This make was taken to California a couple of months ago, but I still hadn’t got round to blogging about it. I suppose, it was a bit of a rushed make that only just got included in my suitcase, but I haven’t got many hot weather clothes and I wanted to pack another pair of “trousers”.
I found this pattern, Butterick 6720 on Etsy. There are quite a series of these; they’re called “Wrap and Go” by Butterick, although the other pattern companies have done similar designs. I really wanted to try one of these seventies wrap patterns and was inspired by this version by Kelly at Seam Racer. This Wrap and Go pattern comes either as shorts or maxi length.
The weirdest thing about the pattern envelope is that includes instructions on how to wear the item! I did my own version of this, as I actually prefer wearing them back to front so that the elasticated waist joins at the front. I think this makes more sense, as this way, both closures are at the front and easier to manage.
I found a light-weight viscose for this pattern with a border print from Fabric Land. Obviously, the pattern is a complete fabric hog, so I decided to go for something relatively cheap. That said, I do like the colour combination on this fabric. Cutting out was a pain as you need a lot of space too.
The sewing is simple and not very exciting; mostly just a load of hems and a casing for the elastic. However, being a seventies pattern, the hem is hand-sewn, which takes a long time. In fact I gave up on the last bit of the hemming as I was running out of time and took my trousers as they were on holiday. It wasn’t exactly a problem, but I think they were a little too long, so I’ve had to adjust the hem since I’ve got back.
Do I like these trousers? I think I’m still unsure. They are quite voluminous and most of my clothes are not. It may take time to get used to this. But this isn’t my main problem with my make. I haven’t found the ideal top to go with them at all. A tight top would look best to balance out the volume in the silhouette. As Naomi of Spare Room Style pointed out, when she saw this photo on Instagram, this top would look much better tucked in.
So here it is tucked in, and you can see my dilemma. My lack of waist! This combination of top and trousers is just not flattering.
Anyway, I decided to try out my Wrap and Go trousers with a variety of different tops, to see if I could improve the look.
…..actually pretty awful…..you can see every bulge…..so, no!
Wrap and Go Pant Skirt with light blue t-shirt – not a flattering t-shirt
….this one is black so not an ideal colour with the trousers, but does the silhouette work better now?
Any better with this style of top?
…and here’s a woven top (again try to ignore strange combination of colours), does this work? I chose to include a belt too. Does this help me achieve waist definition?
With a woven top and belt
…and here’s a make-shift bandeau top. So, I’m now bravely modelling as per the pattern envelope. Too much belly on display and it would only be possible for the beach. But does it work? There’s enough left-over fabric to make this up properly.
With a make-shirt bandeau top
In short, I don’t think I have nailed wearing this garment at all and any suggestions would be appreciated. Does anyone know of a top pattern that would work well with this pair of trousers? Bearing in mind that I need it to flatter in the waist department.
And what colour should this top be? Any ideas here? Would a t-shirt be best or could a woven top work too? There are so many different colours in this fabric, that any of these colours may work – moss green, dark blue, terracotta?
Of course, now that I’ve actually make something for the summer, the summer has stubbornly refused to arrive! I’ve only worn this once here in the UK, but apparently, this week is going to be hot……
Steely Seamstress 
June 24, 2019 at 8:23 pm
I’m a similar shape [but fatter lol] so I feel your pain. I so want to wear voluminous trousers but it’s a minefield with the usual outcome of looking like a refugee or bag of laundry. The best tops I find to go with voluminous bottoms are rather tight fitting hip length t shirts, plenty of lycra. Yes they show belly bulge, but not as much as you think, and they correct proportions fairly well. Heels also help but obvs can ruin the relaxed summer vibe! I like the black wrap best
June 24, 2019 at 8:42 pm
Lol, I had visions of this svelte version of myself, looking effortlessly stylish in this pair of trousers, but the reality is…..sack of potatoes! Thanks for the opinion on the wrap top, this is a good belly-hider of a top, perhaps a different coloured version of this would work, short sleeves too.
June 25, 2019 at 7:58 am
I’ve found that belly hiding is a lost cause- the key [to my surprise] seems to be close fit on bust [and below bust] this gives a shape illusion
June 25, 2019 at 6:05 pm
It’s all about the illusion – I agree!
June 25, 2019 at 10:50 am
I bet they feel divine swishing around! I love the green top, black and the bandeau with them. I
hope you find a top that you like wearing with them as I think they are awesome!
June 25, 2019 at 6:07 pm
I too love the “swishiness” I think you’re right that green is a good colour with them. I knew people would like the bandeau with them, but I wouldn’t step outside the front door like that – feels way too exposed. The photos incidentally were taken outside the back door!
June 25, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Love that border print. I actually like the green sleeveless top, picks up the colour in the trousers and the black top as I think black goes with anything. I like them with top tucked in but I guess it’s how you feel. They look perfect for the hot weather if it ever arrives!
June 28, 2019 at 5:23 pm
Yes, I love border prints though you have to snap them up when you find them as they aren’t that common. I’ve spent so long trying to disguise the belly that I just don’t have many tops that look good tucked in. Perhaps I need to widen my wardrobe in this regard. I suppose it is good to be challenged.
June 26, 2019 at 2:41 am
I like the first greenish top and the black one. I think I’d want to be a bit dressy on the top and then voluminous on the bottom. A lady I work with tried to explain how she made herself some of these, without a pattern. I couldn’t figure out what she was talking about. It took me about 10 or 15 minutes! 😂😂😂
June 28, 2019 at 5:20 pm
Yes, glad I got the pattern although it should be simple to make your own pattern. I agree the green is good as far as colour goes and the black top has the right silhouette. Dressy on top – do you mean like a bodice?
June 28, 2019 at 7:22 pm
Yes like the bodice. I like it when the bodice has some shape or fit to it if the skirt or trousers don’t have shape and flow more. 😁
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