Saying “I love Target” is an understatement. I could live in Target if only they would let me. I love them for accessories, shoes, groceries, furniture, home decor, household supplies, beauty products, the in store Starbucks and probably most for clothing! So during a routine trip through the women’s clearance section I spotted a pair of tapered ankle pants. I bought the pants without even trying them on because of a time constraint but when I got home and tried them on I fell in LOVE! They fit perfectly and were so comfy. I wore them the next week to work and felt great all day.

I decided that the pants were so great I wanted them in red, but alas Target didn’t carry them in red. That’s when I decided I would trace the pair I had and make myself a red pair. However when I looked at the pants I realized that the back leg wrapped around to the front of the leg and would make them hard to trace (for me at least). So I headed back to Target to see if I could find a second pair that I could deconstruct and trace. Luckily I found a second pair for $8.38, even less than I paid for the first pair. I convinced myself I could pay that much for a pattern and I could probably sew the pants back together once done. So I snatched them up, took one leg apart and traced the waistband, front and back leg piece onto my red fabric. I did eliminate the front and back welt pockets.

I also love these pants because they added a pop of color to my classic B&W themed Travel Wardrobe Contest submission. They look great with both M6844 cardigan and NL6735 duster. Please check out my entry and vote for me! Voting starts March 5th!

I think they turned out GREAT!

Pattern: Self Drafted pants based on a pair of Merona pants

Pattern Description: Fitted side zip ankle pants

Sizing: Custom (Size 10)

Difficulty: 2/beginner

Fabric Used: Red ponte from a local fabric store

Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? They did look like the pair I was trying to recreate.

Were the instructions easy to follow? There weren’t any I just put them together as I put any pair of pants together. Inside seam, crotch seam, side seam, waistband, zipper then hem.

Likes: I like that I now feel confident enough to recreate RTW pieces that I love. I am understanding garment construction more.

Dislikes: Nothing except for my lack of fabric knowledge. I needed a thicker/stiffer fabric for these pants. This medium weight ponte works but a heavy weight ponte (or a stretch gaberdine – which is what the salesman recommended, but I had to have red and they didn’t have red) would probably have worked better.

Pattern alterations or any design changes made: Next time I will add about 1/2″ more for a seam allowance to allow for a less stretchy fabric.

Would I sew it again? Yes, I plan to make another pair in a blue stretch gaberdine I bought per the salesman’s recommendation.

Would I recommend it to others? I would definitely recommend trying to recreate your favorite RTW pieces so that you can get exactly what you want!

Conclusion: I’m very proud of myself for trying to recreate something I love and I think they came out great. I will definitely make a second, and likely a third, pair!

Total Cost: $8.73

1.5 yds of Ponte  @ $4.99/yd = $ 7.48

Zipper                                         =     1.25