Yeah – we all know what that means – right?
An invite to a special occasion that was important and significant, but not formal. Casual clothes but not shoddy clothes. The occasion was spread over two days and therefore required two outfits. Yippee!

Image from Vogue Patterns’ website
The first day was sorted, a merino knit top and plain black trousers. The next day I decided to wear the silk blouse I made for graduation, but new trousers were needed.
Not in black bengaline (for a change), but in brown stretch cotton. A medium weight fabric with a brushed surface, similar to moleskin. It came courtesy of the Remnant Warehouse in Sydney.
I chose Vogue 8499. I had made this up previously and liked the oversized pockets. I needed to make many alterations – again!
I used view C shown here, size 14. I added some length to the legs and increased the rear crotch depth & height. I removed 5cm of width from the waist by trimming the center seams of the front and rear pieces. Finally I added a side zip and a large press stud.
They are OK – certainly wearable and a good addition to my wardrobe. I love the placement and depth of the pockets. I also like the shaping added by the knee darts. The elastic back suits my continuously expanding and contracting waist due to singing (it is a large part of my job). By the by – apologies for the awful quality of my photos..
The stretch fabric does loosen over the day. The waistband was always a bit too big, by the end of the day it is drooping somewhat. The fabric has faded more quickly than I expected and is showing some patches of wear.
They are not the ideal trouser pattern for me just yet. Still looking!
Costs
Fabric – brown moleskin with some stretch – $18.00
Zip and elastic – from stash, I should keep better records.
Pattern – second use and old, effectively free.
Totals = approximately $20.00, allows money for elastic and thread.
Do it again? I don’t think so.
I like the trousers a lot! I too am looking for the ideal trouser pattern and would love to have a go at making these, but the cost of Vogue patterns might prevent me….
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I’ve stopped buying the patterns full price. I wait for the website sales and get them then. Or, here in the land of Oz our retailer Spotlight has occasional sales to clear their stock before the new patterns arrive. Then they are as little as $4.00 each.
I also have drafting skills that I should utilise…
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I think I’ll definitely look out for that one in sales. I don’t really have drafting skills but have a book on the subject and should probably have a go!
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