How are you all doing? I hope you all are having a wonderful Easter. It's finally April, my birthday month! I can't believe I will be turning a quarter of a century in just 10 days. I came home this weekend cos I needed a moment to de-stress from school. Therefore, spending time with my sewing machine was essential. I decided to get started on my spring/summer DIY makes with this pair of pants that would easily transition from the spring to summer season.

 On another note, this is my first post under this new blog name and website. I explained the reason I decided to rebrand on my Instagram stories. I created "Rallydfashionfanatic" when I was just a college student, I am no longer that college student and I have grown as a person and it was time to have a brand that represents me as an individual. Hence the name change: Raliat Oyinlola (just my first and middle name). I plan on still keeping the contents of the blog the same with my personal style and DIY sewing makes but I will be also sharing more personal side of me on this new space. This past year especially has just been such a crucial one for my growth as a person and a woman. I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you all.

 Now back to this DIY pants, I decided to join @thatssewmonica monthly "Sew Your View" challenge for March. The pattern selected was one from McCalls's pre-spring collection. A pleated waist or paper bag waist pants that is so on trend for the current season. Yellow is one of my favorite colors and I realized that I did not have any pair of pants in the color. So I took this opportunity as a chance to make one for myself.

 For the pants, I made McCalls 7726 view B using this stretch cotton twill fabric HERE (sold-out, similar HERE. I cut a size 12 based on my finished garments measurements and it fits me perfectly. I would not consider this pattern easy to make because there is a lot that goes into making the pleated waist detail. You have to make sure to transfer all your markings as well as do things like the basting stitches to ensure the pleats are constructed perfectly. I made this pants in one seating with a little nap right in front of my sewing machine...lol. I would say it took about 6-8 hours not including the cutting time which BTW was a bit tedious with all the markings you had to transfer onto the fabric.

I used Brittany's sew with me video HERE as well as the pattern instructions for my construction. The only modification I made was taper the side seams by an inch. I personally do not like baggy/wide leg pants because it does nothing to my petite frame. I prefer pants that elongate my short legs so that's why I tapered it. I also added a sash from the other view C.

Overall, I am absolutely in love with the way the pants turned out. It is definitely a well drafted pattern and I don't say that a lot about pants patterns. Most pants patterns are not very curvy body shape friendly so I give props to McCalls for this gem. It is going into my TNT (Tried n True) pattern stash. I plan on making a purple pair as well as a shorts version for summer. 

Thank you so much for stopping by and have a blessed week!