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In my summer plans, I said that I wanted to make some culottes to take on vacation with me. As it would turn out I managed to make not one but two pairs!
Simplicity 8605
In early summer there was a $1 Simplicity pattern sale at Joann Fabrics. Knowing that I had been wanting to make a pair of culottes, I picked up Simplicity 8605.
This pattern featured a paper bag waist which seems to be rather popular at the moment. I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about the paper bag waist and worried it add more unwanted bulk to my waistline. Despite that, I thought I’d give it a go.
The Construction
The pattern construction is very easy and the pants come together in no time. In fact, feeding the elastic through the two castings was probably the most time-consuming part.
For this project, I knew I wanted to use some lightweight chambray I had in my stash. If I had time I’d make another pair in a cotton navy featuring a white tropical print.
The only major change I made to this pattern was to shorten it by about 3″ in length. I’m 5’3″, so I guess that makes me short.
| Sewing Summary | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | July 2018 |  |
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| Pattern: | Simplicity 8605 | |||||
| Version: | Version B | |||||
| Size: | XL | |||||
| Notes & Modification: | Shortened by 3 inches | |||||
| Recommendations: | ||||||
| Difficulty: | Easy | Rating: | ||||
Overall Thoughts
My husband told me that they look like pajamas, which I guess they do. After all they are super comfy and I do find myself wearing them to lounge around the house.
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the paper bag waist on these pants, and I’m still not sure. Most of the tops I wear with them hang over the top of the pants, so you don’t notice it the paper bag detail.
I will say that the navy pair is probably my fave because of the contrasting waistband I used on the pants. I also love the of the hacked cropped version of the Sew Over It silk Cami I made to go with it.
The contrasting waistband highlights it as a feature and not bulk. The cropped top also sits right above the waist not creating any extra bulk in that area.
I think in the end I’m not one to make a paper bag waist again. I don’t think the style suits me.
Love to hear in the comments below what your thoughts on paper bag waists are. Have you made this style? Do you like it?
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