Style Arc Barb Stretch Pants for the Win, Win, Win!

I've probably made about a dozen Jalie Eleonore pull-on jeans for my daughter, Mehetabel, but not too many other pants, and it was past time to remedy that!  Thanks to sales at various fabric stores, I've purchased a number of patterns in different styles: classic tailored trousers, slim side-zipped pants, elastic-waist pants, zippered wide-leg pants-- well, you get the idea.  Then I saw Style Arc's Barb Stretch Pant and thought I'd give that a try even though it meant taping together a PDF pattern (the things I do for my loved ones. Heh).  Although, if I'm going to deal with a PDF pattern, this was a great one because I was able to print just the size I wanted and it didn't have too many pieces.

All this took place in the happy-go-lucky pre-COVID 19 times when one could lark about with other people. Sniff. I was so busy socializing, I just didn't get around to taking pictures or publishing this post until now. But no more socializing for me. Not anymore! I'm staying home; it has been thus for many a week (I'm having a hard time remembering how long it's been!). I only see the members of my quaranteam (Mehetabel, Aloysius, and Carmelita).  Maybe someday that'll change. She said wistfully. 

Oh, enough of that! Back to sewing. I love that the Barb pattern makes a slim but not skinny leg--very work-appropriate for Mehetabel teaching university classes. I compared the crotch and leg of the Eleonore with the Barb and added 1/2" in length above the hips, and another 1-1/2" in length to the legs of the size 12.

I like the refined ponte from Joann, and I've used it to make myself many pants (unblogged).  I have quite a few colors in my fabric closet (who am I kidding?!--like I have just one fabric closet!), and I decided to try one of them with the Barb pattern.  Just a note: I will make Mehetabel some woven, zippered pants, but I thought I'd start with something that--if it's the right size--will be comfortable as well as appropriate for her professional life.  Also, Mehetabel, like me, is into comfortable clothing. Knit and elastic forever!

I had a scant 1-1/2 yard piece of navy ponte from my stash of refined ponte knits which was perfect for what I hoped would be a wearable muslin.

I had a number of problems with construction, but none due to the fabric or pattern!  I was going to use my Pfaff 3.5 to sew the pants but I needed to change the needle to a stretch needle.  I couldn't get the old needle out!  I don't think that's ever happened to me before.  Gah!  I finally found my hemostats and was able to dislodge the stubborn needle.  But, before I was able to fix the needle, I decided to use my Babylock machine instead.  I tested the stretch stitch on a swatch of my fashion fabric and kept getting haystacks on the bottom.  Gah, again!  I fussed with the machine, rethreaded everything, turned it on and off, used a different bobbin, changed the tension, and it remained the same.  The machine was fine with a straight stitch, but I didn't want that!  So, off I went to hunt for my hemostats.  Those hemostats saved the day, because they allowed me to really grip the Pfaff's stuck needle.  This process took hours.  Hours!  And the Babylock was sent to time-out.

Today's project will be to fuss more with the Babylock.  If I were a cursing woman... Oh, wait. I'm afraid I am.

So, eventually, I stitched the pants on the Pfaff, trimmed and finished all seams on the serger (which was very well-behaved, thank you very much).  I pressed up the suggested hem, but didn't finish it as the pants were awaiting their person for a try-on.

Anywho, Mehetabel stopped by a neighborhood crafting meeting I was attending (more socializing!) to try on the pants and determine the hem length. They fit very well! After that, it took no time to hand-stitch the hems.

Mehetabel really likes the pants and says they're super comfortable.  Huzzah!  I quickly made a second pair in gray, and now I'd like to try the pattern out on a stretch woven.  Even though these have an elasticized waistband, they look suitable for the classroom or office (although, for the last 10 -1/2 weeks, she's been teaching via the internet and Zoom-like calls where only her top half is seen).  I think I'll make a pair for myself.  Win, win, win!

This pattern qualifies for my personal challenges: My Pattern Challenge and Conference Capsule. In these photos, Mehetabel is wearing her New Look 6150 shell (blogged here) along with a ready-to-wear cardigan.