Summer is drawing to a close and of course I decide now to (sorta) finish my cropped Clovers. But it’s all good because I finally completed a pair of wearable ones and they went from this to this…
These pants didn’t come easy. I did a full waist adjustment, a full butt adjustment, a knock knee adjustment (who knew?!), raised the waist, and added a bit of crotch circumference and depth. Phew. The knock knee adjustment left me with some bagginess around the calves (I have chicken legs, y’all. No joke!).
But I wasn’t fussed (not now anyway) about fixing it or the few lines under my butt. I was too happy to share that I had sorted out the drag lines in the inner thigh area.
Although I feel as though I’ve made a decent pair of Clovers I definitely will revisit the pattern and try to fix the last few issues it has. I do enjoy solving fitting issues. Having broken this project up over months has made it a lot less stressful. So thankfully I still have my wits about me.
But I do have one last issue to add. I am unsure if it’s the pattern or the fabric. After wearing the Clover for about 10 minutes I was suffering from droopy crotch. What the heck? The fabric I used is very light stretch denim. Should I use something a bit thicker? I cut a size 16, which corresponds to my hip measurement. I wonder if I should have cut a size 14? Or maybe I need to adjust the pattern somehow to make them stay up? Oh pattern fitting, you can drive a girl to drink…
Upward and onward…Recognize this little top? It’s this summer’s very popular Grainline Tiny Pocket Tank (with no pocket). I held back from buying it, thinking I didn’t need such a simple pattern. Oh how wrong was I? I really truly love the fit. All I had to do was readjust the darts and bam, perfection.
I used some African wax cotton that really dresses up the top. And boy, I’m in love. I’ve already decided to make a few more since they’ll make great layering pieces for fall.
Now back to the sewing table. I’m really looking forward to sharing my next project. Until then, ciao!
Oh! And sorry about all the butt photos. They are unavoidable when showing trouser fitting results 🙂
Pincushion Treats 
Hi Melizza, good to see you back – I was thinking yesterday that I hadn’t seen anything from you in a while. Well done on persevering with the trouser fit, they look great. I love the top, the colours look so fresh and pretty on you!
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Thank you Tasmin! Trying to get back into that sewing routine. Hoping I am good and ready to carry on making goodies.
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Well done on the Clovers Mela, they look amazing and I’m so pleased that all your hard work paid off! You sure did learn a lot from this make and I’m sure your next pair will be even more perfect! Your Tiny Pocket Tank is adorable too – I’m glad I’m not the only one who loves that little pattern. I think I made three this summer, all in jersey, so next summer I’d love to make some voile and rayon lovelies ;o)
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Your tanks are so so pretty. You are fearless when it comes to knits. I am nervous about making one with jersey but I think it’s a small enough pattern to practice on. I will definitely try making one soon, just for practice if nothing else.
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Lovely outfit and well done for finishing the clovers! On the droopy crotch issue – that does sound like it;s down to the fabric used – I’ve had that on ready made skinny jeans in the past. I’m guessing thicker/less stretchy denim will sort this out but then again maybe not be so comfy!
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The fabric is quite stretchy and flimsy. I will definitely invest in something better next time and hope they are still comfy. Thanks, Joanne!
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Great job on the Clovers. I absolutely love the top, I like the simple patterns because you let the fabric do the talking, and no-one talks better than African wax imao, and that is a beautiful African wax you are sporting.
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African wax fabrics do say a lot, don’t they? Quite the statement fabric. I love them.
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That is a lovely top, great combination of fabric and pattern. Well done for your perseverence with the Clovers, I admire your patience and they look really good and very wearable.
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Thank you! I was afraid since there look iffy on the back that I shouldn’t wear them but decided on “whatever”. Glad I’m not wrong in thinking that.
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Adorable! You can’t go wrong with a matching headband! Now I think you should just send that perfectly slaved over adjusted pattern to me and I’ll get a nice pair too! I’m so scared of pattern adjustments and you are so good at it!! Knock-knee adjustment?!
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I know, right? Knock knee adjustment…I almost felt insulted when I discovered my fitting woes led to it 🙂
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They look fabulous! You did a really good job with the fit. I giggled a little at the knock knee adjustment. It’s funny the quirks you find out when you try and fit trousers! Love that wax print, too.
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I always pictured knock kneed as something severely affecting a person. Nope. It’s a polite term for chub thighs 🙂
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Way to go on making the Clovers your own! Trousers, so few pieces, so many adjustments! And love the top – great print.
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Ain’t that the truth?! So few pieces and so much work. But totally worth it in the end.
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I so love that outfit!!! 🙂
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I love both these pieces (and your head band too!) and those shoes!! Your pants look great – I’m so impressed with all the alterations you made!
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Thanks! I figured a headband was a must after I saw I had a bit of fabric left over.
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These look fab! Well done n being the adjustment queen!
But I must ask- how does one work out if they need a knock knee adjustment? I have never heard of this and it may be a solution to some of my pants problems…
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Hi Amanda! According to Pants for Real People,”If your inner legs are full or come together at the knees (looks like this), you may need to widen the inner leg.” Another symptom, as described by Colette is, “Diagonal wrinkles around the knee, coming out from the side seams.” I used this alternation method to guide me. Hope that helps!
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Well done for sticking with it – they look great. I’m so inspired by your determination! The whole outfit looks great – and that colour is gorgeous on you! x
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Thank you. I become a little obsessive when fitting but not to the point of going bonkers so it’s all good 🙂
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Great looking trousers (I still haven’t completed anything other than a toile in trews so far LOL!). And the Grainline to looks fab too – I’ve got her Scout Woven Tee top (dartless pattern – I did a FBA to add in a dart) which is pretty great too 🙂
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I loved your spotty Scout Woven Tee. I was greedy and totally bought it too. I think I am in for treat with that one too. Who knew something so basic could be something so great?
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You are adorable!
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As always, great work! I have been following you for a while now, and I am always happy to see your newest project, but the progress you have made on your Clovers has been especially fun to see! I would love to try this pattern myself when I am a bit more experienced semester.
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wow, I’m truly impressed with your fitting skills!! I love your clovers with those red shoes, you look fabulous! I think I might need that tank pattern too 😉 I’m all about the layering!!
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What a cute outfit, first of all. Nice colours and catching the sun like that makes it a really happy outfit. I’m sorry to hear about your drooping …but am impressed you persevered with clovers to get a decent pair out of them. Hurrahs all round …they look great and so do you!!
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Thank you Winne. I am so PUMPED about tomorrow. Cannot wait to catch up with you.
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Great job on the clovers – they look great, even if you think you still have some fitting issues to sort out. And I love the fabric choice for your Grainline top – lush!
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I’m not sure if you’re close to London but there’s a great little gem of a section by Aldgate that sells oodles of African wax cotton. Worth a visit if you’re ever nearby.
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You got a *great fit* on those pants, and hey, cropped pants are perfect to wear here just about any time of year. 😉 Love the top too — awesome print! That pattern is printed, just need to tape. I have to be in the right mood for the tedium of taping together pdf patterns…
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How I miss the mild Texas fall/winter. *Sigh*
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Those pants are amazing!!! And I love how you styled them with the mustard and blue, such a pretty color combo.
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Thank you. I wasn’t sure what to do with that fabric but a simple top worked.
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Great Clovers! And I love the fabric on your tank.
Super photos as usual. Even the butt shots!
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Thank you 🙂 Very relieved the butt wasn’t over-shared.
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Another gorgeous outfit. I adore the colors on the top, and your Clovers fit great. Thanks for the droopy crotch warning. I just ordered the pattern yesterday during an Anise frenzy and was planning on using a stretch cotton for them, but I may rethink that–or at least be mindful of the potential issue when cutting and fitting. Again, thanks! You look beautiful.
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Your perseverance is to be applauded! I would have given up a long time ago! Well done! I have knock knees too, but I didn’t know I was supposed to adjust a trouser fit to allow for that – that scares me! Love the new top – I look forward to seeing many more appearing on your blog 😀
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great job! i have plans for my first pair of self-made trousers for the winter (i think i am going to use the new Juniper pattern tho, so hopefully the wide leg will be easier to fit than Clover!). i hope i get the fit as spot on as you!
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Lovely! The pants look so nice on you, and of course I’m so excited to see you making my favorite pattern– the tank! I LOVE all the wax prints that you use– so cool!
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Really nice colour combo and you get my respect for fixing your fitting issues. So wonderful! 🙂
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The respect is mutual. You always get your fit so right!
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I think your cropped pants are awesome and I love the Scout tee shirt. I have had such a good time with that pattern! Love your clogs too. I’m sad to see summer go, it’s dwindling away here as well.
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Thank you!
Rumor has it there was frost outside. Eeek! Quite sad since we barely had a summer.
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All your hard work paid off and your cropped trousers look completely awesome! Fantastic fit; I am in awe 🙂
The little top is very cute too!
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Thank you Carolyn! That means a lot coming from you 🙂
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You look ace! (As always.) Oh how I wish you and I could have stopped mid-way through our Clovers for a margarita or three to help us along!! xxx
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Oh, margaritas. They make any chore or process better!
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What a wonderful outfit! I stumbled on your blog after searching for finished Victory Pattern Avas, which is my next project, and I’m so glad I did. I’m currently working out my fitting issues with the Clover pattern as well and love the way yours turned out!
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Hi Angela! I do hope you have an easier fitting trial with Clovers. man, those were a doozy 🙂
You will so love the Ava pattern. Such a pretty top or dress. Looking forward to making ti again…perhaps next Spring 🙂
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What a great outfit!! The colors are so cheery and it looks really versatile. The work you put into fitting the pants really paid off!
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Congratulations on the pregnancy! Motherhood is some adventure! I found you through MMM12 (I’m late to the party!). You do such fab things with African prints. Thought you might be interested in this post: http://unashamedmusings.blogspot.com/2012/09/exhibition-style-africa.html
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Hello! And thank you. The fabrics displayed in that exhibit are so pretty. Gosh, I do love color.
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