Harem Pants No. 3 for Lisann in Spice Colors (Size 76)

Hi everyone,

I went through my closet and sorted out some old T-shirts. I’ve always loved patterned fabrics—especially paisley or roses. That’s why I sewed a pair of harem pants in size 76 for Lisann (basically, making clothes in advance for later).

The summer jersey fabric was a bit thinner than the ones I’ve used before. That made it a little trickier because you have to figure out which stitch and stitch size work best with the fabric. The sewing machine even ate the fabric while I was working on a seam. I really don’t like that because then I have to unscrew the needle plate, and the fabric might have been damaged. After that, I made sure to always leave plenty of room from the edge. My mistake was that I’d only left a space as wide as the presser foot from the edge. But with such a soft fabric, the machine somehow pulled the fabric in anyway.

I’ve also become more confident when trimming the seam allowance after sewing. That way, the seams don’t end up so wide.

Take a look... my old T-shirt is now a pair of harem pants for Lisann. The cuffs are also made from an old T-shirt. If the T-shirt fabric is stretchy (jersey), it works well for this. Both fabrics are therefore “summer-ready.” I didn’t have any cuff fabric in a matching color.

Best regards, Ina

Dear Ina, I honestly don’t know which pair of pants I like best—I love them all so much. You’ve really caught the sewing bug. I’m already looking forward to seeing more of your creations. I’m also amazed at how quickly and well you do this.
Hugs, Ines 

WOW, another great pair of baby pants—it's simply amazing how quickly you're learning. I'm really, really happy for you, Ina

Love, Inge

Yes, dear Inge — you encouraged me—with your creations and your detailed explanations. I would have loved to have you as a sewing teacher in person. I would have learned so much. Now I’ll just have to make do. I know I can always ask you, and your knowledge is endless.

Today, while tidying up, I even found large cones of overlock thread. Yes, found them. Three years ago, I was at the Holland Fabric Market. I was looking for cotton fabrics for my doll’s bed project. And there was a booth where you could get x cones for x euros. So I took them home. And lo and behold, now I can really use them. They’ve been waiting three years to be put to use.

Dear Ines, you wrote somewhere on the forum that you used to sew too, but these days you only do mending. You’re still hooked on wool, but who knows—maybe you’ll sew something for Wim someday. Everything has its time. And for me, it was somehow time for something new. I still like the yarn, too, but right now I’m more into fabric.

Best regards, Ina

Wow, I like these pants the best, Ina! They’re exactly my colors. Honestly, I’d love to be your grandchild. Being dressed so beautifully by Grandma is really something special. The parents will surely be delighted with your new sewing skills, too. You’ve really picked this up quickly and achieved great results.

Wow, considering it’s not newly bought fabric???? You’d never believe it.
Ina, you’ve created a really wonderful sustainable piece.

Hi Petra, here’s the proof: it was an old wrap-around T-shirt of mine. Unfortunately, it didn’t fit me around the front anymore. There’s still enough left—maybe for a little top. But I’ll have to check with my daughter-in-law first. You can’t just do what you personally like when you’re making something for others. That goes for wool and fabric alike.

Best regards, Ina

Dear Ina,
it’s amazing how quickly you whipped up these pants. Each one is prettier than the last.
Yeah, that’s always the thing with liking things.
Lisann will definitely look adorable in them.
Hugs, Marlies

Ina, that’s even better. Because it’s so sustainable. It looks like there’s still plenty left over from the shirt to sew something else for your little granddaughter.
You’re doing such a great job.

But for a top, I think something solid-colored, knitted, or crocheted would also look good.

You’re right, dear Petra—colorful on the bottom and colorful on top just doesn’t work. You end up looking like a clown. Well, I could imagine a top made from the fabric I used for the cuffs. It’s a nice shade and definitely matches the pants. But since I haven’t sewn any tops yet, I can’t quite picture a pattern for one just yet. Because of the thin jersey fabric, these are summer pants. So it has to be a summery top or a wrap jacket. But “T-shirt” and “wrap jacket” aren’t quite within my skill set yet. But I’m working my way there, bit by bit. You can always let your imagination run wild, even today. In any case, I’m going to set aside the wine-red fabric for a top that matches the pants.

Best regards, Ina