So I broke out the sewing machine last night! It is so amazing to finally have a space to sew, and not have to sit in a closet in my kids room in the dark and try to make something while they are sleeping. Because let's face it. We all know that doesn't work.
I was cleaning out my closet the other night and found a pair of pants my mom had given me. They are a really nice ponte knit stretchy pant, however they had a pretty wide leg. I've had the pants in my closet for over a year and haven't even worn them! I knew they would make a nice pair of leggings, but could I do it? Could I alter my pants?!
Here they are before. Oh, and can I mention that I had my husband take my picture for this, and it was kind of weird. I don't normally stand in front of a door and ask my man to take a picture of my legs.
I did some searching online and found a number of tutorials. It really is pretty easy, especially when working with a very forgiving fabric like a ponte knit. Basically, I put my pants on inside out and pinned the inside leg at the top where I wanted it to start tapering in. Then pinned at the bottom where I wanted it to be snug around my ankle. I then carefully took off the pants, paying special attention to not stick myself with the needles. Then I laid the pants flat on the floor and made sure they were super flat so as to not have any weird bumps, then pinned along my invisible line, below.
Next, whip out the sewing machine and do a straight stitch from the inner thigh all the way down to the ankle. After I did one leg I tried the pants back on to make sure I liked how they fit. I was pleased, so then I cut off the excess fabric and then did a zig zag stitch down the seam for extra hold and to make sure it doesn't fray too much. Not sure if it was absolutely necessary, but it was nice getting the extra practice. Then I folded the pants in half and pinned on the opposite leg, using the finished leg as a template. Tried the pants on again, was happy one more time, then finished the other leg with a zig zag stitch.
What can I say....Booya people! So. Much. Better. I can actually wear them now without feeling like I am wearing some kind of fancy sweat pants that don't really fit right and look like I should be wearing heels with them when really I feel like I should be wearing tennis shoes? Does that make sense? Anyway, they totally work now with my boots and I will be wearing them all fall/winter long, since they are nice and thick. Because that is one thing I hate, thin leggings. I really want to tell the ladies out there when their black leggings are getting too thin because you can actually see their leg skin through the material. I just don't think it's a good look ladies. Anyway, here they are all tucked into my fave boots (Frye's Melissa boot).
P.S. I made the scarf I am wearing in this photo last year. I'll put up a super basic tutorial soon.
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