I feel like I'm always approximately one year late to every sewing trend (case in point - the Tova top that I sewed long after everyone else had given this pattern a try), so it's nearly a miracle that I'm sewing a pattern that was only recently released. I think that alone speaks volumes about how excited I was to sew up Megan Nielsen's Tania Culottes (or shall I say cool-ottes because, you know, they're cool). In fact I was so excited to sew them up that I couldn't wait around to find the perfect fabric and instead I just headed to the only fabric store that is located near me - Joann Fabrics. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is where the story takes an unfortunate turn because upon entering the store I became smitten with this black and beige fabric. Sure it was polyester and I've never actually sewn with polyester before but look how cool the print is! And look at the lovely drape!
Unfortunately when I bought the fabric I didn't know that making a narrow hem on polyester fabric is one of the most maddening things that there is (and trust me, there's a whole lot of hem on these little culottes). And while I had high hopes of escaping polyester static cling by just air drying the culottes, apparently that alone doesn't work (please see exhibit A - the fabric totally clinging to my butt cheek. Awesome). So for now we'll just consider this version my somewhat wearable muslin.
On a more positive note, this pattern really is fun and easy and like nothing else out on the market. As for sizing, I cut out a straight size medium which is a bit bigger than my natural waist size but my natural waist is pretty high so I was thinking that by making it a big bigger it would just sit at a lower part of my waist. Unfortunately, by making it a bit bigger the waistband looks a little bit funny where it hits on my body so for my next version I'll probably just cut out a size small for the waist. And while this length is incredibly cute and I would have rocked it in my twenties, I'm think that the next time around I'll add a little big of length to the culottes by tracing out the length of the size large.
But can I just finish by mentioning what is one of my favorite things about this pattern?
It only has four pattern pieces. Four! Now that's something that I can get down with.
I have to get that pattern, everyone is making me jealous with their super cute cool-ottes :) I almost bought some of that fabric in Joanns yesterday, glad I didn't. They look cute but that static would drive me nuts!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to getting this pattern once we get back to summer (& the skirt!)
ReplyDeleteNice fabric - pity about the static :-(
oh no, what a bummer! (get it? oh god, i'm terrible.) seriously, they are super cute! can't wait to see the new improved version.
ReplyDeleteWow they look great on you. And thanks for that last photo, I've been trying to figure out where the shorts are on other tanias before your post. I'll have to try this pattern soon :)
ReplyDeleteHaha at least its a good ass to cling to. The fabric looks cool but I know what u mean about the grief of hemming with slippery polyester. Looks like you won though.
ReplyDeleteI love that you posted the butt-cling shot. I wonder if you will get a few weird Google search term hits on this post?
ReplyDeleteit looks gorg on! love your version of this pattern, it's inspiring
ReplyDeleteI'm trying not to laugh at the bum cling... Honest, I'm trying... ;o)
ReplyDeletePolyester is the devil!! Shudder! But this cut is so freaking cute on you, and the print is perfect for it (just minus the cling, hahaha).
ReplyDeleteHaha you said butt cheek. ( )( )
ReplyDeleteCracking up at the photos--the butt cling is hilarious. I do like that fabric, though! Isn't there some sort of rolled hem foot that fixes the polyester narrow hem problem? If something doesn't work for me, I always blame my equipment. :-)
ReplyDeleteyou say you don't know what the hell you're doing. but really.....you do.
ReplyDeletehey--I miss you.
XO
C
p.s.
ReplyDeleteabout the butt cling.
I say, if you got it, flaunt it.
They look very cool. No static cling comments from me :)
ReplyDeletesafety pins on the inside will take care of the cling
ReplyDeleteSafety pins on the inside near the drapy part should take care of the cling
ReplyDeleteI love these but the cling would drive me crazy.I wonder how it would work in knits?I heard you can use wax paper to help with the hems.I have only made a few things mostly in cotton and flannel.I am looking forward to your newer version also!
ReplyDelete