From Tiny Trousers to a Custom-Made Pair
Updated: Sep 19
One of the things I love most about sewing is when someone asks, "Do you think you could make...?" My answer is usually, "I've never done it before, but let's give it a go!"
A friend recently came to me with the cutest little pair of striped trousers she'd bought for her daughter. She absolutely loved the style and asked if I could make her a grown-up version.
There was just one catch...
She wanted them as a wide-leg trouser rather than the tapered style, and we couldn't find the same striped fabric anywhere.
Instead, she found a gorgeous colourful checked fabric that she loved even more, and that became the starting point for the project.
As anyone who knows me will tell you, I very rarely start with a commercial pattern. I much prefer working things out myself! So I studied the children's trousers, took some measurements, grabbed some paper and created my own pattern from scratch.
Of course, I wasn't going to cut straight into her beautiful fabric.
First, I made a complete test pair from black polycotton so she could try them on. We checked the fit, adjusted a few areas, and then I made a second toile in another polycotton fabric to fine-tune everything even further.
Only when we were both completely happy with the fit did I finally cut into her chosen fabric.
The finished trousers feature:
Wide-leg styling
A comfortable elasticated waistband
Two practical side pockets
Two back pockets
A completely custom-made pattern created just for her
From Tiny Trousers to a Custom-Made Pair
Seeing the finished trousers come together was incredibly satisfying. They fit beautifully, are wonderfully comfortable and, most importantly, they're completely unique.
It's easy to buy clothes from the high street, but there's something really special about wearing something that has been made specifically for you. Every measurement, every pocket and every detail has been chosen with the wearer in mind.
Projects like this remind me why I love sewing so much. From Tiny Trousers to a Custom-Made Pair, They challenge me to learn new skills, solve problems and create something that simply doesn't exist anywhere else.
If you've got an idea for something you'd love to wear but can't quite find in the shops, don't be afraid to ask. Sometimes the best projects start with the words...
"I wonder if this could be made..."
Before You Go… 🧵❤️
If you enjoyed reading about these memory cushions, sign up so you don’t miss my next adventure in sewing, creativity and inevitable chaos.
You can also read my other blogs, visit More Shabby Than Chic to see more of my handmade work, or leave me a comment—I would love to know whether you have a treasured item that deserves a new life.
Until next time… keep making, keep laughing, and remember: handmade doesn’t have to mean perfect. ❤️
Rhiannon
More Shabby Than Chic
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