Sew Hard of Hearing

If you know me from the sewing communities, then you know I’m all in when I like something. That is exactly how it is with the Love Notions Duet Trousers. I made four pairs. Two are made with woven fabric and two are with knit fabric. I am going to share with you my impressions of all the fabrics.

This Olive Sanded Twill from Surge Fabric Shop was a real winner for me. It is so super soft and surprisingly didn’t wrinkle much. It was very close to the fit with my muslin. I used a quilting cotton for the inner waistband and pocket lining and that helped with the bulk. I like these so much that I ordered some Khaki Twill to make another pair. My top is a Love Notions Arlington Sweater in this wonderful Butter Pecan Cayambe Rib Knit also from Surge Fabric Shop.

I had this Navy Blue Ponte from Raspberry Creek Fabrics stashed for quite a while. I love their ponte and have used it for the Olympia, Terra Tunic, and several other patterns. These are so incredibly comfortable! They are like secret pajamas. I use the same pattern pieces for knit as I do for the woven, except I change to the Yoga Waistband. These are such a fast make. Once you get the fit, you can easily make them in an evening. I used the Constellation Hacci Knit also from Raspberry Creek Fabrics to make the free Love Notions Laundry Day Tee.

I made this pair in Fog Brussels Washer Linen. This is the second pair I’ve made in this type of linen. It’s hard to resist, because it’s so soft. It does tend to wrinkle, which doesn’t bother me too much. The primary concern is the fabric grows a bit and gave me a looser fit than my muslin. The first time I wore them, I was worried that I’d have to replace the waistband with an elasticized Allegro Waistband. I’ve decided they are fine, but I’m glad that I used my belt loop hack. I made another Arlington Top this time with a Classic Tee neckline. I used the Acorn Nepal Rib Knit for the top.

And finally my last pair to share is made with Mocha Ponte Twill from Surge Fabric Shop. This fills a big gap in my wardrobe. I don’t have nearly enough brown and khaki colored pants. I really do like this fabric. It’s very comfortable, as you’d expect from ponte. The only potential concern is that the texture in the right side of the fabric that makes it look like twill is directional. To fit an entire pair with 2 yards, I have to flip one front piece. But it doesn’t really bother me. In fact, I bought some Black Ponte Twill, and I’m going to make that pair up next. This yet another Arlington Top with a Classic Tee neckline. I made this with the Eucalyptus Impressionist Double Sweater Knit and this is currently my favorite top.

I’m going to leave you with a few more photos of my makes. As always, feel free to friend me on Facebook or follow me on Instagram. You can send me any questions you have or just drop me a note to chat. My rich friendships with all of you is my favorite part of sewing and being part of the sewing community. Now, I can’t wait to see what you all will make!