I was looking for an easy pair of pants to make, and I liked the look of these (and the story behind them). Also, the name!
I have always been hesitant to have pants with an elastic waist—as a plus size person in her 60s, when I was a teen, only the “fat girls” or older ladies like my mom wore pants with elastic waists. But I decided to give these a try.
Extremely clear instructions and easily put together. I have two differences in body shape from how these are designed—a big butt and generous thighs. I altered for the butt and neglected to do so for the thighs, but the 5/8 in seam allowance is my friend.
I made two changes, both related to the waistband. First, I did not press under the inside waistband seam allowance, but serged it, trimming off about 1/4 in in the process. That way, you have a bit extra to work with as you are stitching it down from the right side. Second, I also had elastic in the front, but I stitched the elastic down in the front so that it does not gather the fabric but rather helps maintain the length of the front waistband (hard to explain that..). I got that tip from a Nancy Zieman book decades ago, I think. I have another pair of pants with elastic in the back only, and they don’t stay on my waist well enough. This ensures that this pair does.
Also—love the pockets.
I made this first pair of inexpensive fabric, which is totally wearable, but will be making more.