Stitchin' in My Kitchen

I just finished making the Monica Pant by Style Arc - Sporty! It's described as: This “must have” sports legging has ease & comfort with an added gusset and back knee inserts that allows movement when walking, running or exercising at the gym. Interesting elastic waistband adds style and ease of wearing. Normally I avoid Style Arc pants because my waist and hip sizes are so different, but since this involves STRETCH, and I have some really old New Balance running tights that are getting worn out, I decided to try it.  I bought a size 12, which fits my butt but is at least 4" too big at the waist.  My fabric was some poly-spandex I got on clearance from J&O Fabrics: It didn't have quite enough 4 way stretch, but it would do. The pattern has some cool design lines as you can see, but since this was my first pass at it, I just made it in all the same fabric (but I have plans for future versions!) Style Arc patterns are always well drafted, I don...

I haven't worn culottes since 8th grade, and that alone should have been a warning.....But they look so cute on the model, and I've read some good reviews online, and I thought they would make a good alternative to a skirt on a warm but windy summer day. I was wrong. The pattern is a print-at-home pdf pattern from Megan Nielsen patterns: Looks cute enough. I didn't realize it until I began sewing it, but there are two large pleats at the front and back center seam - and I hate them. You don't really see them on the line drawing, and I realize my fabric draws attention to them, but it is the effect on the structure of the culottes I really dislike. Its too bad, because I bought a pretty cotton voile from Mood to use for them: It has gold threads running thru it! Its semi-sheer, so there was going to be a lining, until I realized I wasn't ever going to wear them in public. I got to the step where it was time to insert the side zipper, stepped into them,...