Jan 16

Jan 16 A Trio of Tessuti Demi Trousers and a visit to Liberty of London

Sometimes, it's really nice to take a break and make an easy project, and I had been eyeing this pattern for some time.

I love a good pair of simple pants, especially when it gets hot, and when I first saw these, I immediately thought that they looked really comfortable and casual with a little twist.

Linen and linen shirts in particular are my must have when it warms up, cheap, paper thin one's from Gap that wear like a second skin and offer a little cover when its hot...

But I've never found bolt fabric that comes anywhere close to that worn, well washed softness.

However, while in London last April, I was thrilled to come across Merchant and Mill's buttery soft and saturated linen at Liberty of London, and thought that these two could be a perfect pairing.

TESSUTI DEMI TROUSERS

For my first attempt, I didn't make a muslin, knowing that I could adjust them as necessary once cut, so I followed the recommendations and cut a medium.

And, while I completely understand that these pants were designed to be loose, the first pair were shapeless and enormous.

So, I went back and opened them up, trimming both the inside and outside of the leg to add shape and reduce width while trying to preserve that baggy look.

There are a couple of really nice details on this pattern, like the subtle pocket sewn to the front of the pant and the pleating at the hem which makes for a lovely shape.

And with some simple pinking on the seams and a quick elastic cased waist, these are the quickest afternoon make....

and as an added bonus, I've discovered they look as great with a leather jacket and heels as they do with sandals and a t-shirt!

And while I know they are certainly not for everyone, they are by far the most comfortable non-sweat pants I own!

So, of course, there is definitely a silk charmeuse version on their way for this summer as I stocked up on Liberty silk while in London last October.

And happily after visiting the fabric floor, I stumbled on the vintage department, SO perfectly curated and full of inspiration!!

and when I went back that week, my eagle eyed friend Kerri spotted the most extraordinary coat.

Thanks to Sharon Killian for the pic!

I have pictures of my Grandmother, wearing a similar Red Cross coat in the war, and when this fitted so perfectly it just felt a little like fate that this should be mine.

It has some lovely details like a hand sewn hem, original half lining, and hand overcasting....