slow fashion october :: 02 :: nehalem

My personal style has always tended toward the quirky and different (these are some of my favorite real life outfits)... mixed in with some basics. When it comes to choosing patterns, both sewing and knitting, I have the most visceral reactions to the ones that look more like art than wear-everyday pieces. Since I try to have only very wearable pieces in my edited closet, it's important that the pieces I actually choose to make be comfortable + eminently wearable, yet still have some interest. I don't always strike this balance just right, but I try.  :)

In addition to jeans and t-shirts, I've been gravitating toward high waisted pants, jumpsuits and oversized shirtdresses recently. When I saw Sew House Seven's Nehalem pants, I knew I wanted to try them. I like the sculptural quality of the wrap front + tie. I like how they look worn with the waistband standing up instead of folded over (so I'd be getting my high waisted pants). They look very comfortable with their wide legs and adjustable waist. Getting the fit of pants just right can be a little tricky sometimes, but these looked like they might avoid a lot of fit issues by design. ​

So, I ordered the pattern and decided to used some almost black lyocell that I'd bought just because it has a weight and a drape that I don't usually find in the fabric store. It is just dreamy. I don't usually buy fabric without a project in mind, because I don't want a stash full of pieces that never gets used. This time, however, I just knew I had to grab some, and it turned out to be the perfect amount for this project. I made my Nehalems slightly cropped, but not quite as cropped as the pattern does. I made no other alterations except to omit the topstitching, since I didn't want the seams to be stiff... and I added a few tiny belt loops to keep the tie in place.

Sorry for the awkward view in this picture...and for the wrinkles. I've been wearing them. :)

I made Nehalem pants, and I think I love them.

Pattern: Nehalem Pants by Sew House Seven
Fabric: almost black Lyocell

Love,
Jane

​P.S. Read more about Slow Fashion October here or follow along here.