I’m really rubbish with challenges. Sewing challenges challenge my sewing management skills.

All last week on Instagram I kept seeing everyon’s intentions for #Refebulous run by @madebyliesl. This is a really worthy challenge to slow down and remake something you already own so it does get worn and doesn’t become land fill.

My plan? Transform an elasticated waistband trousers into a fitted pair. This meant adding in a zipper too.

Last week at Pattern Making class I brought along the ‘offending’ trousers…then promptly grabbed my unpicker and took them apart.

(still didn’t read up about the challenge…classic me)

Simplicity 9376 has been a very useful trouser pattern as they have a flat front and side seam pockets. However I’m in my fitted pants era so Burda 7746 was used to recut a new fitted pair with a proper waistband and front zipper. I’d already successfully gone through this process with a green linen pair of trousers so I was really confident to whizz up these trousers. Famous last words…

And then – fitting disaster struck. This is my biggest fear when sewing clothes.

The pants front was too slim because I miscut the pockets, added a zipper and also sewed a pin stripe on the front leg. All that wasn’t in my calculations.

There was plenty of fabric when I started and if I had slowed down these trousers would have fitted perfectly.

While I’ve been cleaning up my sewing room, I saw a dark denim fabric and recut the pocket piece. Now the trouser fit beautifully.

I could take the original pocket piece and sew part of it over the denim fabric. But if that’s the only thing that might make me work on these trousers again, I really should just move onto the next project are simply enjoying wearing these new fitted trousers.

If the trousers fit, wear them.

Keep calm and keep sewing.

Sorry I didn’t slow down and join everyone properly for Refebulous this month.