Have I mentioned that I love me some Oliver + S Sailboat Pants? The chambray pair I made in April were as plain and simple as you could get, so I decided the next ones should be a little more exciting and a little less practical. There’s nothing practical about elephants all over your pants, that’s for sure.
This is the same fabric (Daiwabo Tip Top Elephants) I used for my nephew’s Toddler Backpack last year. I had a decent amount left, and I must have laid out these pattern pieces on my remaining fabric three separate times before overcoming the denial that they weren’t going to fit. But then I saw that Cool Cottons had restocked it, so I hurried in and got myself another yard. It’s a lightweight canvas and I’ve wanted to turn it in Sailboat pants ever since I laid eyes on these and these in the Oliver + S Flickr group.
I used piping again (like these), but this time I made my own using this piping tutorial. You can’t beat the convenience of packaged piping, but the color choices are really limited and seem to lean toward the bright and garish side. It was just a little piece, so not too much work.
I mostly like these pants, but I will say that the 3Ts seem a little baggy in the crotch. You’d think I might have noticed that when I made the last pair, but apparently it slipped my mind. Anyway, I think lengthening the 2Ts might have made for a better fit.
Also, the elephants were printed at a slight slope, so despite my best efforts to cut on the grain, I ended up with elephants that don’t match up across the front of the pants. Not so noticeable when she has them on…but that’s when you do notice the saggy crotch. Ah well. On to something else…
Those are such cute pants! I bet Lila loves them (who wouldn’t love elephants on their pants??) So I have that exact fabric and was contemplating making some class picnic shorts with it… so maybe not anymore. I see a continuing trend here! :) have you thought about shortening the rise on the crotch?
i’d love to see this fabric as class picnic shorts – do it do it!
lol. I showed this to c and she said “can you make me those? Can you make me everything she has?” see? trend.
ohhhh look at those elephant pants! we rock all sorts of elephant-themed clothing at our house, as you well know, so i consider these mighty practical. ;) that last photo of lila is super cute.
It’s so weird that you had a saggy crotch issue, because my only problem previously has been that the rise was too short and the pants would barely pull up enough to cover my daughter’s diaper. Every time she bent over most of her butt would be hanging out. But then when I made them again recently in a smaller size for my other daughter they worked out fine. What I ended up doing though was cinching in the front of the pants by moving the buttons out farther, and then more of the rise ended up going towards the back.
The elephant pants turned out really cute! The sailboat pants really are better with piping. I guess I have to force myself to tackle piping at some point. I’ve got my sailboat pattern out right now just waiting to be turned into something cute for summertime
those might be the MOST darling pants i have ever seen…. i love that style pants on kids and the elephants are so great!
Gail, those pants are darling! Don’t sell yourself short. I wish I had a pair.
Oh wow! I think I have that exact same fabric (or something very similar), but couldn’t decide what to make for my daughter out of it. I think they will now definitely be a pair of sailboat trousers! Love the green trim too! Gorgeous!
How can I not love anything with grey and green together? And then to add in the elephants . . . so adorable! You did a great job – the piping really makes the pants. I’ve not tried this pattern, but would it help to use a wider seam allowance when sewing the crotch part to “take it up” a bit?
Love the shirt with the tennies:)
Adorable pants! I love the use of piping on the Sailboat pants/skirt…it really is a great detail.
Cute pants indeed! but what I love the most is the colour combo you used. Even matching converse! amazing!!
I´ve had the same issue with the sagging front but only on one of my three children. I put it down to her being the slimmest.
Lovely sewing as always
María
Gail those are insanely adorable!! Love the length and as always your fabric choices are spot on! Am I allowed to say “spot on” if I’m not British?
Hopefully when she grows into them the saggy crotch issue will go away. For now though, they do look adorable. I love the elephants on them! And perfect use of piping!
I had the same problem with the size 3 in regards to the saggy crotch. It’s a moot point anyway cause s refuses to wear it . I read somewhere that elephants are the new owls, hehe.
adorable. love them.
Yes these are very cute! I have been hoarding my grey elephants for a special day:-) It will either be a back pack or pants next year for my son. I cant wait. I havent made this pattern yet but nervous about the sagging front area cause I have noticed others with the same issue.
it’s funny, the 2Ts didn’t sag at all. i wonder if it’s just a size 3 issue? i still love the pattern, don’t be scared off!
Even if they are saggy, they’re still adorable. Judging by the cut, I think they’ll make adorable capris next spring :)
Love, love, love – I have got to get me this pattern!
Divine with that green piping. I think the elephants are so gender neutral = multiple uses guaranteed, right? ;)
Heehee – these pants just make me smile! I love everything about them. Thanks for the note about the saggy crotch. It’ll be awhile before we get to size three, but I’ll keep it in mind.
oh, my those are cute! you are making me want to run right out and get that pattern!
These are adorable! The size 3T fits my (solidly 3T) little boy without bagginess (in fact, they show a bit of plumber crack), but he’s kind of a tank. Looking at these photos, I’m thinking your little girl is tall enough for 3T, but on the slender side, so a lengthened 2T might be just right! Or you could compare the rise on this pattern with a pattern that fits perfectly and adjust accordingly.
these look fabulous!!!
I love these pants! I get scared off by prints on fabric, but looking at these pants I have no idea why…they look great!! I’ve found some new inspiration, thanks!
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Oh, the piping is so cute! Did you just add it to the back of the finished front panel or did you somehow figure out how to get it in between the front panel and the facing?