Dopamine Sewing: Vogue 1688 x Rachel Comey aka Possibly The Most Perfect Trouser
Vogue 1688 x Rachel Comey Trousers made with FS All-purpose Love Bird Signature Finish Midweight Linen
How many of you have sought to find “the” trouser? The trouser that sits exactly how you want it to on your waist? The trouser with the perfectly deep pleats that lay exactly where they should? The trouser with the ideal leg shape and inseam length, that you will never want for another trouser again?!? If you raised your hand or emphatically jumped up from your seat in excited solidarity with these words, then “YES!!” [With my arm raised, bent at the elbow, shaking my fist in the air] “Me as well!!!”
FS All-purpose Love Bird Signature Finish Midweight Linen
Last year, I started my hunt for the perfect trouser sewing pattern. Sure- I could have purchased something off the rack, or online, and it might have worked. But a sewist is always up for a challenge, amiright? Although I have not exhausted my pattern search, l have not found the perfect pair (remember- the “perfect trouser” is 100% subjective). They’re either too tight, too loose, the pleats are just wrong, the list goes on.
Vogue 1688 x Rachel Comey Trousers made with FS All-purpose Love Bird Signature Finish Midweight Linen
Before I get your hopes up about presenting the perfect trouser on a silver platter, I have to be forthright with you….I am still looking. BUT! I am getting closer and closer. One more note, more of a correction- I hastily shared that Vogue does not list finished garment measurements! Luckily, a reader told me that they DO! Although not as easily found compared to indie patterns, there are certain finished measurements printed on the tissue pieces themselves. My apologies.
“Caitlin- get to the trouser pattern already!”
Vogue 1688 x Rachel Comey Trousers made with FS All-purpose Love Bird Signature Finish Midweight Linen
I give you the Vogue 1688 x Rachel Comey trousers: loose-fitting silhouette, double front pleats, side pockets, and unique details like the leg panels (we all need some interest in our lives, right?!). Did I stumble upon “the” trouser?? I am obsessed with the way this 5 oz linen drapes and moves with the pleats and barrel shaped leg. The style is loose and comfortable, while still feeling tailored, and hello welt pocket! Very apropos to Comey. Although this pattern could have been drafted with no leg panels, or even a welt pocket- it is these details that make these trousers feel elevated. Like any multiple pattern piece garment- staying organized is always key. I used post-its to label my pattern pieces once cut, so I didn’t sew a leg to a waist, for example. Although they might not be “the” trouser, they hit the boxes that I was searching for. The trousers have a lot of ease in them (I sized down one full size) and next time, I would take in the waist at the back darts for a more fitted waistband.
Vogue 1688 x Rachel Comey Trousers made with FS All-purpose Love Bird Signature Finish Midweight Linen
These V1688 trousers are Dopamine Sewing, served to me with no strings attached. They are tailored, but relaxed. The linen is saturated, but a neutral. I added more interest by using a decorative stitch in matching thread to the belt loops. Dopamine dressing is all about wearing clothes that make you feel good, right?! When I wear these, I feel like I stepped out of a magazine.
About Author
Caitlin Snyder
Caitlin is a self-taught sewist living in Los Angeles, California, with her extremely patient husband, happy French Bulldog, and skeptical cat. Her painting and design background inform her need to create. Sewing her wardrobe is her current passion (some say obsession). Laughing over a meal and wine is a close second. Instagram: @caitsnyd_sewsLeave a comment
Related posts
Sol Pattern: One Step Closer to Find the Perfect Trouser
How often do I talk about my “perfect trouser” mission? Hopefully not too much because the journey continues. The perfect trouser is one that is balanced and hits all “the boxes” (you can read about the start of my journey here)…and guess what? The pants view of the Sol Pattern is one step closer. The…
My Seven Favourite Patterns for Linen
Linen is my favorite fabric to sew with—no surprise here, since you’ve probably read my other articles, 90% of which focus on linen patterns. There are a handful of patterns I always reach for when sewing with linen, so here’s a quick roundup of those that have recently moved to the top of my list….
Anatomy of the Paola Workwear Jacket Sewing Pattern
Besides the love of sewing itself, there’s another thing that sewists the world over have in common: the excitement we share for free sewing patterns. It’s not just about the zero cost, although that’s certainly a perk—it’s about the thrill of finding new designs, the joy of sharing those patterns with fellow sewists, and the…
Tea is Medicine
Tea is Medicine. Which feelings do these words evoke in you? Do you agree? Do you have doubts that this is true? After all, most people drink tea casually and perhaps on autopilot almost daily – often in front of TV, or while scrolling social media. Mostly, teabags are used because they are fast and…
Unraveling the Mystery: Bias Cut Fabric + Seven Sewing Patterns
Whatever stage you’re at in your journey of creating a handmade wardrobe, there are a few basic concepts that should become second nature in your sewing practice. For example, having separate pairs of scissors—one for paper and one for fabric—and understanding the grainline your pattern pieces require, whether they should be cut on the straight…
SEW THIS LOOK
Latest Posts
8 Comments
Chris Allen
Two things:
1. would like to see the back of these trousers;
2. this pattern is no longer in print/listed on the website.
Nancy Gruber
What a great idea for the belt loops! I’ll have to check out this pattern.
Kate Renwick
Did you notice the button loop????? Wow. Great idea and the button too! Personally, not my style of pants but so what.
Kate Renwick
Sorry, belt loop
Gwendolyn Loehr
This pattern looks great and the relaxed fit with crisp pleats is what I’ve been looking for as well.
Please tell us where you got that button. I love it!
Great color choice for the pants, too.
Cheryl Clancy
I do believe your rave review is generating all kinds of interest in this pattern right now! Having full confidence in your conclusion and extensive research, I join you with BOTH arms raised, bent at the elbows, and fists in the air :D. Your photos are proof positive that these may just be the closest we can come to the perfect pants. I’m making a pair of these for sure!
Jennifer Carbaugh
Such a cool look! And a great fit – well done.
Maria Stahl
They fit beautifully, and Love Bird is currently my favorite color of fabrics-store linen. If only it came in more weights, like the 4C22 or the IL020 I would be one solid bright-yellow-green blob all summer.