It seems to happen every near turn of summer to fall, this belly burn I get to sew stuff for my family. Maybe it’s the summer-ragged our clothes have become or maybe it’s the cooler mornings. Maybe it’s all this talk of back-to-school (yesterday I told Margot I would miss her when she was at school in a few weeks and she said, “Oh, it’s OK mama. I always come home.”). But, really, I think it is just a shift in my own rhythm. For, as summer prepares to pass the torch to fall my attention turns to our interior space. Harvesting, canning, arranging, stitching up duds for my kids (and myself!).
I sew so much for others and people often ask me if it exhausts my sewing muscles. Nope. It is a totally different thing to select fabric with my daughters, measure their excited waists and make their new favorite thing, with their help. I love it.
Margot, Ruby and I worked in the studio yesterday and just as the sun was at its hottest, quietest, most stagnant, Margot said (as she does every day), “Hey mom, will you please make me pants out of this fabric?” And, on this day, I said yes. Ruby promptly picked hers and we made pants.
ah, the seam ripper
Andy called at 5:30, his usual at-home time, to say he was running late.
Andy: What are you doing?
Me: Making pants with the kids.
Andy: What?
Me: Making pants with the kids.
Andy: Is that code for something?
Me: What?
Andy: Are you trying to tell me something?
Me: I am making pants with the kids.
Andy: OK. See you soon.
column I wrote about the messy state of my home, especially when Andy was
gone. The thing is when I am in charge of all of it, it’s more than I can do.
Click to read mama digs: beauty in mess.
Now, I have followed complicated patterns. But, in general, I just don’t. Much like in my kitchen, I am spontaneous and make it up as I go, doing variations on the simple patterns we’ve developed over the last few years. This pant pattern is so so cake: two pieces of fabric, three stitched lines plus the casing and elastic. The front and back are the same pattern (really!). It isn’t tailored in the least, a fun and comfortable play pant.
There are so many tutorials (a great one in The Creative Family and one here too) for tracing pants to make a pattern so I won’t add to the mix with sewing instructions but I will share my pattern shape with you, made by simply tracing a pair of my daughter’s pants (seen on freezer paper) and adding room in leg and bum. You really can’t mess it up.
the pant leg bottom needs to be at a slight angle
Ruby chose a thick, soft cotton knit of which she said, I just want to hold against my cheek please. It doesn’t drape as nicely as the silky knit blend Margot selected but she is pleased as punch with her choice.
Margot says hers feel like the best pajama pants ever and informed me that she has to move fast while wearing them.
As you’ve maybe noticed, I tend to sew clothes that will last a few years. This pattern grows with kids: long shorts next summer, shorts the year after that. Need a bigger waist? Just open the casing and add new elastic. Voila. The three-year pant (code for Pants).
A few pattern deets: The top should measure your child’s waist size / 4 + 1″. For example, Margot’s waist is 20″. 20 / 4 = 5. And the top of the pattern is 6″ across. I use 2″ elastic. Because of the amount of fabric you use with the pattern, a lightweight rayon or bamboo blend knit works best for drape. I used the above pattern for Ruby, added 3″ to the length for Margot. I’ve made a bunch in woven fabric as well and it works just fine but I prefer the look and ease of knit (and no hemming required with knit!). A serger machine works best but mine needs some work so I used my tried and true Singer Featherweight machine. When working with knit and a straight stitch, you need to gently stretch the fabric as you sew.
25 Comments
BEST! PANTS! EVER!! Now I’m inspired to go make some for my little nephew!
I love them and this post. Watching the girls sew with you is so special.
I’m intrigued to know, what did Andy think that might be code for?!
Sarah x
love the pics. love that in an afternoon you sewed your girls pants. now off to read your mama digs. x, k
I laughed out loud at “Is that code for something?”! Your girls are too cute and sassy. Love the pic of Ruby crouched down in her new pants.
Your children are so beautiful. It is such a blessing to watch them grow. And you … You are an excellent mother!! Good job!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE that conversation you had with Andy!
Pants and skirts are the only items I will make for my girls. I found a tutorial online a few years ago using an old t-shirt to make toddler pants. You use the hem of the shirt for the hem of the pants. I too have made pants that are now bermuda shorts. Great idea!
Love this pattern, and the idea of them turning into shorts the next year!
I am absolutely loving those last few pictures of Margot and Ruby modelling their new pants. So hilarious and adorable!
And the conversation with Andy? Oh my god. I almost fell off the couch laughing!
Gotta love the carrot/pant/photo party!
,,,love the “second solo” photo of ruby. is she ever beautiful! and margot the practical child: “Oh, it’s OK mama. I always come home” margot is so insightful, such a wise ‘ol owl. and i just noticed margot is the brown eyed beauty and ruby is the blue eyed bombshell, WOW! are you sure “making pants with kids” isn’t code for let’s make another? (smile),,,
Love the convo about the pants code – hilarious. 🙂
Also, the last pics of your girls are so fun…I love reading about your close-to-home “adventures” with your kids. Inspiring 🙂
~Lisa
Beautiful girls! And I love their new pants. Do you sell those in your store?
You’re killing me…my machine is getting tuned up. Don’t inspire me when I’m left to hand sewing or knitting.
I too feel the shift. Tonight I realized that the air for the past two days was worth breathing; still very warm, but not as intense. And my senses felt the movement towards fall. Insert shift. I’m actually making my second batch of peach butter. The first gigantic batch was mainly gifted away, so this batch – yes this one – hopefully will be squirreled away.
Love the pants, but more so the conversation related to them. Off to read your article as I wait for the butter to reduce.
-Jennifer
I’m gonna start sewing pants like these for me. I’m old, I can wear whatever I want. People will just think I’m a character. Can have a Margot’s fabric?
I’m sitting here at 11 p.m. alone but laughing out loud at the last series of photos….hahahaha….they are so stinkin’ cute and I LOVE the silliness 🙂
The first picture is precious…..Ruby’s bare shoulders, Margot all snugged in close with her hand on your arm. They love you 🙂
Sooooo excited to try this tutorial. I kid you not, I have been telling a friend for 3 months now that I am craving to make lounge pants. Yes, actually CRAVING. Just got my sewing machine fixed. Now I just need my hubs to thread my bobbin (I really need to learn how to do this on my own!).
Love them Nici.
Best pants ever.
Your clothes truly do last. I bought Ella a skirt from you when she was 2. She has worn it through 3 hot Australian summers as well as winters {over tights} and it still looks brand new & fits like a gem! Love your stuff.
xx
http://blog.scissorspaperrockdesigns.com.au/
SO cute….OH and so are the pants!
Burb ~ You have no idea how it makes me smile to see you sew for your girls on my mother’s machine…the very one your Great Grandma taught me on!
Margot ~ I had so much fun with you this summer! You have become quite the young lady! I am already counting the days until I see you! I Love You A Bushel & A Peck!
Ruby ~ Sometimes I just want to drop everything and catch the next plane to Montana….I LOVE spending time with you! You Are My Sunshine!
xoxo,
Love to ALL…..
Mom/Terri/Gram
Love the pants. The girls look so thrilled with them. It almost looks like your little one is catching up in height to your Margot. Is that true?
I love them!
I’m going to try sewing some for my girl…and maybe even my boy!
Hi Nici, I wanted you to know that I have chosen you for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award. You can see the details about your nomination on my blog post: http://www.notyouraveragewidow.com/2012/08/very-inspiring-blogger-award/ Love the cute shots of the girls and their ‘carrot’ pose! 🙂 –Erin
I love their new pants! Your girls need to read ‘The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants’ when they’re older 🙂 A good series of four books and there are silly pants rules! This post made me think of it. I think I shall re-read these books soon! xx
this made me happy. a mom and her two little girls are coming over today so we can use my sewing machine and im so excited.
sincerely,
emily in portland, your would be sister in law.
So cool, Nici. I am far from feeling able to sew pants for my peeps, but I still feel inspired by seeing what you have done.
I love those pants. I might forward this post to my MIl who loves to sew for my girls. She has made some beautiful dresses, but pants will be great for winter. And I love Margot’s oh so wise observation: “Oh, it’s OK mama. I always come home.” She is so grown up!!
Love the pattern here – that’s such a great one to have on hand.
Code for pants….hehe…