Tessuti’s Anita Ponti Pants
Tessuti’s Anita Ponti Pants pattern was released last night and I’ve already made myself a wearable muslin even thought I’ve been out all day! Woo hooo…
Needless to say, this was a quick project. I downloaded the pattern last night, taped it together and traced it out before bed. I cut it out this morning before the food shop and it was sewed up between school pick-up and dinner, which included lots of interruptions from Miss A and Miss B.
Pattern – Tessuti’s Anita Ponti Pants
Size – An 8 through the legs and hips, but graded to a 10 in the waist (to accommodate my full tummy and thick waist)
Fabric – 1.1 metres of dark navy ponti (which looks black in the photos) which was purchased as a remnant late last year.
This projects has two firsts – I MADE MYSELF A PAIR OF PANTS and I sewed with ponti. I’m so pleased to have jumped that first pair of pants hurdle… I know these are simple, but you’ve got to start somewhere right?
The instructions for this pattern were great and easy to follow. What did I do differently?
- I opted to lift the cutting knife on my overlocker when attaching the elastic to the waist of the pants (personal preference)
- After breaking TWO twin needles when attempting to enclose the elastic to form a waistband (and this was when using the hand wheel to move the needle up and down!) I decided that my machine wasn’t enough of a work horse to manage a twin needle, thick ponti seams and the elastic. I therefore switched back to a single jersey needle and used a stretch stitch on my machine (the one that looks like a lightening bolt). It worked a treat and no-one will ever see it!
And the fit? I’m VERY impressed with the fit. There is probably a little excess fabric in the side seams (see a couple of wrinkles in the close up photos) on this make, but as Colette explains at the start of the pattern you will need to adjust your size depending on the thickness of the ponti. And we have to remember these are supposed to be pants and not leggings, so I’m going to call this a very wearable muslin. Hip hip hooray!
I’m off to make some more ponti pants…
Well actually not right now, I have some girls to get to bed, but these pants are so comfy and warm I can see I’ll want to wear them all Autumn and Winter. I’ve already purchased fabric for not one, but two more pairs!
Congratulations on your first ‘pants project’! Impressive and wearable!
Ta muchly. Feeling very pleased with myself… and hot as I’m still wearing the pants and it’s 29 degrees!
Summer is back isn’t it. Very hot here!
You were very quick off the mark with these! They look like a wonderful style, and you’ve made them up very nicely. I figure that they’re pretty much my Elle pants but in ponte – and you’ve just reminded me to try making the Elle in ponte for this winter! It’s great fabric to sew, isn’t it! I rather fancy a very wild pair…you too?!
Just checked which fabrics you bought – FANTASTIC! WOO HOO!
Yes, I’m going to be a little bit brave and step out of my comfort zone. The green rabbits are really thick, so I’m going to make them up the same as the wearable muslin and hopefully they’ll be wrinkle free. The zig zags are a finer ponti so I think a wider seam allowance will be in order. Now to get back to that bag…
Nice work on the pants. I think I’ll check this pattern out myself.
I think it’s well worth investing in. Let me know how you go.
Ooh, interesting! I have some ponte I was going to make into leggings, but I just wasn’t sure at all about it, so I may try out this pattern. So glad I found this post– perfect timing!
These pants are so comfortable. I finished them, put them on to take the photos and didn’t take them off until bedtime. I can highly recommend ponti pants/leggings and this pattern in particular.
Good to know! Thanks lady!
I was just looking at that pattern yesterday! Great to see them made up. I was concerned they would be more legging-like, but not so. Very impressed with your first pair of pants. I have yet to go down that path…though I do have some ponte, from Tessuti’s in fact…hmmmm.
If you are going to tackle your first pair of pants Anne, then this is the pattern for you! Come on, you can do it… 🙂
That was quick! Thanks for reviewing our Anita Ponti Pants Anna…they look great on you. They are comfy aren’t they?
So so comfy! It’s a great pattern Colette. I’m sure sewing enthusiasts from around the world will be going mad for it!
Oops ! I just shared your image on our Facebook page…pls let me know if that’s not ok. Should have asked first, then noticed your copyright details up the top. Sorry Anna.
No problems Colette. Asking in retrospect is fine too 🙂
Thanks Anna.
Great looking pants. Will have to check that pattern out…
Thanks Judy. I’m looking forward to some cooler weather (forecast for the end of this week) so I can wear them!
I really really like these! Nice work with the ponti- this looks super sharp!
Shucks…
Nice! The tunic is awesome too-did you sew that as well? That colour really pops on you.
Thanks Tj. The Anna Sui silk tunic was an online purchase. I have overcome my fear of sewing with silks yet!
You could trace it and re-make it in a similar fabric and work your way up to the ‘real stuff’!
Wow they look awesome on you! I love sewing with ponti, it’s stretchy but not temperamental like some jersey can be. I’m just tackling my first pants too, I am trying not to read too much into how hard they can be in case I chicken out!
LOL. I totally understand the chickening out thing. I’m pattern testing a bag pattern this Easter and last night I found myself making zippered welt pockets. Gosh, how did that happen? Sometimes it’s best not to know what you in are for so you can’t chicken out. My practice one was passable. Off to Spotty today for some more supplies (thread and zips ) so I can do the real deal. I look forwarding to seeing your pants when they are finished.
I am soo going to buy that pattern. I saw a similar one on Style Arc but it doesn’t get very good reviews so Tessuti is my leading contender. I love the fruit blouse as well btw!
It’s a great pattern Andrea. And the fruit blouse, you’ve reminded me it needs a trip to the dry cleaners!
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Hi Anna. I love the pants and think they look great on you. I have sewn with Ponti before and like it but was also wondering – do you think you could do them in a stretch denim for example or would there not be enough ease to pull them on? From your post details I would be very similar in size to you…… Marina 🙂
Hi Marina. These are a slim fit pant, so I’m very hesitant to say they would work in a stretch denim. My subsequent pairs will be made up in ponti. That being said, I definitely not an expert on these things. It might be worth sending a quick email to Colette at Tessuti (who designed and drafted the pattern) seeking her opinion. On a totally different subject… if you ever need any more pattern testers I’d love to give you a hand. I have two girls who love mummy made clothes. I hope that wasn’t too cheeky. Anna 🙂
Thanks for your reply Anna. I’ll get in touch with Colette and see what she thinks. I have a pair of slim pants in an indigo stretch denim and they look great with boots for winter. Was hoping to copy them by sewing myself another pair and thought that the pattern might work for that.
I’d love for you to test my patterns – thanks for volunteering! Am always looking for eager testers so will let you know as soon as I have another on the way……
Marina…..
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[…] out) Alterations: The sizing, as mentioned above. After the twin needles problems encountered last time I made these pants, I opted to use the the stretch stitch on my machine (the one that looks like a […]
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