Classic Chinos

Sewer or Sewist....do you have a preference? I tend to lean towards sewer myself, but I'm sure it doesn't sound as polished as "sewist" (plus, I'm sure there are plenty of people who don't envision thread and a sewing machine when they see the word "sewer." Whatever the case, I recently had the opportunity to pattern test the Classic Chinos pattern for Amy of Nap Time Crafters and Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop, and it really challenged my skills as a sewer (or sewist :)

Before trying out this pattern, I had never attempted to install a real zipper fly, hammer on button, or welt pockets. After finishing these babies, I felt like a sewing rock star! And let me tell you, Amy made it really easy to understand with all of her pictures and explanations. I won't say I didn't do a couple things wrong at first (because isn't that tradition with all of my sewing projects anyway?) but after I finished the pants, I felt so accomplished!

For my daughter's pair, I went with a pretty blue chambray that I found in the remnant bin at my local Jo-Ann's (and I haven't been able to find any since, gah!) It has a beautiful feel to it and it was perfect for these pants, but for the love of all things holy, I can NOT get the wrinkles to come out! Can anyone please tell me how to get wrinkles out of chambray? I also have a chambray shirt that I adore but don't wear very often because I get what I call "accordion sleeves." After washing, the sleeves scrunch up accordion-style, and I can't get them to iron flat to save my life. If you have any helpful tips to solve my problem, I will give you a giant virtual hug.

All that said, I absolutely love how these pants came out, and I don't regret using chambray because it looks gorgeous on these pants (and will look even better once I figure out how to get those blasted wrinkles out.)

After making the first pair, I was feeling pretty invincible, so I decided to make a pair of shorts for Connor using the same pattern. I forced Connor to take photos right after nap, so he was less willing to cheese it up for me :)

Connor's pair was made from a wonderfully soft pair of my husband's discarded khakis. Like the first pair, they have a flat front with elastic in the back. While Connor typically wears 2T, I made the pants in a 3T so he can grow into them and use them next summer as well. I'm all about stretching the wardrobe :)

I love this pattern! So versatile and classic. And I'm proud to say I can now make functional zipper fly's and welt pockets thanks to Amy! I definitely see quite a few more pairs of these pants in our future. 

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