Thursday 13 September 2012

Leopard Print Clover Capri Pants


I know, I know, with my wedding dress not yet complete and the actual wedding only two weeks away, I probably shouldn't have been making capri pants. And yet... I now have LEOPARD CAPRI PANTS (or clam diggers/pedal pushers/cropped trousers/whatever you prefer). I did say in my post-wedding sewing plans post that I may not be able to wait to get these babies made. 





After the success of my navy cropped trousers and the incredibly fortuitous acquisition of some second hand leopard print sateen, my desire to create a version of the above style was just too strong. I love this kitschy retro-y Rockabilly look. When my version are teamed with my plain black batwing jersey top (as shown in these photos), I think it's a wearable day or evening look that references the original inspiration whilst being a little more modest and comfortable. I must also mention that Suzy also created a kick-ass pair of Rock Chick trousers using the same Colette Patterns Clover style. Check them out, hers are truly awesome.


As for the pattern, I did a fair bit of tweaking to get a good fit. I'd already made quite a few changes to the pattern for my original navy pair, but that pair had come out quite big and had required a chunk taking out of the side seams. I love those navy ones, they are very comfortable and I wear them all the time, but I knew I wanted a tighter silhouette for this pair. So I went back to the original pattern, traced a size smaller this time, and then made the same adjustments. Those adjustments, if memory serves, included increasing the back rise by about 2cms, increasing the front rise by about 1.5cms and widening the waist measurement and reshaping the top side seams and waistbands to accommodate that new measurement.   


The fit of these is great. The one issue that a perfectionist (or my former employer when I used to pattern cut for him) would have a problem with, is that the top of the waistband sits lower on my waist at the back than at the front. It's not a massive discrepancy but I did clock it. But personally, I feel life is too short to worry about that.  


The tighter fit and slightly less stretchy fabric means that I doubt they'll get as much wear as the navy ones. However, I'm excited about donning them with some heels and red lipstick and hunting down a cocktail or two, maybe even on our honeymoon in a couple of weeks!

24 comments:

Amanda said...

These are rockabilly-tastic! The fit looks fantastic. I love the combo with the black batwing top- totes hitting the original source image.

Jenny said...

Those pants are so fun! I'm trying my first Colette pattern right now (coat) and have had my eye on this one.

Tamsin said...

Wow! These trousers are amazing! The fit looks great and so do you!

niddetissus said...

Those rock!! I can't believe your wedding is so close - I'm excited for you. :)

Essi P said...

The trousers are fab, I love the leopard print fabric. They definitely rock!

Marie said...

Love these! You totally rock Zo!xx

LLADYBIRD said...

You look amazing, lady! Those are totally you - perfect fabric, perfect fit, just perfect!

Also, if it makes you feel any better - I've made several pairs of Clovers & I've never ever had the back waistband match the front height-wise. I figured it was my butt causing the discrepancy, but I suppose it may actually be the pattern itself.

Juliette said...

I love these! It's funny because I was just starting to feel confident enough in my sewing skills to tackle pants, and I especially wanted to make myself some leopard print capri Clovers... now it makes me want to make some even more!

Shannon said...

Well aren't those some fancy pants!! Love them and the fit is perfect!

Joanne said...

Wow I LOVE these. And I can tell by your face that you are delighted that you now have a pair too - great stuff!

Melizza Makes said...

How fun are these! I have been working on my Clovers off and on for months. Hoping to get them as nice as yours soon :)

They are going to look killer with heels.

Sølvi said...

That´s a marvelous looking pair of capris. Fits you perfectly! And they´ll be PERFECT for the honeymoon! ;-)

Scruffybadger said...

Meow! Love them Zoe, you ( and Suzy) can totally pull them off.

Janice said...

I love these! A leopard print pair of capris is definitely on my list, but a pair of high-waisted ones.

Camelia Crinoline said...

They looks fabulous. I love the way you styled them with the black top and ballet flats.

Unknown said...

Great outfit! Nice buns too hun ;)
Px

Lizzy said...

Love them!

Anonymous said...

LOVE THESE! I want a pair!

Stacy @ Stacyverb said...

WOW. I hadn't paid much attention to the Clover pattern before, but I want to make some!

Unknown said...

They look fab! I have to say I don't wear mine often. I think they might be a bit over the top for NHS corporate style (or maybe i'm not brave enough!)

frk.bustad said...

Love them! I'm convinced now that I need to try out Clover. You look fab!

The Long & Winding Bobbin said...

Gah! these are amazing. I have wanted a pair of cropped leopard pants since I can remember. Thank you for the inspiration Zoe :-) xx Renay

Meg the Grand said...

LOVE!! These are just marvelous Clovers - I think leopard pants are a fabulous addition to your wardrobe :) I'm excited to see you rock these out on your honeymoon!

Anonymous said...

These trousers are amazing!

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