Pedal pushers

What do the kids call short pants these days? :)  I've always wanted a pair of white capris, but with two kids who routinely use the clothing on my lower half as their personal napkin, it's not super practical.  However, with a 40% discount at the fabric store and a tested pattern, it isn't such a big deal if they get ruined (okay, it would be a big deal, but at least I could make them again!)  


The main inspiration for this pattern were these buttons.  Vintage and super cute, they are a coral red with a white ring around.

I had visions of adorable sailor-style pants, but I only had 3 buttons. Instead, I settled on a side button style using the previous pant pattern (here and here) for the pieces, changing it up a bunch.  First, the front zip fly was omitted entirely--just seamed up the front.  I added an underlap for the buttons and changed the 4-piece waistband to be just 2 pieces, with the opening on the side.  I also narrowed the width of the legs to make them more close fitting.

The fabric is doesn't-stretch-in-the-least denim, and it behaved way differently than the stretch cotton I'd used before for this pattern. So, despite having thoroughly modified the fit originally, I had to do some additional alterations, particularly in the waist area.  Maybe stay stitching would have helped, but I'm lazy and usually skip this step :)

The final product fits well, but I definitely prefer the comfort of stretch fabric.  Sheesh, am I on the road to fully elasticized-waist poly pants?

I love the white for the summer and making your own well-fitting pants is so liberating!