Before we started packing and before getting everything ready to move to Portugal, I really wanted to make these two things. They had been cut out for months, and I didn’t want them turning into a frayed, wrinkly mess if they were packed. Thankfully, I made some time one weekend and got them finished! Things got very busy after that, so I’m just now getting around to blogging about them. They both turned out so good, and I’m excited to share about them!
This shirt is Simplicity 5801 in view B. I found this pattern at a big craft fair a couple of years ago. I think it’s considered vintage since it was printed in 2002 (apparently, anything 20+ years old is considered vintage), but it seems fairly easy to purchase online through different websites if you’re interested.
I made the size 18 based on my waist and hip measurements. If I make this pattern again, I’ll make the 16 and grade out to an 18 at the waist and hips so that it fits a little better on top. The only modification I made was to lengthen it by 1″, but I didn’t actually need to do that, since it’s already a pretty long shirt. I also used the Willamette Shirt pattern instructions for the construction because it uses better methods for finishing than the Simplicity pattern. I’ve made a few older patterns lately, and it makes me wonder when someone finally figured out the burrito method, because all of the other patterns I’ve used make you do it the hard way.
This fabric is viscose poplin from Blackbird Fabrics. It was nice to work with, but it does get very wrinkly and doesn’t dry well without needing to be ironed, especially the sleeve cuffs. I tried washing and then drying it flat when we first moved here, but I couldn’t wear it until I could finally iron it last week. It’s really light and airy, and perfect for the warm summer weather. I think it’ll be really nice for layering in the fall too.
I have now made 5 versions of the Free Range Slacks (FRS); 3 of the tapered view, and 2 pairs of shorts (which I also used the tapered view). I was very inspired by the green Pomona Pants that Michelle Tomczak made that proved how extremely versatile they are. The Pomona Pants pattern didn’t work very well for me, but the FRS are my tried-and-true, so I knew I needed to make the wide leg version.
I always make the size 12 which is right in line with my hip measurement. I make the same adjustments every time I make this pattern, but since the wide leg version is a more cropped length, I lengthened them by 3″ instead of my normal 2″. Before I hemmed them, I was worried that they would still be too short, so I decided to hem them with bias tape (which only made them 1/2″ shorter instead of a full 1″). I also liked that hemming them with bias tape made the bottom opening of the pants more structured. The other adjustment that I make is to shorten the rise by 2″ at the lengthen/shorten line. Since I shorten the rise, I also shorten pocket pieces by 1.5″ otherwise they’re too deep. The pattern has multiple l/s lines, so that makes it really easy to lengthen/shorten at different places with minimal changes to the overall fit.
This was my first time sewing the back pockets on and I LOVE them! I’m a little bit disappointed that I’ve never added them until now. I sewed them on exactly where the pattern has them marked, and it’s just right.
These are the perfect wide leg pants for me. I think that, because I’m usually making a size 12/14, other pants patterns increase the leg ease which adds too much volume. I love the FRS because the amount of ease is perfect for me.
This fabric is the Washed Crinkle Cotton from Style Maker Fabrics in the color moss. I’ve also made the tapered version of this pattern in the color black and they are so comfortable and well worn. This fabric in the color coffee would be really versatile too.
I’m really happy with how these two makes turned out, so much so that I brought both patterns with me all the way across the world to Portugal. Haha. Both are going to be great transition piece for the fall/winter season, and I’ve already started recreating all of the cute green pant outfits that I’ve seen.
I hope you’re enjoying your summer, and if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. Happy sewing! xo