This past summer, when I was in Denver, I stopped into Fancy Tiger Crafts, “just for a minute”. My minute turned out to be longer (and more expensive) than I expected, because I got a chance to chat with a real sewing celebrity (read the full story here!), and managed to find quite a bit of fabric that I “needed” desperately. It was Fancy Tiger y’all- how could I possibly resist?
One of the fabrics I picked up was this gorgeous lightweight scuba knit that had just hit the shop. I hadn’t the slightest idea what I would do with it, but the combination of rich colors and fall foliage had me dreaming of sipping of hot cocoa while the kids ran through the neighbor’s leaf pile, and I couldn’t put it down (despite the hefty price tag!). Two yards landed on the cutting table, and when we arrived home it sat front and center until last week, begging me to become a project. Turning it into something was trickier than it seemed, however- the fabric was lightweight, with minimal stretch, and really needed a pattern that was meant for woven fabrics, despite its knit heritage.
When I saw the new Nara pants from Coffee and Thread, I knew the time had come to grab it off the shelf. I tend to go to extremes in my pants- either I want something 100% fitted, like a pair of leggings or skinny jeans (see my post on sewing the Closet Case Files Ginger Jeans here), or I want something so loose in the legs I could stuff a dozen turkeys up there, and still have room to move (like the Samara pants, here). These pants fall into the latter category, and though they aren’t quite as wide legged as the Samara pants, they do flow nicely and pair perfectly with fitted tops or loose cardigans (or both!).
The Nara pants also feature handy scoop pockets, a flat front or fully gathered elastic waistband, and an optional belt or front tie.
I did a mashup of the two views, cutting the waistband in two pieces (for the flat front option), but wove my elastic all the way through the waistband, stitching through it in the back for the gathered look, but leaving it un-stitched in the front.
My original intention was to have a plain flat front (like in view A), but I ended up needing to tighten the elastic beyond what the width of the back could accommodate without creating too much puffiness, so I decided to pass the elastic all the way through. I also shortened them 2″ at the lengthen shorten line, and another 1″ at the hem- the straight cut makes it easy to make last minute adjustments after a final try-on before hemming.
I ran out of fabric for cutting the ties (that’s what I get for purchasing something without a project in mind), but a cute belt will go just as well when I wear them with a fitted top. I also left off the belt loops, but I’m regretting that now, so I may go back and add them- they don’t take much time, and lend a more professional and finished look.
Overall, despite my impromptu adjustments and omissions, I love these pants, and find them extremely comfortable (and perfect for those big holiday meals, where the elastic waist will come in handy!). They’re also a really satisfying quick sew, since they don’t have any darts or zippers- just grab some elastic, thread and fabric, and you’ll have your own pair whipped up for the fall festivities in no time!
Andddd….I just so happen to have a copy to give away! To enter, please leave a blog or Instagram comment- I’ll be choosing a winner Friday- in plenty of time for you to get started on your own pair in time for Thanksgiving (or Halloween- I’m almost more tempted by my kids’ leftover candy than I am that turkey stuffing!). If you want to catch the pattern on sale for release, you can find it here!
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