We had a short bout (now over) of beautiful summer weather, during which I learned two things: Oscar is low on warm weather clothes, and he looks awfully cute in his sister’s old elephant pants.
Sailboat pants appear to be the only usable hand-me-down among the our stacks of outgrown handmade clothes – he’s now worn the elephants and these (from 2011!), and since it’s Kids Clothes Week and all, I thought it might be nice for him to have a pair of his very own.
The striped chambray (from Kaufman House of Denim) had been earmarked for several different projects, but I decided to just use it already – it’s neutral and plain, which is normally how I like my Sailboat pants. I did turn the stripes sideways for the side panels though, to keep things interesting. And anchor buttons, because obviously.
It’s been almost three years since I’ve sewn a pair of these, and I had forgotten how much I love this pattern – the construction is smart and simple, and they’re surprisingly quick to sew. There are some nice little details, too, like the side vents and the button panel, and they’re easy to get on and off with the elasticized back waistband. Plus: cute. And unisex! When people ask which Oliver + S pattern to start with, I usually recommend this one.
I will mention though – I made a size 3, and the placement dots for the bottom buttons seemed way off to me (which I think I faintly remember from last time) – my advice would be to make your buttonholes (as marked), then stick a pin through the hole to mark where you want to sew on your buttons. And if you happen to have a paper copy of the pattern, check the errata on the website – there are a few (fairly obvious) little things that need correction.
Anyway, that wraps up my first days of KCW. The theme this time around is Wild Things, and while there’s certainly nothing wild about these pants, I’m hoping to sew another warm weather item for Oscar that might fit with the theme a little better. We shall see. Happy sewing!
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I love these pants ! Your son is so cute !
Oh I love them. I never made P a pair of these when he was little and now I wish I had! So very cute!
These are so smart:) Oscar looks very cute in them!
There may not be anything wild about the pants, but I am wild about them! What fun pants. Thanks for the pattern recommendation. Knowing that they come together easily I would love to give them a try. I like the effect you got by changing the direction of the stripes for the side panels.
Love them! They are perfect on him. The buttons are so great, too. You always nail the details, Gail. And those elephant pants! <3<3<3
Oscar looks so happy in his new trousers, and so cute in them! I really quite fancy this pattern & may have to invest next payday.
Oh my word, the kid is adorable! He looks so much like Lila, but still his own person. I love those pants and never got around to making them when my granddaughter was little. How do you think they’d be on a tall skinny 5 year old?
thanks, Angela! i think they’d be adorable on an older kid – Lila pretty much quit wearing pants, otherwise i would’ve kept making them for her, too!
I really love these. Classic in stripes with the anchor buttons. I have made a few pairs for my girls and I want to make one for my son, but I have never had much luck getting them to fit over cloth diapers!
Oh, these/he are so cute! I just love it. If Hawthorne weren’t swimming in handmedowns at the moment, I’d have to make a pair
good lord I love KCW – so much eye candy going on this round, and this is one of those eye candies! i love these stripey sailboats, and totally agree about that pattern. it’s one of the greats.
oscar is such a cutie!!!
Love these! The stripes are great! I’ve made this pattern before and had trouble with the back rise being low – have you experienced that at all? I love the design but hesitate to make them again because I’m not sure if it will happen again.
thanks Sarah! the rise seems fine on this pair, but i do remember having that problem when i made them for Lila, and i’ve definitely heard others say the same thing. i think people have been able to add length to the rise for a better fit, you could try that!
Love these pants!! I may have to break my pattern buying moratorium (again!) to buy this one. Sooo cute.
Ooh…lovely. I love this pattern too, and have the smaller size. I love how Oscar looks in them and the stripes fabric is perfect.
You know, the sailor pants are one of the first things I saw you make. This started my love affair with your blog & Oliver & S patterns. So, thanks! (l’ve made them twice & the skirt once, I fee another one coming on soon, just reading this post (; )
Perfect sailboat pants! Love it! I think a pair of denim sailboats pants may be our only hand me down so far. Wish I’d made a few more the first time around!