despite the general ambivalence from the men in your life, I think you look smashing in your slouchy pants. I am a massive fan of the slouchy pant myself, a few RTW pairs but yet to make myself some...on the list!

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    1. Thanks heaps Lexi - you'd rock these I'm certain!

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