Pattern Review: M7131 + Gauchos

I’d like to say I’m fearless, but I’m not.  When it comes to what I wear, I try to find the most flattering things to make and wear, not necessarily what will make me look “smaller”.  I think secretly we all want to look smaller or fitter than we actually are, well I do at least.  I was hesitant about this pattern for that reason.  Gauchos are pretty trendy and I tend to stick to a more classic silhouette that hugs the curves and not add additional bulk to my lower half or any half!

The only thing I don’t like about any flowy type pants/shorts is, well, you see… the way my thighs are set up, they tend to eat fabric!  The fabric tends to bunch up either in the front or the back for the dreaded wedgie regardless of the crotch length.  Now, depending on your preference, that could be a good thing.  These gauchos are nice, no horrible bunching and very much comfortable.   I wanted to add that, just in case that’s an issue for you as well :).

Pattern Description:  

Loose-fitting pants have front waistband and pleats, elasticized back casing, side front pockets, and stitched hems.

Pattern Sizing:  


16-24  I cut a 22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?


Yes 

Were the instructions easy to follow?  


Yes, very easy.  This was a different way of attaching pants for me and I liked it.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  


I had no dislikes.  I like the elastic back waist casing and the front slit pockets.

Fabric Used:


I used a lightweight Rayon Voile Challis from Fabricmart.com.

 Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  


I graded the waist in a bit because it was such a loose fitting pant.  I basically just serged the waistband  by an additional 1/2 in on each side and blended into the hip.  I didn’t completely grade down as to try to keep the flowyness (is that a word?) of the pants for my first time.

I made a slight 1/2 inch increase to the front and back crotch as per my normal adjustment. Truthfully,  when measuring the tissue the crotch length was similar to mine, I did a “just in case” increase but didn’t really need it because of how loose the pants are.

I didn’t hand stitch the front waistband facing, I stitched in the ditch.

I cut at the Lengthen/ shorten line as I didn’t know If I would have enough fabric for view C.  It was basically adding 5″ to view b so I cut midway between view b and C and for my height  (5’9) it was midi length.

Would you sew it again? 


Yes, I would sew again.  I sewed this with a light weight Rayon Voile Challis, I would definitely sew this with a mid-weight or light/ mid-weight rayon or a gauze to give it some body/stability so it doesn’t bunch up as much.  Or maybe I will try the overlay view for a special occasion or beach cover -up less the pockets.

Would you recommend it to others?


Yes, they are super comfy and who doesn’t love pants that look like a skirt!  The pants are ultra feminine and trendy!

Cost:


Pattern: $2.00
Fabric: about 2 yrds @ $5.00 per yrd = $10.00
Notions: elastic $1.00

Total $ 13.00

Time:


Roughly 3 – 4 hours with cutting pattern and sewing.

 Conclusion:


Nice easy sewing of an on trend pattern with lots of options.  I would not sew this pattern with a rayon voile challis in the future, it was too lightweight.