This Is Me Wearing What I Like : : Alyse Wide Leg Pants : : Designer Stitch
Hey You!
This is the first of….hopefully…many pants posts….but boy I’m finding it difficult. I keep telling myself….‘I’m not asking you if these pants make my bum look big or my legs look short. I’m just here to share my experience making…and wearing…the Alyse Wide Leg Pants by Designer Stitch.’ But….well…I dunno. I’m feeling more than the usual out of my comfort zone.
To explain…I think I need to dial this conversation back a few…okay, three….decades. 
Back then, cameras had film and photos cost money….even the crappy photos. To have more than one Christmas on the same roll of film was standard. Young ‘uns….that’s just 24 pictures. I remember trying to differentiate the years…it was like those puzzles you find in magazines…Try and spot 8 differences between these two pictures.
But…to get to my point…there just wasn’t a lot of photographs of me.
I’m kinda thinking that was a good thing.
You see, when a quick front-on looky at myself in the mirror was the only visual feedback I had, I may have seen myself as 6′ tall. I never, ever, thought twice about wearing large scale prints, cropped and/or wide leg pants, voluminous skirts, or multiple layers. 
But today, with everything documented in photos, it’s easier to be harder on oneself. Does this make my bum look big? Do these make my legs look short?
It took me a while. I’ve had these photos in a draft post for weeks. I’ve typed and retyped the few meager lines of text above.
And…really…all I want to say is…
This is me wearing what I like.
Cropped wide leg pants, flats for serious walking, and an easy tee. And…oh hi….can’t forget a colourful sweater or kimono.
Okay, the details on the Alyse {I love that name…it’s my niece’s name too} Wide Leg Pants.
What makes these so special…to me…is that they are designed to be sewn in a stretch woven fabric {lycra content of 4%}. Ann includes very detailed measurements to ensure you get the fit right and the navy pair was spot on. It’s weird…both the solid navy fabric and the blue and white patterned fabric were labeled as having 5% lycra, but the patterned fabric has a greater stretch ratio than the navy so I had to make them a little smaller. The Alyse Pants come in three length options; shorts, 7/8, and full length and have a side zip, a wide waistband and two front inset pockets.
The instructions are detailed…the only cautionary note I make is to pay attention to the seam allowances. They differ depending on which seams are being sewn together. It’s all clearly marked in the instructions, but when I was making my second pair, I had to really remind myself to read, read, read.
So. Where am I? Walking the seawall on the south side of False Creek. That’d be Yaletown’s residential towers and fancy yacht parking lot behind me on the other side of the creek.
G and I easily clock over 10k on these afternoon rambles and my Alyse Wide Leg Pants feel so awesome on, I can’t even. I love them so much. The stretch fabric is super comfortable….I feel like I’m wearing gym gear without looking like I’m wearing gym gear.
As ever, thanks for reading.
Wearing:
Alyse Wide Leg Pant : : Designer Stitch My navy pair seen here
Plantain T-Shirt : : Deer and Doe
42 Comments
You look great!
Thanks so very much Kathy!
I have trouble embracing the wide leg again after so many years of skinnies (and for me, barely any pants at all, which sounds lewd but really isn’t). I’m pushing myself too, to wear more “difficult” lengths and widths (especially, as a fellow short chic(k)). I’ll be wearing a ginormously wide (and tapered!) pair of pants tomorrow, Sue – you must come cheer me on, even if you hate them! ;-P They scare me but also excite me.
Old pictures are so weird, aren’t they? We’re so used to the plethora of pictures now, we forget how very stingy we were with them back in the day. My entire childhood in less than 200 pictures, but I’ve posted thousands of pictures of myself in 8-9 years. *head explodes*
Anyways, you look gorgeous and happy and bouncy and fun, and I just want to walk with you along the Seawall, and f**k what anyone thinks!
Sheila girlfriend…I’ll absolutely be there cheering you on! Your styling is always brilliant and I can’t wait to see your outfit.
I love that line; They scare me but also excite me. I felt the same way…I’m just thinking of my recent makes and I’ve clearly got over the scared part and am thoroughly into the excited part. I’ve made several more pairs of pants…not the same pattern, although this one will definitely be a tried and true one…and am continuing to play with proportion, keeping in mind that it really is play. This isn’t rocket science.
Sue…Ann here from Designer Stitch….Love Love Love your Alyse wide leg pants…they are so FLATTERING on you…Well done my friend !!!…xx Kind Regards. Ann
Ann! Thank you so much for visiting and commenting! And thank YOU for designing such an awesome pattern. I’m pretty certain these pants are flattering to every body no matter our height or our shape! xo
They look great! Comfortable and smart. The longer cropped length really works–proportions are just right. I know what you mean about photos though–had a ‘rude awakening ‘ this weekend after seeing photos of myself in a dress I made and love.
Thanks Jessica. There seems to be a ‘magic’ window where the pant length is just right. The shorter your legs, the smaller the window is.
I’ve had exactly the same sentiments after seeing photos of myself wearing a favourite make and it’s frustrating and sad at the same time. I’ve literally had moments when I don’t want to blog because I don’t want to risk spoiling my love for a garment because of a photo. I do try to rationalize that photos hold a single moment…they often don’t capture movement…and how often am I really standing in a posed position…never, LOL.
On a further note about photography literally recording people’s every moments…I’m just not sure if it’s the best thing for us, know what I mean?
I love them and I bet that wiatband is very comfortable. Actually they are a lot like a pair of Jag pants my daughter loves- thanks for putting the pattern on my radar!
Thanks Linda! YES…the waistband is designed with some negative ease…there is no additional elastic or darts or buttons. They just fit with the right….oh, I can’t even say snugness because they aren’t that…they just fit right and even when they ease out a bit after wear, they don’t feel loose.
Hi, Sue,
It surprised me to realize that both the solid blue and patterned pants are the same pattern. How fun! Maybe it’s the context set by the shoes, both sets which I really like, by the way. At any rate, very cute pattern and so nicely and colorfully worn.
Thank you for the photos of the residential towers and yacht basin. Every time you explain where you are in your photos, I whip out the Google Map and spend time exploring beautiful Vancouver. I do so hope to visit in the future.
Thanks Lyrique! These pants are truly versatile and I will absolutely be making them again. And again, LOL. Depending on the fabric choice, they can look dressy or casual.
Happy to hear that enjoy the location photos…another ‘out of my comfort’ push for myself. Hope you do get to visit this lovely city!
You and your pants look great. I think it’s a VERY big deal to be able to make pants that fit properly, look great and feel comfortable. A VERY BIG DEAL! Well done. Brava!
Love the fabric of the patterned ones. What is that fabric and where did it come from? I’m not a ‘navy’ gal but perhaps it comes in other colourways.
Thanks Barbara! Huge kudos to Ann of Designer Stitch. There are so many helpful notes in this pattern when it comes to fitting.
I bought this fabric from Fabricland and I don’t recall seeing it in any other colourways.
What Barbara said! Well-fitted pants are the Holy Grail of sewing. Those are perfect, Sue. I also believe that the proportion rules change with the fashions. What looks right now will look totally off in 5 years. I like that there is more encouragement these days to find your own style and ignore the rules if you want. Just be YOU!
Thanks Louisa! I agree…proportion rules do ‘change’ with the times. It’s weird, funny, how we ‘see’ things differently. This cropped, wide leg trend is a pretty perfect example. A few years back we might have thought the look was ‘all wrong’. You are so right though…it’s about finding your own style.
I think if you’re wearing something that fits right and feels good, then you carry yourself with more confidence, and THAT makes you look attractive. (You do look good in them, by the way.) I have never, never, never ever ever made a pair of pants that fit right. So it’s good to know the Alyse pants have detailed measurements for a good fit.
Oh…very well said Priscilla! Thank you for that!
Yes…very detailed measurements including one from waist to hip with instructions on how to achieve an accurate number!
I love a wide legged trouser, no matter the length! The are great, I like the idea that they are for a jersey fabric instead of a woven. I think your choice of fabric is perfect, go on wearing what you like!!
After years of skinny jeans and pants, I am once again falling in love with the wide legged trend!
I should point out that the Alyse Pants are intended for woven fabrics with added lycra.
They are so “Sue”. Look great. You have always worn just what you wanted , award ceremony or not!!!! You are always yourself. M
LOL…in my defense I didn’t know I was getting the Home Ec award, hahaha.
I’ve told the story here here
They look great: you look great. Make more!
LOL…must make more! Thanks bunches Manju!
I love a wide leg, skinnies don’t do it for me at all! those trousers are fabulous and I love, love, love the backdrop (as always!)
I’m quite relieved that we didn’t have digital cameras or mobile phones back in my youth. The rare photos of me with my spiral perm are scary enough! xxx
I just realized that I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wearing skinnies. And you always look so fabulous in palazzos.
I was always trying to blow dry my hair straight and invariably I ended up with these weird lumps instead of either curls or straight hair.
I am a big fan of wide leg pants, and most of the ones I buy now are that shape. I don’t know if they are the most flattering shape on me (I have no bum), but I like them, and as you have noted, that’s what matters. The colours of your outfits always pop in your photos against the grey-ish Vancouver skies, especially that lovely pinky-coral sweater.
I remember the days where you took one photo of your subject, not 25, and you didn’t know if it was a crappy shot until you got the photos back. I’m glad there aren’t a lot of photos of me from when I was a teenager (which were not my best years), but I suppose I’ve more than made up for that since I started my blog.
You rock wide leg pants Shelley! I think they look great on you.
I think the only photos I regret not having from my teen years are my creative makes. They seemed insignificant then, but I’d love to have a visual reminder of some of the cool things I made from the seventies.
Sue, You made me scream with laughter about the two Christmases on one roll of film. Seen that more than once. Love your projects and your blog. I always go away after reading it with a smile on my face. You have such a sense of humor about the everyday stuff. Thanks for the smiles. –Rebecca
LOL…you’re welcome! Glad I’m not the only laughing at my rambles. 😉 Thanks for reading!
I like these. And as I always say: “Life is too short to wear uncomfortable clothes!”
So true Flo! Or shoes, LOL!
Cool pants! they look super comfy and suitable for ANYTHING. I like! And haha yes, oh those days when we took like, two photos a year, that may or may not have even included ourselves. How times have changed!
Thanks Carolyn. There are soooooo comfy and have been getting lots of wear.
Ah, difficult…. As I probably told you with the solid blue pair, I do not like wide cropped pants. No, that is an understatement: I hate wide cropped pants. And I am tall, so I should be able to wear them. It is a personal thing. Like Sheila, I am so used to skinnies and long flared pants, worn with high heels to enhance the effect of long legs. Bearing this in mind, you can understand that cropped wide pants are on the other side of the scale for me. However… I did and do like the solid blue ones on you. I really do. Just once in a while I see a wide cropped pair on somebody and I think: hey, that looks really cool. You are one of them.
I don’t have the same feeling with these patterened ones. Is it because of the pattern? Is it because of the flat shoes (I get it, I do flat shoes for walking as well, but you know my feelings towards flat shoes by now). Is it because I like to see something elongating on top? I don’t know. I really like the cardigan, but a long sleek jacket seems better to me. Don’t worry about my comment, it is just my taste. Doesn’t mean you don’t look damned good. I just cannot lie when I comment on every post you publish. Feels like an act of treason to a friend.
Greetje
Hey Greetje! I’m happy you commented and commented honestly. I’m certainly not expecting everyone to think this look is flattering to my figure. Huh…I wasn’t really expecting anyone to think it was flattering, LOL.
I just felt that I somehow owed it to myself to document how I often wear these pants. I know I’m not doing my silhouette favours here….but I still feel free and comfortable and ultimately happy when I’m cavorting around.
I’m inclined to think the shoes have a greater ‘negative’ impact than the print. I’ve worn the patterned pants styled like the dark ones with the kimono on top and I found the resulting silhouette very similar as to when I modeled the kimono with dark blue pants. I also think my choice of flat shoes is doing me no favours….oh they’re doing my feet, legs and back a big favour comfort wise…but style wise not so much at all. I think that wearing a more feminine pair of flats, of which I have many, will evoke a more feminine silhouette overall. Not like heels, but more pleasing I hope.
I had not considered a longer jacket with this outfit, but now that you have mentioned it, I’m really warming to the idea. I’m feeling a bit cut in half visually and long over short could possibly work, even with flat shoes. I’m going to give this a try! See…I really do value your input Greetje. Thank you!
I have more cropped pants posts coming. The ones coming are from different sewing patterns and the silhouettes are slightly different. Again, I’m ever so happy wearing them but am nervous about seeing how I look in photographs. I’m willing to be brave and share the results.
For whatever reason, I just can’t stop the cropped wide leg pant trend. I’m trying to be careful about volume and accessories and will try at least a small block heel. Boots season is coming too and that will be a whole ‘nuther story.
Appreciate your comments so much Greetje!
Glad you replied as you did. And yes I think you are right. The shoes might have more effect than the trousers. Anyway. As I think you are the sweetest girl, I would never want to say anything to hurt you, just help you. (Daniela from Italy would tell me off for my behaviour.)
Well, I’m not telling you off. I appreciate hearing your opinions!
Good for you for wearing what you like. You GO GIRL! and I don’t care that it is old fashioned to say that ; )
I prefer the solid pants (so strange for a person that is normally drawn to patterns!) but I think it might just be the styling with the heels.
I still can’t seem to wear this style with confidence myself. Lord knows I’ve tried.
I lament every time when I visit my parents house about the very few photos of me growing up. Like you wrote…photos were expensive and we simply didn’t take many. My parents still don’t take photos. In fact they don’t even own a camera! I more than make up for that though. Thanks to blogging I’ve gotten over my photo phobias.
Thanks for cheering me on Suzanne!
Okay…now you’ve got me thinking about all the styles you wear, and you’re right…I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wearing anything remotely similar. On most of your visits, you are rocking the maxi dress. Speaking of, I just can’t seem to feel comfortable in a true maxi dress. Maybe I just haven’t found my silhouette.
Once you go wide-leg, it’s hard to go back. That breezy, flowy feeling is so wonderful. No constriction. Although, if wide legs get too wide you can end up tripping all over yourself in that flapping fabric. These ones hit the sweet spot. And I love the length. I’ve seen this style on you in real life and they win there too. You could even wear booties with these when the weather cools.
As for your photos – I just LOVE these, and you even got in the little aquabus. Hahaha!! I can almost hear the conversation with your photographer. Now! No, wait, wait. NOW! Okay, again, HURRY! Hahaha.
Thanks Mel! That is my hope…that booties will go with this look. I find when I wear long pants in the winter, they get wet and wick water up to my knees and I hate that, LOL.
And the aquabus? Total surprise to me. I kept telling me to stay put, hang on a minute and I had no idea why until I turned around. Kinda priceless Vancouver scenery, yah?