Closet Case Pietra Pants

This is a very different style for me!

I was after a light weight trouser for work but also to feel half dressed up but comfy when working from home. I’m usually a peg leg/skinny leg type gal so I wasn’t sure if these were going to be a complete waste of time or just what I was looking for.

I saw so many of these worn all across Me Made May on a daily basis, all in linen of various blends, so it is obviously a well loved pattern. These are the Closet Case Pietra Pant, with tapered leg.

I think it was the elastic waist band (although only at the back) that was putting me off, but that is exactly what I was drawn towards!

I have a couple of pairs of super comfy elastic waist band RTW trousers but you can’t actually tell it is elastic when they are on. I’ve stopped buying RTW clothes so am consciously looking out for replacement me made trousers for the future that I know I can reproduce at a faction of the cost with vastly improved fit!!

So what can I say. After wearing them for a day, I’m so pleased to say that I love them!!

However to get here I made a few changes.

I’m really not a fan of the paper bag rear bum look on me. So I took out as much width as possible at the waist (rear pattern piece) so I could just about pull them on, over my bum, without resorting to a side zip.

Looking at this photo I think I could take out another 5mm from the back seam.

Someone on instagram of my shape (and age!!!!), and I can’t remember who, I’m sorry, said they found them extremely high waisted so advised taking an inch or more out of the rise. This was extremely good advice! I took out an inch, on my next pair I will take 2!

I cut a size 10, according to my hip measurement and graded in to a size 8. I usually have to grade out for my waist. After nearly finishing them, I took a further size out of the side seam, and a further 5mm out of the crotch and right up the rear back seam. I also took 5mm out of the inner thigh area. Next time I will make a straight size 6 and then open up the seam allowances if necessary.

I used an inexpensive (£5.99/m) linen look suiting fabric from Minerva. I really wasn’t convinced when it arrived as a flat piece of fabric, but now made up, the fabric has texture and the right amount of drape. And as a huge bonus, doesn’t crease!!!!!!!!!!

Closet Case Patterns are know for their excellent instructions, and these pants were no different. I love the unusual pocket incorporated into a front leg panel. The front seam gives them interest and structure.

It still feels a bit weird, getting used to a baggy style. My husband really wasn’t sure about them! Are they ageing or elegant? Does that matter? Do they look like something out of those Sunday supplements that you would pair with velcro slippers?

I don’t think I would ever intentionally show the back elastic, although there are plenty of elastic waist/draw string trousers in the shops(internet/endless ads). But maybe that is just a consequence of many of us working from home on our kitchen tables too near the fridge!

I’m off to dig out my Velcro slippers.

Love, Lucie xx