Finished Object: Claudia Pants, Take 3

Today, the bug-free lifestyle focus is on yarn. I keep my stash in a box, in ziploc bags, but it never hurts to shake everything out and ensure that all the bags are without any tears. Plus, I want to put some Kleenex dotted with cedar essential oil into each bag. People, I have gone through so much freakin' cedar in the last month, I cannot tell you...

But let's talk about the pants. Here's the thing. They're done. Actually, they're drying as I type. I decided to wash them after making them - something which never happens. I washed because they're a bit big. And on that note - how is it that these pants are still too big and they've got less stretch than any other fabric I've used to make them in the past?? Something is not adding up...

In case you're curious about the basic shape (but not the colour, which is apparently rather evasive), here they are:

Anyway, the thing is that they're basically flannel pants. Yeah, you read that right. I made pants that are essentially flannel. Sure, flannel with a bit of flair, but flannel-feeling all the same. They do not drape nicely. They do not contour with splendour. They don't have a ton of recovery.

Here's a shot that sort of captures the colour and texture, though really, the blue is actually quite deep and rich - not washed out as it seems here:

Before we get all sad about it, um, I do happen to live in Canada. I can assure you that, at some point - and probably in the next calendar year - I will have occasion to wish that I had a pair of pants in my wardrobe that are both chic and flannel-ish. So I'm not putting them on the lawn! But I won't be wearing them for a long time (I hope, please weather goddess).

Mind you, next sewing project - I'd really like it to be a spring-wearable winner.

Thoughts?

What T'will Be Will Be...

Yesterday, on my way to work I found a fabric moth. Y'all know about my bug phobia. Well, it doesn't apply to fabric moths (or most flying things, really). I smashed the shit out of that thing. Of course, it was the sign that I would once again need to shake out and review all of my fabric stash.

Just spent hours doing that. Um - it seems my late-winter fabric spree was epic people. I do not know how I've got so much yardage fitting into one tiny cupboard. Then, in addition to 55 yards of fabric, I've got notions up the yin yang, muslin, lingerie supplies and interfacing. I am officially finished with shopping for fabric for a very long time. Honestly, I have everything I could possibly ever need or want. (Actually, I have awesome fabrics - it's hardly upsetting to pet them, even as I feel vaguely overwhelmed.)

I am very grateful to say that all of my stash is whole and bug-free. I do intend to add cedar and lavender to the cupboard - and maybe to get these moth tent things my friend Nicole told me about. They're work on pheremones and mess with the reproductive cycle of the bugs. All natural, effective and odor-free!

One good thing about this seemingly endless exercise is that it has compelled me to pre-treat all of my washable fabric. When next I reach for it, it'll be all set to go. (Usually I have to factor washing and drying into my sewing experience.)

Mind you, it's derailed my sewing plans for the weekend - or delayed them, anyhow.

I've decided to make another pair of Claudia pants using the stretch cotton twill I recently bought at Fabrications. Note: This will be my third pair. The first I wear constantly. The second I put on the lawn (it was made with that hideous black Bengaline and was too big).

Here's the thing, I'm not sure that I like the twill. Don't misunderstand. It's a lovely fabric in the abstract (far lovelier than the photo below would lead you to believe). But, on washing it, the right side developed a definite brushed quality. I should say that it isn't napped - as far as I can tell - as the brushed quality isn't directional.

You can't see it in the pic, (which makes the twill look flat and grey - it's actually navy blue), but the right side almost looks like suede or velvet:

Peeps, I hate napped fabrics. Nubby fabric kind of creeps me out, not to mention that it picks up every bit of floating lint or hair (yuck). It reminds me distinctly of half of my wardrobe circa 1983. The thing that's saving this twill is that its brushed quality is very subdued. Mind you, all brushed fabrics seem to have one thing in common: they're stiff.

I do feel rather liberated though, to approach this fabric with adventure and not too much investment. It's got about 10 per cent stretch so I doubt it will create a finished product that's too big. And, who knows, I may discover a new-found love as I work with it.

Having said all this, if it doesn't thrill me, onto the front walk it goes. I don't have time to coddle. It's got to hit the mark or someone else can enjoy it on its merit.

The fabric is cut, marked and ready to go. I hope I have time to make the pants tomorrow - but if not, at least I'm proceeding. I've got to remember: it's all sewing. And every time I finish something - if I like it - I've got to find somewhere to put it. So slow is alright. I'm pacing myself with Chianti :-)

Today's questions: What do you think of napped fabric? Is velvet/suede/corduroy your fave thing ever? Does it remind you of nails on a chalkboard? Do you like brushed twill? Let's talk!