Smarty Pants Meets a Snake.

Hello PantsMakers!  I’ve had this super-fantabulous snakeskin print stretch twill in my stash and envisioned slinky, straight legged trousers sewn with it.  For my contribution to February’s Smarty Pants, I went with a fairly simple pattern,  Burda 7141, since it had very little embellishments and would appear very simple and snakelike with no pockets or front fly.

February 1st was also Serpent Day, a day to recognize all that our slithery friends do for us.  You can find out more info about this and snakes here. 

Kitty aids in the fitting process

I used a stretch twill.  Not only is the stretch fabric far more comfortable, but it is easier to fit.  I made the smallest size, 8, which did correspond to my measurements, but the pants ended up being very large even after I measured and adjusted the paper pattern.  This could have been due to the fact that my stretch twill had a large amount of stretch to it.

Two darts are better than One!

I had to take in about 2 cm (3/4″) of the entire inside leg seam and then put them on and ‘fit’ the rest of the baggyness by pinning the outer side seams to fit my shape.  My lovely sewing teacher put in a second dart for me in the back, rather than just taking in more from the side seams.  This was a great idea as it gave the trousers shape instead of making them look like skin-tight leggings.

Action Jackson Shot! LOLZ!! I have no idea what I’m doing here, so figured I had to share it with you.

Invisible Zip; bound seams

The side seams were bound with an olive-green bias tape.  Naturally, because this will make the snake feel at home in its natural environment 🙂 .  I finished the inside leg and crotch seams by turning under the seam and zigzagging in an attempt to reduce bulk in this area.  And, I opted for an invisible zipper so that the fabric takes centre stage.

For more pics and info on the trousers and on snakes, please visit my blogpost here.   Happy Sewing Everybody!

Catja from Gjeometry

P.S.: A Plea.  Have you voted for my March’s Miss Sew Bossy Patterns yet?  The race is ridiculously close, so if you’ve not voted yet, please do, so that I don’t have a tie on my hands.  The poll is here, drop by and vote!  Thanks!  (Voting closes February 28)