Honestly, I never saw myself as the cargo pant type. But let's face it, there aren't a lot of choices out there for us guys.
I really needed up spruce up my wardrobe for last weekend's wedding, part of which involved a "casual attire" rehearsal dinner. I really wanted something different. And since linen practically screams "summer casual", I set my sights on a pair of loose fitting linen pants. Enter McCall's 2815.
I will tell you right now that this is the MOST dreadful menswear pattern imaginable. If you're thinking of making a clown costume for Halloween, you've got the bottom part covered with this pattern. They're beyond huge, sort of like having wings behind one's legs. There's loose, and then there's absurd. Adding to the horrors, a total of 3" has to be eased into the waistband. I'm sorry, but no guy wants his pants gathered onto a waistband. Isn't the drawstring supposed to take care of that? Who thinks up these things?
Essentially, I remade the whole pattern .... just in time to catch the ferry to Martha's Vineyard.
Loosely based on version B, with a decidedly asymetrical vibe.
I added darts to the back to take up the 1.5" of ease, and drafted pockets and flaps based on the pockets from my safari jacket. This pattern does not include back pockets (another strike against it). Dear McCall's, most guys like to carry their wallet in a back pocket.
I adapted the fly and zipper shield from Thread Theory's Jedediah pants. I am more and more thankful for this pattern all the time!
Pocket flaps are uninterfaced. Lined with a pale green gingham from JoAnn's nursery collection!
Fabric from Gray Line Linen. Cording and buttons from Pacific Trim. The cording was a perfect match! Thank you sewing gods.
Flat felled inseams, outer seams with bias binding, a la Jeds. It makes for such a beautifully finished pair of pants. Well worth the little bit of extra effort.
Cargo pants for the old man. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks! Now if summer could only last a little longer.
Posted with Blogsy
Those are some great looking cargo pants!
ReplyDeleteAnother fantastic job!
ReplyDeleteYour work is always fantastic. Great pants!
ReplyDeleteThey are great. Maybe they would even convince my non-cargo wearing husband to give them a try.
ReplyDeleteThis has got to be one of my favourite things about sewing - you get to sew and wear garments you would never have actually bought for yourself in the shops. This look really quite smart!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous work. I especially love your eye for detail, finishing and upgrading the pattern pieces. Your pants look great and must be very comfortable to wear.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully made and tailored pants. You are justly proud! All the more so after redrafting the whole pattern.
ReplyDeleteYou may have started with a horrible pattern, but you've made it beautifully. I love the finished product.
ReplyDeleteThose are wonderful the way you re-made them. I love the linen.They fit beautifully.
ReplyDeleteStreamlined. Fantastic looking!
ReplyDeleteAh, the famous "big 4 ease", also known as clown-clothes. At least you had the jedediah to fall back on. These turned out great!
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous! Just like your suit the other day!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely wonderful pants; I love your confidence to remake a pattern that is clearly not going to work for you, into something entirely wearable and sharp looking. The seam finishes and other details - pocket lining, etc. make them especially fantastic. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteGreat work. These are handsome pants.
ReplyDeleteIf everyone's cargo pants looked as good as yours no one would be able to say the cargos aren't stylish. Great looking pants!
ReplyDeleteWow, these look so professional! - not that I'm surprised, your makes always do :) Really beautiful, right down to the details and the stellar seam finishing :)
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