Winter in June

Winter is Coming.

Yes, I am aware of the fact that we've had multiple days of warm, humid, rainy weather in Chicago with no sign that it will drastically cool off anytime soon.  What better time to sew up a pair of winter-themed lounge pants!

I've actually had the fabric cut out for a few months. I had the privilege of being a Tofino pattern tester earlier this year. At the time I had thoughts of making four of five pairs of Tofinos, but that was before I got sidetracked with life and other projects. This week I needed a break from over thinking my Hazel muslin, and this project fit the bill.

Pattern: Tofino by Sewaholic

Fabric: Blue snowflake flannel from Joann Fabrics, purchased piping, and thick blue knit fabric that I had lying around for the belt.

Construction notes: I cut out a size 8 with no additional modifications. They're lounge pants. I don't need to get fancy with them.

I'm absolutely in love with the piping detail. I think it makes the finished pants look so professional.

On a bittersweet note. I used this same fabric earlier this year to make my grandmother a house dress.  Unfortunately she passed away back in February, shortly after I gave her the dress. I happened upon the same fabric on clearance at Joann Fabrics. It brought back a lot of good memories, and made me remember how much she loved the dress, if only for a short time. I wanted to make a little something for myself out of the same fabric in remembrance, even if it was something as simple as lounge pants.

Tofino!

I'm excited to finally be able to share the news! I was selected to be a pattern tester for the latest Sewaholic pattern, Tofino. I seriously did a little happy dance when I found out the pattern was for lounge pants! Lounge Pants! I LOVE Lounge Pants! Pick me please!!! I did a second, longer happy dance when I was selected.

And look at them! (Well, don't look too closely at the bow, it's a bit wrinkled.)

So cute! I honestly didn't have high hopes for this polka dot flannel. It was left over from the great lounge pants Christmas project of '11 (first picture in this post). As soon as I saw this pattern, a light bulb went on in my head and I knew this fabric would be perfect. I just needed to step out for pink piping supplies - and managed to come home with fabric for two more pairs. Not sorry at all.

The pattern went together easily, but also offered some slightly more challenging details that really make it special.  I chose to make my first pair with piping, and I think this was the first time I've ever so successfully inserted piping into a project! I used a solid pink flannel for the piping and belt. The instructions said to use a zipper foot, and that really helped me achieve a great finish. (I'm sure most people already know to use a zipper foot, but not this gal).

The other detail that I love is the faux-fly. I also want to say that this was the first project where I successfully created a buttonhole. Two of them in fact. I've had my new sewing machine for over a year, but hadn't attempted buttonholes until this project. And look at them! I love the pink contract thread.

I had multiple variations planned as soon as I saw the pattern, but so far only finished this second pair:

I really wanted to play with a different fabric for the side panel. Both of these are cotton flannels from Joann Fabrics.  I also tried to just use the fabric tie belt, but went back in and added the elastic that the pattern called for. The combo of both the elastic and belt achieved a much better fit than the tie alone.

This seriously calls for a happy dance and/or lounge pants party at my place! And, I have fabric all cut out and waiting for my third version :-)