My latest sewing make is one I have had on my list for quite some time now. I was a pattern tester for the Ellie and Mac Paperbag Pants Pattern* and am excited to share my experience sewing these pants!
The Pattern
The Ellie and Mac Paperbag Pants Pattern* comes in sizes XXS to 5XL, which covers hip sizes 33.5 to 63 inches. The pattern is a knit pull on pant that doesn’t have a closure and has 1 inch elastic in the waist to hold your pants up as well as a sash to put through belt loops. The rise on the pants sits right at your natural waist. The pants have POCKETS and come in capri or regular length.
Fabric
The Paperbag Pants Pattern* is drafted for a structured knit like ponte, scuba, or liverpool. You don’t want to use a knit with drape or that is thin. I used a ponte fabric that I found at Wherehouse fabrics dallas sometime ago. When I bought it, for some reason I thought it was olive. Once I got home and looked a little closer, it was actually brown!! I rarely wear brown, but I have to admit that this color is definitely growing on me for its versatility as pants.
Unfortunately, this fabric store was a hit by a tornado a few weeks ago. While I was sewing these pants, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the amazing fabric that I have found at this place and said a prayer that they would be able to come back from the devastation.
My Experience
My sizing was all over the place when I first looked at the size chart on this pattern. My waist is an XS, hips XXS, thights XXS, and my calves fell in between a M and L. I printed size XXS for my hips and thighs, used the XS waistband and elastic measurement, and as soon as I reached the knee point, I drew my line between the M and L. As soon as I reached under the calf, I began grading back in some because I know my ankles are just as small as the rest of me. It is just those calves that are a little beefy.
I also noticed that the pattern is drafted for a person who is 5’5.” I am 5’2″ but didn’t listen to the pattern about removing height. I measured the inseam for my size, and it was 26.5 before hemming!!! I felt like all the grading I had to do for my calves was worth it because I didn’t have to do a single height adjustment!! (insert jumping and clapping!)
The pockets are big and roomy. I wished that the opening wasn’t so big when I was making them because I was worried about it gaping. Once on, though, it really wasn’t such a big deal, and I didn’t really notice much. I may try to bring it in more on my next pair still, though.
I have to admit that I was not so sure how I would feel about a big tie around my waist. My waist is a size larger than my hips, so I am not as curvy as I wished so I thought that it would make me look even less curvy to accentuate this part. I believe I was wrong, though!
I also didn’t know how I felt about such a high rise. When I think of high rise, I usually imagine a pant ending at my belly button, but these sit at my natural waist (which is where they are intended to sit). A sweet friend messaged me when she saw my photos and told me that it made my legs look long, though, so I am EMBRACING this. I reassured her that it was all an illusion! Haha! She knows how short I really am, but maybe, just maybe I have fooled you?
I have a thing for birds
My shirt is a scrap that I bought from Mandy Pickle. She was selling some scraps from her personal stash (she is the owner of Made Whimsy Fabric). I didn’t really pay attention to what size or the details of what this scrap was when I was claiming fabric. I just saw a bird and put both hands up. Then, when it came in the mail, it was a fully sewn shirt that was just missing a neckband and a hem!! I tried it on and the fit was perfect!!
What a fabric score! It was a little long so I cut some off the bottom and used that strip to make a neckband. I have no idea what pattern she used to make this shirt, but I really like the fit too…. and the birds. Oh, the birds.
Whatever top you decide to wear with your Paperbag pants, just remember you will need it to be fitted enough to tuck in!
Resources
You can find the pattern for the Paperbag Pants HERE*.
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*Disclosures
I received this pattern for free as part of the testing process so that I could give the designer feedback about the pattern. Also, this post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small compensation when you purchase via my link. This does not cost you anything, and I genuinely appreciate the support. Any and all opinions expressed are still my own.
XO
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