Thursday, January 26, 2012

Completed Project: 1970s Betsey Johnson High Waist Pants

When I moved back to North Carolina almost 9 months ago, I unintentionally lost a lot of weight due to stress and other factors. I found that all of the pants and trousers that I'd put so much time into making no longer fit, which left me without a few essential wardrobe basics. So now, along with looking for thrifted vintage pieces, I'm trying to sew and build up my wardrobe again (with a 1970s slant, of course)! I used Butterick #3846 (a "Young Designer" pattern by Betsey Johnson) to make this pair of simple high waist pants:



Do forgive the dark and pixelated photos! I am well in need of a new camera (and some natural sunlight)!


I omitted quite a few details from the original design and opted to keep these pants extremely basic. I thought the extreme high waist fit and wide legs made enough of a statement. The original pattern design included huge patch pockets over the hips, round applique patches at the knees and a detachable bib.


I wore these out to lunch today and received a few nice compliments. The fabric that I used is a lightly slubbed medium weight denim-look cotton that I purchased with a huge lot of patterns at a local sale. I thought this type of fabric would be perfect for the transition from winter to spring - not too heavy or too light. The pants have a front zipper, wider than usual waistband and button closure.


I will definitely be wearing these often and I'm so glad to have a basic pair of high waist pants in my wardrobe again!

TOTAL PROJECT COST:
Fabric - approximately $1.00
Zipper - approximately $2.00
Pattern - $6.49 from Granni Gert's Attic @ Etsy
____________
$9.49

7 comments:

  1. Wow, those look so great! I was a teenager in the 70's so of course I am very fond of the styles and these are authentic without being too dated...you did a great job!

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  2. Thanks so much! I was born during the latter part of the 1970s and grew up admiring the styles my mom wore during the early 1970s!

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  3. I love those Betsey Johnson pants...but I want that DEVO t-shirt!:)

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    1. Got that shirt 1/2 off from here:

      http://store.clubdevo.com/store/product/dance-party-juniors-t-shirt

      Looks like it's still half off, too!

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  4. Welcome back! I've missed the fellow 70s enthusiasm from your blog! Those are some great pants.

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    1. Thank you, Lisette! I unfortunately had to take an extended break from sewing, and I'm still struggling to find the time. I did finish a pair of shorts and a modified version of the Colette Sorbetto tank tank recently. I've always enjoyed your blog and the mutual 1970s admiration as well, by the way!

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    2. Glad to see high waisted are back I do wear them from time to time

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