Blank Slate Patterns Forsythe Trousers

One of the reasons I signed up to the #sewmystyle2018 project was that I wanted to push my style comfort zones. Some of the patterns on the schedule are not what I would have picked, but have ended up being my favourites and worn a lot. This month there are two patterns - the True Bias Lander Pants and the Blank Slate Patterns Forsythe Trousers. As much as I know the community love the Landers, I really don't think they are my style, and out of the two patterns, came to see the benefits of the secret pyjamas that could be achieved with the Forsythes.
That is exactly what they are...secret pyjamas!

Fabric

I bought this fabric in the Fabworks January sales. It's a supersoft twill, which is something I've never come across before. It almost has a brushed texture which is what makes it so soft. To my mind, it has a lot of features of rayon - soft, drapey, lightweight, but has a lot more substance to it because of the twill texture. It works perfectly in this pattern because it gathers and presses so well.
I'll also give a mention to the elastic I used for the waistband...I sought out some Prym pyjama elastic for these. normally I buy wide elastic from John Lewis and it does the job just fine. There's a reason Prym call this pyjama elastic...it's so much more comfortable to wear. From now on, it's all I'm going to use in patterns that use wide elastic!

Pattern and Instructions

The pattern is for a relaxed fit trouser with a mock fly, welt pockets and gathered waistband, which is neatly covered by a sash. The hems are turn up cuffs and you can make full or capri length.
When you purchase the pattern you get quite a thorough instruction booklet. It helps you to select the right size and has lots of trouser fitting tips to help you get the best looking and most comfortable outcome. I felt that the finished hip measurement was the key one to focus on, as the waistband is gathered so can be adjusted to fit in any case. I went with the size that corresponded to my body measurements and it's a perfect fit.
The instructions are accompanied by annotated photographs which makes it really clear and easy to see what you need to do. They are written in plain language and there is no ambiguity over which bit goes where. This pair of trousers was so straightforward it only took a day to make them. I didn't find anything overly fiddly or time consuming which made them a really satisfying sew.

Alterations

I'm a part of the #sewmystyle2018 Facebook group so have been following everyone else who has been making these before I made mine. Having looked at Ruth's blog post at RuthSews I decided to follow some of her thoughts and leave out the mock front fly as it is an extra faff doesn't serve a functional purpose. She also suggests leaving off the welt pockets but I wanted to try my hand at this hitherto unused technique and the instructions are so clear, so I kept them in.
Obviously, as per usual, I had to shorten mine by a good 4 inches.

I also have doubled over the sash. It's too wide and too long for my stature. I'm trying it out as intended for now, but it could well be shortened severely in future.

This is a good pattern to try out if you haven't made trousers before because you have such a thorough instruction pack. I think they are the perfect secret pyjamas for summer as they are cool and comfy - actually these are destined to become my 'travelling' trouser because of this!