Pattern review: vogue v9181

Finding the perfect pair of pants that fit me without making any adjustments is tricky to find. When I try on pants, they usually fit snug in my hip area, but loose on my waist. I almost always have to take them in a little. I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to making pants, and I tend to avoid them like the plague. Even the easiest pant patterns can be difficult for me.

I've always wanted a pair of winter white corduroy pants to add to my fall/winter wardrobe, and when one of my favorite sewing bloggers, Mimi G, posted about a pair she had previously made, I knew I had to make my own. The pattern I used is Vogue (V9181).

I chose this off white stretch corduroy fabric found here. In the past, I used to be in such a hurry to make pants so I could move on to my next project. I had to learn the hard way, that patience is very important when sewing pants for yourself. Fabric can be very expensive and it is definitely heart-breaking when you've spent your hard earned money on fabric only to end up scrapping your whole project because you missed an important step in the process. I can honestly say that it took me a few weeks to get these pants done. (Working and being a busy mom takes up a lot of my time! LOL) I really wanted to take my time making these pants to be sure they turned out to be wearable.

The pattern comes in 3 separate pattern pieces: flat, standard, and curvy. I cut the curvy fit in a size 10; however, I had to take them in at the hips and back area. When I make another pair of pants with this pattern, I will save myself some time and cut a size 8 in the standard fit. This was my first time sewing with corduroy, and I don't like how stiff the fabric is. I am, however, happy with how they turned out. (Note: This particular material wrinkles very easily.)

I paired my pants with this super cute cropped sweater I picked up from Forever 21. This sweater runs very small, and I am wearing a size large. Overall the pants were fairly easy to sew. I'm glad I tried this pattern out; I will definitely make another pair in maybe a stretch denim. I like the fact that they are high-waisted and they fit me really well. It's a great feeling knowing you can make your own pair of pants custom to fit your own body and not a general size you would get off the rack. (Sunglasses: Celine, Shoes: Just Fab (old))