How To Wear Velvet Pants Fall 2015!
9:00 AM
This is my 5th iteration of Vogue 9032. I can't get enough of this pattern. This time I made view C in this luxurious Tibetan Red Rayon Velvet from Mood Fabrics. Working with velvet can be extremely tricky. First, you MUST cut ALL of the pieces in the same direction (nap up). I like nap up because when you brush the pile on velvet up, the fabric looks darker and richer. When you brush it down, it looks lighter. I've only sewn velvet maybe once or twice. It it was for very simple designs, not a tailored garment
So I decided that this foray into velvet should be done on a pattern that I've pretty much perfected and can sew with my eyes closed. That reason being -- you can't rip stitches out! The fabric will end up looking shredded and tortured. And the best way to sew velvet is to take your time. Velvet is a misbehaving fabric and there is no amount of pins you can use that will keep velvet pieces from shifting. I hand-basted every single seam before sewing. Time consuming, but necessary.
I also used my teflon foot and Schmetz Microtex (Sharp) needles size 80/12H. And yes, I used fusible interfacing because I went to the best source and she said it was ok! And yes, I pressed my velvet using a terry cloth towel. Because I see it like this: All sorts of tailored velvet garments are made in fashion and somebody had to press those seams.
And I also made another version of Vogue 1465. I made this version in a Rag & Bone Cotton Ponte from Mood Fabrics. This is that "good" ponte that you probably would pick for pants or a body con dress.
I can't get enough of this top, it's a perfect fall layering piece.
I've been trying out more minimal jewelry instead of my usual statement pieces and through Rocksbox, I've gotten the chance to try out pieces I probably would not normally buy. My current set from them are these very delicate earrings -- which may be a little too delicated for my taste. I kept checking my ears all night to see if they were still there. The necklace is beautiful!
And the cage ring is probably my favorite piece and matches my bracelet perfectly.
Styling tip: When I was getting dressed, I knew that the temp would drop and I needed a jacket. Instead of keeping it simple with my velvet pants, I decided to mix another luxurious texture with my look: My Express sequin jacket! It was a casual evening look, so why not step it up and keep it opulent! And even for a daytime look, I'll just wear these with a sweater, as I would any other trouser.
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27 comments
Gorgeous outfit, Erica. Those velvet pants are such a statement.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lori. I want to wear them everyday because they're so comfortable!
DeleteYou are rockin' that velvet!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa!
DeleteVery nice - the colour is very rich looking! Simple and sophisticated look.
ReplyDeleteThanks Virginie!
DeleteIf you sew velvet often enough, a velvet press board is a good investment... http://www.steinlaufandstoller.com/workroom%20tools.htm
ReplyDeleteI need one! I love sewing toys! Thanks Mimi!
DeleteGorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cynthia!
Deletei love the overall look in particular the accessories (the ring and the bracelet) and your hair.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nylse!
DeleteLove this look!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheri!
DeleteOh I love these! Thank you for putting velvet back on my radar. You reminded me of a green long sleeve winter dress that I've been dreaming of for a few years now. This might be the year ;-). How do you wash velvet? I'm guessing it's dry clean only?
ReplyDeleteDry cleaning. Thanks Debbie!
DeleteI can't agree more about the trickiness of velvet. I made a simple dress last year and the armhole binding nearly did me in, even with hand basting. I go back and forth about the direction of the nap.... my first dress was nap down and my last one was nap up. I would have sworn your pants are nap down because they are so shiny! Anyway, they look fantastic and the color of the foliage in the background is a great compliment so kudos on the setting!
ReplyDeleteSometimes settings are truly serendipitous! Thanks Grace!
DeleteBeautiful! Thank you for the tips on sewing with velvet.
ReplyDeleteThanks K!
DeleteBeautiful! The color of the pants looks so rich - look so luxe. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tomasa!
DeleteGreat pair of pants. Velvet is such a pretty fabric.
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea!
DeleteI would have never thought to style it the way you did. I just love the color + texture combos and how you anchor it in black! Hmm, my accessories need a refresh, I may try Rocksbox, too!
ReplyDeleteThat's my version of "dressy casual"! Thanks Eryn!
DeleteLove these pants!!!
ReplyDelete