Sew and Tell with the Metropolitan Pants

 

When I think of the Metropolitan Pants from Terra's Treasures, three words come to mind:  fun, funky pockets!  Now, if your style is a bit more conservative, and it's a solid colored pair of pants you're after, these will fit the bill just fine- just use the same fabric for the pockets as for the pants!  I, personally, am really digging the colorful contrast and think it's a great way to give a pair of kid's pants some spunk! 

 

I think you'll be impressed by everything these pants have to offer!  First off, the price is very reasonable (and even more so since we've got them for 25% off right now!).  Plus, you're getting a lot for your money.  This pattern works well for both boys and girls and can be made as capris if that's the look you're after.  The size range is from 0-6 months all the way to a size 10 (all sizes for each pattern piece are nested and color-coded), so you could just about make a pair for every kid in your house ;)  The welt pockets in the back are phenomenal, and the pattern's directions for how to make them are very detailed and include a lot of helpful photographs.  There are also functional pockets in the front, a flat-front waist band, and an elastic waistband in the back to ensure a good fit.  You'll end up with a very well-made pair of pants that will look great for school, church, or play-time!  Dress them up or down depending on your fabric choices.

 

Elisa wrote an excellent review of these and made her kids some pretty spiffy pants!  Let's take a look!

 

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Hi!  I'm Elisa from CharmingDoodle.com and am excited to be part of Sew and Tell.  I made two pairs of Terra's Treasure Metropolitan Pants, one for a boy, and one for a girl.  This is such a CUTE pattern and an easy sew.  I highly recommend it!

I have four kids (2 boys, 2 girls) and have only been sewing for about a year.  When I discovered the world of PDF patterns, I fell in love!  I'm always on the lookout for new patterns, and if a pattern can work for both my boys AND my girls...well, it's worth getting.

 

My two oldest are in 1st Grade and Kindergarten this year, and they have to wear school uniforms.  Their shirts have the school's logo, and their pants/skirts/shorts can only be black, navy, or khaki.  But the pants can have embellishments if they're small, so I chose to give this pattern a try and add orange pockets (at my son's request) and flowered pockets to my girl's pants to make them a little less 'uniform-y.'  The contrast fabric is the perfect punch to a pair of pants for them both.

 

Let's talk about the sewing details:

 

Overall, these pants are very easy and quick to sew.  Any adventurous beginner can sew these, and expert sewers can have fun adding unique details to this pattern.  From the time I cut out the pieces to the time I was finished sewing (I made both pairs at the same time) it was about 2 hours.  One pair would be even faster!

 

The big challenge in sewing the pants is figuring out what size to make.  There's no size chart with the pattern.  I made a size 7 for my son but they are tight at the waist so next time I would make an 8.  My daughter wears a 5/6 and I made a 6.  It fits her well and there is even some room to grow.  So if in doubt or if your child is between sizes in ready-to-wear, I'd make these in the bigger size.

 

 

There are only a few pattern pieces to cut out, and it's a bit confusing at first to determine which ones should be the contrast fabric for the pockets (if you make them with contrast fabric...you could just make them solid and they'd be cute too).  If you want to use contrast fabric, you'll cut out the pieces shown in the second cutting layout diagram with your contrast fabric, and the other three pattern pieces shown from your main fabric.
 

I admit that I was a bit intimidated at first by the look of the welt pockets.  I've only sewn welt pockets one other time, but it didn't take long to get the hang of them.  The instructions in the pattern are very clear, and if you read it carefully and look at the pictures provided, you'll be a pro at welt pockets in no time.

 

 

 I finished my son's pants first and after they were done I wished I had topstitched them with orange down the sides of the pants.  But I didn't want to pick them apart to do that...so I left them as is and decided to topstitch my daughter's in pink before I finished sewing the legs together.  It was an easy detail you can add to give the pants some personality.

I also made another pattern change to my daughter's.  After making my son's pants, I saw that the waist of these pants sits pretty high.  I actually cut them down over an inch for my daughter. To do that, I just cut the front pieces shorter at the front waist and then made the pocket piece deeper so you'd still see the pretty contrast fabric.  I did not cut the back piece down, instead I just folded it down more than the pattern calls for, and my elastic casing was bigger.

 

 

 I plan on making these pants again in the future and will probably try to add a zip fly to them.  The shape is really nice, and the length is great, so I think there's an endless amount of possibilities for these pants.

 

And oh, the compliments my kids have gotten.  It's pretty unique to have orange welt pockets for a boy, and I'm often asked where I bought them.  Little do they know that anyone can make these great pants with Terra's Treasure Metropolitan Pants pattern.  Hope you get it and whip some up too.

 

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How sweet are those two?  And didn't those pants turn out great!?!  I adore the flower print used for the pockets on her daughter's pants.  If your kids have to wear school uniforms, this might be a great option for you.  The school year has only just begun, and you've got plenty of time to sew up a few pairs to last throughout the year.  And at 25% off, you can count this as back- to- school savings :) 

 

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Pair it Up!!

 

Let's take a look at a few other of our Back To School Favorites!

 

 

First up is the Classic Polo from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop.  This is definitely one of those patterns you need in your collection!  It can be made for both boys and girls, with shorts sleeves or long sleeves, and has an optional chest pocket.  It can be made in sizes 3m- 12 years.  Love the way this one comes together!

 

 

 I think it's the plaid fabric, but this dress just SCREAMS back to school to me!  This is the Colette Dress from Petite Kids Boutique.  It is available in sizes 12m- 6 years.  You can make it with sweet little puff sleeves or sleeveless and with or with a sash.  The back has a button closure, and it features a full, twirly skirt.  Add the sash and puff sleeves along with some fancy fabric, and you've turned your school dress into a creation she can wear to church, for pictures, or any other special occasion.  Very versatile!

 

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 Hope all of your children (or grandchildren, nieces, nephews...) are off to a great school year!  Don't forget to head over to the website and purchase your Metropolitan Pants for 25% off for the next few days.  And if you are already planning to make your little one's Halloween costume, or if I just now made you think that's a pretty good idea, take a look at our Handmade Halloween Costume Contest!  We're giving away over $300 in prizes!  It's going to tons of fun, and we'd love for you to join us!  Find the details by clicking on the banner below :)

 

 

 Go sew something magical!

 

 



Take a look at where we link up our blog posts! 

Sew and Tell with the Anya Dress

Hope everyone stayed warm and dry this weekend.  I'm over the rain.  Please go away now.  But despite the rain, I had an awesome time with my husband this weekend.  Our church was one of the satellite locations for Jimmy Evan's Lifelong Love Affair Marriage Seminar.  Loved it!  Great information for all married couples, whether you are having trouble or just want to strengthen an already great relationship. Was anyone else a part of the conference this weekend? 

Other than that, I also did a little sewing.  I'm working on the Sophia's Open-Back Ruffle Dress from Create Kids Couture.  It's going to be super-cute when I get done!  I love sewing up all these spring-y clothes for my little Lu  :) 

The pattern we are featuring today is another great one for warmer weather!  Say hello to the Anya Dress from Petite Kids Boutique!!  This is a sweet little kimono-inspired wrap dress with a gorgeous wide sash.  There are several sleeve lengths available (short, 3/4, and long) so this pattern can be used year-round.  I've always loved all things Asian, and this dress is no exception.  For you beginners out there who tend to shy away from buttonholes and zippers... good news!!!... This pattern doesn't have either  :)  This dress is available in sizes 12m- 6 years.  So pretty!

Today's review is from Michelle P.  You can see her work at 3 Peaches Customs for Girls on Facebook. 

 

 

I reviewed the Anya Dress Pattern by Petite Kids Boutique.  The pattern is for a true wrap dress.  I used some fabrics that had Japanese girls on it to get a little kimono look.  The pattern took me about three hours, although, I didn't work three solid hours on it.  I have three small children, so it's difficult to sit for three hours to sew.  I needed one of those clocks they use in chess tournaments that start and stop to keep time!

I think this is a pattern that beginners could do.  The instructions are easy to follow, and the pictures are good.  Adding sleeves definitely adds a lot more time to the pattern.  I think I would love it sleeveless, but I felt we might like sleeves as it is very cold here.  I feel sleeves add some modesty, but you could also easily add a fitted shirt under the sleeveless version.

 

 I feel it runs true to size. It is not a roomy pattern in the bodice.  It needs to be fitted so it doesn't gap.  The skirt is nice and full.  One thing I did that the pattern doesn't tell you to do is to top stitch. I think it looks better that way, and it adds durability. 

 

One thing I would do next time is make the sash longer.  You had just enough to make that bow.  I think I would add about two to three inches to each of the lengths of the sash pieces.  It had as "option" to add snaps to the inside bodice to hold it closed.  I think this is an important thing to do to keep it closed properly, and again, to prevent gaping. 

 

You can make a beautiful dress with this pattern!  It is versatile with the sleeve options.  You could add trims and ruffles, too, if that's your style.  I left mine basically plain since the fabric I picked was quite busy.  Both of my girls said this dress was comfortable. 

 

Have fun sewing the Anya Dress!

 

Those little cuties look just beautiful in their Anya Dresses!  I love the bold print Michelle used.  It's the perfect fabric for this dress  :) 

 

If you've been inspired to sew your own Asian themed apparel, go ahead and get your copy of the Anya Dress for 25% off for the next few days!  We only keep the patterns we use for our Sew and Tell feature on sale until the next Sew and Tell review is published.  So be sure to get this one while you can! 

 

 

Here are a few of my other favorite Asian-themed clothing patterns you may want to check out!

 

This is the Little Chi Pao Dress from The Measuring Tape.  I love the mandarin collar and traditional Chinese bodice!  I know several people who have adopted little girls from China, and this would be such a special dress for them to dress their daughters in.  But little girls no matter where they are from would be beautiful in this dress!  The pattern is available in sizes 12m- 6 years. 

 

 

These little shoes take me to my happy place!  This pattern for the Baby Kimono Shoes is from Lena's Patterns.  How cute would it be to pair these up with one of the dresses above?  If you daughter has small enough feet, you can!  The pattern goes from NB- 24 months.  Please, someone make these shoes and an Asian-style dress and let me see pictures!  Pretty please?!

 

Alright ladies, don't forget to purchase your pattern for the Anya Dress while you can get if for only $5.25!!  Go sew something magical!!