The Donna Karan Pants

Vogue 2923

Pattern Description: Straight-legged pants has contour waist and side zipper closure.
 

Pattern Sizing: 4-18. I cut a size 4 in the back and size 6 in the front and sewed 1/2" side seams.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? For the most part.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I really didn't follow them. I tend to mentally plan out the sewing sequence from a logical standpoint and then follow what makes sense to me. Incidentally, it does not match the printed instructions. For example, I sewed the outseams first, inserted the side zipper, sewed the inseams, and then sewed the crotch seam with one leg inside the other.

The instructions don't mention this, but I fused a 1" strip of interfacing along the hip edges on the zipper side to stabilize the curves and to reinforce and smooth out the opening.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the absence of pleats and darts and waistband, which means less bulk and less work. The invisible side zipper and lack of pockets add to the flattering, streamlined, dressier look.

Fabric Used: Vera Wang fuchsia lambswool flannel. I made my own bias tape binding with Vera Wang emerald silk satin. These pants match the chiffon collar jacket that I made three years ago.

Back waist facing

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened the length by about 5 inches and I narrowed the width by about 2 inches.

Would you sew it again? I would if I needed more pants, but I would rather be sewing dresses and tailored jackets.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes. This is a quick sew without the unnecessary details to weigh you down visually or slow you down sewing-wise.

Conclusion: This pattern is well-drafted and produces great results. The simplicity of the design reads as classy, comfortable, and flattering.

For creativity points, I used my embroidery machine and added some whimsy to the front waist facing.