Monday, November 18, 2013

Tessuti Suzy Pants

We've been back from Hong Kong for two weeks now. I bought quite a bit of fabric while we were there so I was keen to get cracking on some sewing straight away. I had planned to make some slouchy pants and bought the pdf pattern for the Suzy Pants from Tessuti.

I didn't make a muslin, because frankly I don't get much sewing time and I just couldn't be bothered. The pattern is pretty forgiving and has an elasticated waist so I figured not much could go wrong :) I made some alterations on the fly, extending the crotch length by about 3cm to account for my full tummy and ample derriere (sounds lovely, yes?). I also took out 3cm from the leg length as I am a bit of a shorty. This turned out to be perfect (thank goodness!). My measurements were between a medium and large so I cut the large.

The only part I probably wasn't in love with is the pockets. They are inseam pockets and I think probably add bulk to my thighs/hips which I can't afford. My husband said they definitely didn't, but what chance did he have with a question of 'Do my thighs look big in these?' Sitting duck. I also found the pocket installation confusing. Next time I make them I think I will try different pockets. And I do plan to make them again, this time cutting into some of my silk blend, also purchased from Hong Kong :)

Fabric Shopping in Hong Kong


We spent 8 days in Hong Kong and have been back for 2 weeks now. I visited the fabric store in Jordan that I went to last year. He isn't the cheapest but he stocks lovely fabric, a lot from designer fashion houses last season's range. Jordan is next to Tsim Sha Tsui and walkable down Nathan Rd, although you can get the MTR (train). We were staying at the YMCA (we can really sing 'It's fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A -- ba boom tish!) so we just walked down Nathan Rd.

I visited Sham Shui Po fabric and craft area but to be honest I found it so confusing because there was SO much there. A lot of the fabric shops that have sample cards only sell wholesale or have a minimum of 10 yards and some a roll which I think was about 30 yards. You need to order the fabric and it is brought down from China, so it takes about 3-5 days. I like to get an idea of the drape and feel of fabric, so swatches is a bit difficult for me. On the streets, there are some sellers with rolls of fabric but it is pretty ad hoc and the sellers often don't speak English. Next time I'm there I hope to have time to really investigate Sham Shui Po fabric district, but with 3 children in tow and my husband working, it was difficult to do this trip.

I would estimate that the store I visit in Jordan is about half the price of similar fabrics here in Australia. It ranged from $10/yard for polyester to $20/yard for pure silk crepe. It is often 60 inches wide too. I have to think in imperial in Hong Kong instead of metric. A little confusing but I managed. I know that one yard is about 90cm. I bought 3 yards for slouchy pants and dresses, 2 yards for blouses or skirts. If I have leftover fabric, my girls are always keen for new clothes :)