I do think that sewing and clothing should be a bit of fun.  The older I get, the more willing I am to try new things.  Is it meant to work that way?  Maybe I’m not as self-conscious now that I’m heading rapidly into my mid-forties.  I ordered the StyleARC Shaza jersey pant pattern a little while ago.  They describe it as “a great stylized pant for the fashion victim”.  It’s very quick and simple to make.  After an hour or two I had a new pair of comfortable pants.

My children laughed furiously when I modelled these for them. The first thing that Clare said was “you’re not going to wear those on the INTERNET are you?”

“Too right I am!” I replied. “And I’m going to wear them to school drop-off and pick-up as well”!

I made the size 10, but as you can see they are rather accommodating! Actually, I still haven’t hemmed them. They were an interesting draft, with six pleats either side of the centre back and the centre front, and inseam side pockets. I used a soft knit that should have been a little slinkier and thinner, and think that these would be a more successful pattern if they were made up in a different fabric. Which I might still do! The biggest problem with them is how to style them, I think – they need a fairly fitted top to deal with all that hip and thigh volume.

Of course, they reminded the whole family of different things. “Clown pants” from the girls. My husband knew better and said nothing, just raised his eyebrows. To me, they are reminiscent of the Papal Swiss Guards I saw when I visited the Vatican many years ago.  But mostly, MC Hammer.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otCpCn0l4Wo?rel=0]