Olive Free Range Slacks
Hi friends!
I wanted to do a fall/winter sewing plans, just like how I did for spring/summer. But I’ve already started making fall clothes as it’s gotten a lot cooler where I live.
So, rather than spending time planning for it, I’m just going to keep on sewing!
First ups are these elastic waisted pants.
Pattern: Free-Range Slacks by Sew House Seven
Fabric: Cotton stretch twill from RICK RACK Textiles in forest green colour
I initially wanted to make an elastic waisted pair of pants for summer (I made these in August.) We had a very hot summer this year, and fitted jeans were feeling too warm for me. So I thought that relaxed elastic waisted pants would be great for hot days—and I still think they could be, but as it turned out, this fabric was a little too thick for super hot days.
Don’t get me wrong, this cotton stretch twill is great! In fact, it’s way better than I expected. The surface feels slightly brushed but not so much that looks fluffy. Just enough to make it soft. It’s sturdy yet a bit of stretch provides the comfort. The colour is beautiful too. I bought it in navy as well as this forest green, and I’m happy that I did.
Because it has a weight similar to a stretch denim, this pair will be great to wear all year long, except for super hot days (warm weather would be fine… just not when it’s 30+ degrees.) That being said, this fabric could make a great pair of bermuda pants which would be perfect for summer.
Even though I initially wanted a pair of pants for summer, I think it’s actually better that I ended up with a pair that I can wear all year long. (Let’s face it, summer here is really short.)
Now let’s talk about the pattern.
Free-Range Slacks pattern has high waist with wide elastic. It’s not like pj pants elastic waist, this pair feels a lot more secure and fitted around the waist which I love! Probably because of the wide elastic and the fact that they don’t have a lot of fabric gathering around the waist.
I love the deep front pockets with top stitches! They’re subtle but give these pants some interesting details. (Also functional!)
The pattern has two options for legs: tapered version and straight version. I went with the tapered version this time and I love the look of them!
I wanted a slightly cropped length, plus I’m short to begin with (150cm), so I did a lot of length adjustment. I also made the leg parts slimmer—I think it’s because my fabric is a bit stiffer and doesn’t have any drape almost at all. They had to be a little more fitted to achieve the similar look as the samples shown on their website.
The recommended fabric ranges from lightweight fabric like cotton poplin and rayon blends to mid-weight fabric like linen, cotton twill, and light weight denim.
Something like denim would have very little drape much like the cotton I used this time, while linen could have a moderate amount of drape, even with a medium weight.
So depending on what type of fabric you choose, these pants can have a very different look, I think!
If I wanted another pair that are actually hot weather friendly, I’d choose something like linen or cotton/rayon blend so that they would be more flowly.
Another fun detail is the side panels! Again, it’s subtle but helps these pants not to look like pj pants.
The pattern has an interestingly constructed back pocket, but I did simple patch pockets instead.
It’s fun to add a pair of pants that are not jeans to my closet for a change! I think these will look really cute with hand-knit sweater too.
Sep 16, 2021
