Pattern Description: Simplicity 9647. Trouser pants come in two lengths or shorts. All views have front fly and slash pockets. Views A and B have wide cuffs; View C is finished with an invisible hem. View D is shorts.

Pattern Sizing: 6-22. I made View C (the cropped length) and added 2 inches to the hem to make them full-length on me. I sewed a size 10.

Were the instructions easy to follow? They were fine except for the welt pockets.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

The welt pocket instructions were terrible. I never get good results with Big 4 welt pockets. I did not like how they wanted you to stitch a rectangle on the pants and then cut it open. Every time I've done a successful welt pocket, I've sewn the welts to the pants first and then cut it open. it was very hard to get into the corners and my pockets have rounded corners and are generally wonky.

I also ended up having to slip stitch the pockets closed entirely b/c my pocket lining showed through when the pants were being worn.

Fabric Used: Minerva Core Range Heavy 100% Cotton Drill Fabric Bottle Green

This is a really nice cotton fabric. Quite stable and easy to sew and doesn't fray that easily. I think it will wash and wear well. It is wrinkle prone but that is to be expected with this fabric type.

Changes/alterations: I blended to a size 14 at the inner thigh and tapered back to a 10 around the mid-thigh. I also took 3/8" seam allowances at the waist and upper pants and tapered back to 5/8" SA around mid-hip. I was in between a 10 and a 12 at the waist so this is how I made it a bit bigger. I also added a little leg length at the View C cut line but I only had room for a 1 1/4" hem. next time i think i'd add an additional inch so i can take a deeper hem.

Would you sew it again? I will definitely sew it again. I really like this style of wide leg pant with a flat front. Just next time I will do a different back pocket treatment.

Conclusion: I love a good basic trouser and this style definitely fits the bill. you can wear it dressy or more casual and I will be able to wear this pair year round. The color is fantastic and I'm looking forward to incorporating it into my wardrobe.

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