This year is starting off with organization and figuring out priorities. I know I’ve talked about it before, but I’m bringing it up again! One of the goals I’m working toward this year is to buy a plotter printer. My time is scarce, and I spend way too much of it gluing patterns together. So, I’ll be spending the year saving a bit here and a skosh there until I can order one, with some supplies. This decision led me to the realization that I, and probably a lot of people in the wonderful sewing community, spend a good bit of time gluing (or taping) patterns, then grading and making alterations for our individual bodies. Then we just to sew it once or twice!! Now, don’t get me wrong, even if you sew a pattern once, it is SO WORTH THE TIME to do all of this. It will fit better, wear better, look better, and feel better. Better than ready to wear. Better than a pattern off the block. But, if I’m spending all that time to get a pattern to fit me just right, why not see how versatile I can make it? That is how I decided to do Work It: 12 Months, 1 Pattern, No Repeats.
Here is the plan. I’m going to be using the 5oo4 Diane Joggers pattern as a base. I tested this pattern and loved the fit right off the pattern. Made just a couple little tweaks and it is perfect! Every month, I am going to sew up another pair of Dianes. Some months will be options in the pattern, while other months are hacks, with some great Sly Fox Fabric changes thrown in to show the difference that can be made with choosing the right fabrics. But the deal is, I won’t be making two of the same bottoms all year. You will get to see 12 unique pieces, presented one month at a time. Some will be small changes, some…well, you’ll see. I’ll talk about what options I chose or hacked, which fabric I used, and my thoughts on the end result. I’m also going to be pairing each bottom with a great 5oo4 top, because I don’t typically walk around topless, so why not take advantage of the coordinating fabrics Sly Fox shows on their website and making a matching top?
Since I love my readers, I also reached out to 5oo4 and one of my absolute favorite fabric companies to see if they were interested in sponsoring this series. So, if you love one of these pieces, you’ll get to enter to win a $10 5oo4 credit every single month. You can pick up the pattern and make your own! And, I’ll be able to point you to the exact fabric I use, so you can recreate the pieces for your own closet!!
So, let’s talk about this first pair! We are starting with the basics so I can get a feel for the fit (since I haven’t made them in a while) and show you guys what the pattern looks like without alterations. We have the joggers in pants length, cuffed, with pockets. I went for mid-rise with the enclosed elastic waistband. I even made my own drawstring, so it would match exactly! (If you don’t know how to do this, I simply cut a piece of my fabric at 1.5 inches wide and the length of the drawstring in the cut chart. I serged it and flipped right side out. Trimmed up the ends and done!) The pattern includes tips to get your pockets just perfect like mine (I’m not tooting my own horn here, because these pockets ARE perfect.) She recommends wonder tape, which is my favorite way to install a patch pocket exactly where you want it, without shifting!!
I used this baby French terry and it feels like I am wearing clouds as pants. So soft, but thick enough to hide…well, what I’d like to hide. It was super easy to work with and I’m so glad I jumped into the pre-order when this color came out. But guess what? There’s another pre-order right now!!! With some absolutely stunning spring colors! Check them out here. (Pre-order open until February 3rd.) Between pre-order prices and flat rate shipping, you can buy ALL THE FABRIC!!!
Back to these pants…It doesn’t get THAT cold in Atlanta, but it isn’t exactly warm right now either. So, I’m really excited to add some comfy, warm pants that I can wear to bed, or even out and about. Though, if we’re being completely honest, they will probably be my new sewing pants. My craft room is on the low level of our split-level house, with tile floors (I assume over cement) and it gets downright cold in there.
I definitely needed a top to match and since I picked this gorgeous olive, the Packer fan in me needed to pick a beautiful yellow fabric for it!! I ordered these stars on double brushed poly about a year ago and just couldn’t cut into them. It was finally time…and it was a WIN!! I used the top from the Molly Pajamas. Y’all. It comes with a FBA front!!!!!! Seriously. The shoulders fit perfectly!!!! I love that 5oo4 often includes these little perks in their patterns. The DBP is a great fabric for this, so while they don’t have this exact one, there are GORGEOUS options to choose from. Just a little structure, plus so soft and comfy!! Absolutely wonderful for lounging around the house, but still cute enough to run to the store, or wear with jeans.
The only thing I changed about Molly is shortening the sleeves. I like a super short, short sleeve, so, whenever I’m not in testing, I pretty much always shorten them. I just measure about 2.5 inches from the underarm seam and draw a line perpendicular to the hem on the pattern piece. I’m definitely going to add just a bit of length to the Molly, for she is true shirt length, I didn’t read the finished length measurement before starting (terrible…), and I like a bit longer of a shirt, then make a few for every day wear!! It is so comfy, and the neckline is perfect!
So, let’s make this all about you. Do you need some comfy ass joggers? Enter below to win a gift card to pick up the Diane pattern, and head over to Sly Fox for all the best fabrics!! Then follow along all year and add some beautiful pieces to your closet.
Stephanie xx
This is an awesome idea! I can’t wait to see what you come up with all year long!!
Thanks! I’ve got some excited sews coming your way!!
Woot! I was so hoping you’d wear the giant cheese hat with this!
Bahahah!! No cheesehead, but the bracelet is GB. 😀
I like it! I have a few patterns I use over and over again, but never that much. I may need to join you!
Ooo, I hope you do! It is going to be fun!!!
What a fantastic project, Stephanie!
Love the joggers and will be following along for sure!! ♥️
Thanks, Livia!! I can’t wait for next month!!
I love how they look! I’ve shied away from the joggers because I want to look more put together, but these look like real pants! Btw, I love your writing style and will be following you now!
Thank you!!
Joggers can definitely look super casual. But the details and fabric choice really carry them to every day pants!
Love this! And this is one of the patterns I’ve been wanting to try. 😊
I highly recommend them! So comfy!!
Love this idea and the outfit look great! Looking forward to seeing your males this year.
Thank you, Joanna!!
Those joggers look so comfy! I’ve made a few Zen trousers so far, but there’s something about the Diane joggers that was scaring me from trying…. maybe I just need to find some fabric and give them a try!
They have such beautiful details, that can be quite intimidating! But each step is totally doable!! Go for it!!
Such an amazing concept!! These joggers are a dangerous combination of cute and comfy…excited to see what else you do with them.
They definitely hit the comfy mark…I don’t want to take them off!! Can’t wait to show you so you can tell me you can’t stand me. 😉
I love these! And I love this idea! Can’t wait to see what you make next. 🙂
Thank you, Cara!!
How fun! Can’t wait to see what you come up with. My husband has a plotter printer at work that he can use to print me patterns, but I don’t use that option nearly enough, because when i decide I want to sew, I want the pattern right then, not in a couple days when he can get to printing it 🙂
Oh man, I completely get the wanting it now, but I’d be all over that for 90% of printing! How convenient!!
I love this idea!! Can’t wait to see what all you come up with….
Thank you!!
What a great idea! Can’t wait to see what you come up with, I don’t know if I could think of 12 variations for a jogger haha
Hah! Some of them won’t even look like they started as a jogger. 😉
This is a fantastic outfit. What a great idea to use the same pattern with variations all year! I look forward to seeing the other ones you’re going to sew! Are those pockets deep enough to hold the essentials?
You know they are!! <3
Love the olive color! I bought the pattern awhile ago, but have been afraid to make it bebecause all my other tries to make pants have failed. I can’t wait to see what else you make with this pattern this year!
This pattern has so many amazing fit tips for all the issues with pants!! Plus, they are amazing at helping troubleshoot anything you don’t get!! Dive in and see what happens!
Awesome idea!! Great way to get a lot of use out of your patterns. It takes me some adjusting to get pants to fit so I sew them several times. I will be excited to see what you do.
Pants are definitely a time intensive piece to fit! I’m excited to get as much use out of the pattern as possible!
Great idea! Looking forward to seeing all the different ways you use this pattern and gaining inspiration!
Thank you, Debbie!!
What an awesome idea! I can’t wait to see what you create over the year 🙂
Thanks!! <3
I have All the Love for the Diane Joggers and can’t wait to see how much fun you have with them throughout the year!
Thanks, Cheryl!! They really are lovely!
These look so good and are going to be perfect for lounging around inside during this upcoming crazy storm!
I am rocking them on this gloomy snow day. Definitely staying cozy!!
This is awesome. I lube both the fabrics.
Thank you! <3
I love the idea! I think most of us fall in love with the new and shiny patterns and rarely make things many times to perfect fit and expand our abilities to re-imagine a pattern by hacking it. I would love to follow along with you, both in reading your blog and by a Work It post a month if you wouldn’t mind someone else joining in.
It is definitely fun to grab the newest pattern! Keeps the closet fresh and fun.
I’d love if you linked back here and used the hashtag #workit2019 if you want to join in!
Love the olive. Looking forward to your future sews.
Thank you!! I’ve been meaning to make olive pants FOREVER!! It was the perfect opportunity!
This looks great and what a great idea!im wondering if SlyFox stretch denim would work?
Ooo, keep an eye out. 😉
Love the joggers, they look soft and confty
I knew they were soft, but putting them on for the first time was HEAVEN!
This idea is so awesome! I love what you’re doing and I will definitely be following you this year 💕
Thank you! <3
This is a great idea! I will enjoy seeing what you do with a basic jogger pattern. Pants for the office …?!
Thank you!! I can’t wait to share all my ideas!!
I’m actually really intrigued by this idea. I find I kinda start to gather patterns, make it once and plan to make more but never do. This is a great idea. And I kinda regret not having the funds to get that French Terry. It looks the right kind of cozy 🙂
Oh, I totally do that too! I plan to make a few more for me and for my sisters, but then get distracted by something new and pretty!! 🙂
I can’t wait to try some of your options. I love all the things you make and it is so awesome to see someone with a shape similar to mine rock adorable makes. I’ve had my eye on this pattern for a while but haven’t pulled the trigger, I think you just convinced me that I need it and the Molly PJs too.
I’m working on perfecting the Diane joggers so they can be my go-to pants. I can see the potential with different fabrics and can’t wait to see what you do.
This is very inspiring. I’ve got to get over my fear of different fabrics.