Pattern Review: Love Notions Summer Caye Pants

Pattern name: Love Notions Summer Caye Pants

Size range (with measurements):  0-24 (waist measurements of 24.5 to 45.5 inches)

What size did you make? I made the size 22 (wide leg version) with adjustments.

What are your measurements, height, and body type?

• Bust 47′′, waist 39′′-41”, hip 48′′, RTW size 16/18,
• Body Shape: Celloish
• Height: 5’7′′
• Bra size: 38F

What adjustments did you make and how long did they take?

I raised the waistline a bit and made three muslins to fix the crotch fit. I used the instructions that were included with the pattern to lengthen the crotch line. It was incredibly easy and I appreciated that the instructions included simple adjustments to make the pattern fit more bodies. I found out while fitting these pants that my crotch curve is four inches longer than what is normally drafted for. That explains why I have a tendency to get a horrible fit crotch wise in ready to wear. The photo below shows you what adding a couple of inches to the patterns crotch curve can do.

What fabric did you use?

For my final version, I used a challis or voile I picked up from Joann’s. I like how the print echoed other versions of soft pants I’ve seen in ready to wear. It was also light enough to hopefully avoid these looking like pajama pants.

What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you?

The instructions were well written and the photographs made everything easy to follow. I also like how the instructions were created with using them digitally in mind. There are several clickable shortcuts that take you to exactly where you want to go quickly.

How do you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think the design works well for your particular body shape?  

The pattern is loose, and there’s not to much to worry about, besides the crotch, fit wise. The elastic back eliminates the need for darts. I think it works well enough for my body, and I fitted them to my body as much as the style allowed. The pants are super comfy, and even though my pattern matching got a little wonky above the crotch (I didn’t even attempt on the side seams), I think cutting my pattern flat next time will help a lot.

Will you make the pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?

I think if I made it again, I might do a full elastic waistband. I’m not someone who really tucks my tops into my pants. So while the flat front is nice, I don’t think I’ll ever really take advantage of it. If I were to tuck my top in, I think I’d pair it with a wide belt, so the waistband won’t be seen either way.

Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources (blog posts, fitting books, tutorials) that helped you sew this piece up?

All the fitting info you would need is included in the pattern instructions which is really nice!

• Size Range (1-5): 4 – For an indie pattern the size range is pretty inclusive. I’m used to being at the end of indie and big 4’s size ranges, and I’m in the middle of this size range. This pattern would also be easy to scale up if you weren’t in the size range.
• Instructions (1-5): 5 – Great instructions!
• Construction Process (1-5):  5 – Very Simple.
• Final Fit (1-5):  5 – I think they look good on my body, and with the way these pants are cut, it’s very easy to get the fit right.
• Overall Rating (1-5) + Explanation: 4.75 using an average of all my scores.

The only detractor I think would be the size range. While inclusive for many of us, simplicity has recently expanded some sizing up to 34W, there are other more inclusive options.