Merry Halloweenmas! December Burda Early Preview Posted

Though I expect most of you (or at least some of you) are out having Halloween fun tonight, those of us that find ourselves bored and lonely on All Hallow's Eve can turn outr attention to the next major sewing holiday - Christmas.  And Burda is ready to help us do just that, with the early preview of the December issue!

Though, actually, looking through these pictures it seems like it is going to be a rather bleak and depressing holiday season...

Most depressing holiday colors ever...

It seems like black and white is a theme for this issue...

It took my brain several tries to decompress what she was wearing.
You can wear a big shirt or a long skirt or a blanket or that hat or those boots.
But not all at the same time.  Pick ONE.

Wait - is this a vest with the sleeves built in?
I have to admit I am a little horrified.
I think that is the Tim Gunn influence right there.

I suppose I can't be too snarky about the pastel colors - apparently it is totally a thing right now.  Today I walked by a street fair type thing on my way to the library and all the clothing vendors were stuffed with pale frilly pastel things.  Part of me ponders if this is an overreaction to the bold neon colors that were "in" at the beginning of this year, and part of me doesn't really care.  I don't look good in neons or in pastels, so it won't really affect my sewing plans at all.  Of course, it could mean some very boring Burda pictures for the next few months.  *Sigh*  (Also: random tangent - the library has moving bookshelves now, I so totally though I was going to get smooshed while hopelessly looking for things on the top shelf that I couldn't see because the aisles are so narrow now it is physically impossible to crane one's head at an appropriate angle so as to be able to read the spines.  Luckily I escaped.  With books.  We should all rejoice.)

On the positive side, I thought this dress was fabulous:

Pretty!
Knowing my luck it will be a petit size.

And, since I know some people were talking about having boucle dresses in the works, I actually find this pattern somewhat timely:

I sort of like this, but I want to see the line drawing.
I am *thinking* it might be the vintage pattern for the month.

I have to admit, I am (once again) totally jealous of the Burda Plus patterns:

Can you say VaVaVoom?  I needs me some of that.

This is normally not my style, and yet I think she looks fabulous.

Could it be?  Yes, I think it is - it's color!  Mine eyes are blinded!

Yeah, overall this preview is kinda depressing.  I mean, you know it is bad if I am showing you this:

Heck, I am even jealous of the kid patterns this time around.

Overall... I am not impressed.  Like, even more not impressed than I was with November not impressed.  November had a few good patterns to redeem itself...  I can't say for sure yet, but based on this it seems like December may not.  Perhaps we will be lucky and get a few more fabulous party gowns?  Or maybe Burda is just going to give us lumps of coal for the holiday.  Or at least imply we should dress like one.

October Sewing Aquisitions

I was trying to be good this month... but coupons and sales got the best of me.  A lot of this has been used already or will be used in an upcoming project though... so maybe it is justified?  A little bit?  Somewhat?

Either way, fabric goodness from Joann and Hancock:

Poly charmeuse prints and yellow cotton jacquard.

My splurge - a metallic snake print mico suede.  I think I know what this is going to be...

Grey PRL for pants and happy poly print (destined to be a blouse)

Shirtings - the ones in the back were $2/yard and were for muslins for my never-ending shirt project.
The plaid was just pretty....

Faux leather suedecloth and brown poly lining

From Fabric Mart: Lots of $1/yd linings and a poly charmeuse that was too pretty to pass up.

Pattern Review: Butterick 5685

Firstly, let me extend my good thoughts to people dealing with hurricane conditions - I hope you (and your sewing rooms and skating rinks) all make it through the storm mostly unscathed.  I will be thinking and hoping for things to turn out ok.

Ok, now for the real post:

Since I finally decided to push back my efforts for creating the perfect button-down shirt, I felt totally free to go ahead and work on other things.  Other things like coats and jackets.  Yes, we all know I love me a good coat pattern, and after what feels like perpetual failings at making a wearable shirt, I am happy to announce that my most recent project - Butterick 5685 - is a total success!

Butterick 5685 - I made view A, the short yellow one.

I had really liked this pattern ever since it came out last year, and after seeing several successful versions on Pattern Review I knew I had to make it.  I even had stash fabric that I had bought specifically for this pattern!  I had only enough fabric to make the shortest version of this pattern, but I think that is ok - the shorter length is probably a bit more versatile, especially in the land of no winter, though I do think the longer length coats would probably be a bit more elegant.  Actually, I really like all the possible length variations in this pattern.

Even better this pattern was super easy to put together (well, once I ignored this instructions completely), and the fit was pretty good right out of the pattern.  I did have to alter the back a tiny bit (taking in the seams to accomodate swaybackedness), but other than that it was a good fit out of the envelope.  I was very careful in all of my seam matching, and I am very pleased with my craftsmanship in the final product.  The only thing I am not sure about - the button placement.  I moved them due to my large-ish button size, but I think I may have placed them too close together on the front of the jacket.  Oh well.  It is still useable and I am happy with it overall, so that is only a minor complaint.

And this is another project that is going to count for my Sewing Challenge!  At the beginning of the year I decided to add a wool coat to my project list, just because I have so many coatings in my stash and I knew it would be silly to not include one in my project list, at least for stash-busting purposes.  Additionally, this is my first new Butterick pattern this year, so it also counts towards my sub-challenge of using as many different pattern brands as possible!  Currently the only two pattern companies I haven't used are McCall's (though I think my effort with the button-down shirt counts on that front) and Knipmode (and end-of-the-year-craziness leaves me less than excited about trying to decipher foreign sewing terms), so I don't know if I will be reaching the pattern usage goal.  But, I got really really close.  And I think I can live with that.  Either way, this is still another challenge item done!  Which means I am technically *on track* to get 12 items done by the end of the year.  Huh.  I guess I hadn't figured on finishing this jacket so quickly.  Though, I must admit, I did do some crazy 5am sewing on this one.  Insomnia kicked in and I figured if I was lying in bed thinking about hemming the jacket, I might as well go ahead and actually do it.

My new jacket!

The back!  I am super proud of my seam matching.
Also, the fit!  I am really pleased with the fit on the back.

Check out my set in sleeves - no puckers!

Buttons, close up.  I think I placed them a bit too close together.

A look at the inside lining, and reinforcement buttons.

A better look at the lining.  I love this print - it reminds me of blood platelets, but it looks so happy!

Although the construction of the coat was quite straightforward (once you ignore the actual instructions), it wasn't without a few hiccups.  Firstly, I *almost* sewed the back side pieces onto the center front pieces.  This should give you an indication of how crazy my swayback is.  Yes, I almost mistook the back for my boobs!  Luckily I was frustrated with the bottom panels not lining up properly before I actually sewed these together and averted my mistake.  Hooray for my extra curvy booty?

Also, in the middle of sewing the collar together I broke the foot pedal for my sewing machine!  I was sewing along when something went *pop* then I couldn't get the machine to stop sewing.  So I quickly turned off the power to make it stop.  When I turned it back on pressing on the foot pedal did nothing.  So I picked it up to inspect and I heard a lot of rattling noises.  Not good.  However, since I recently got a new sewing machine I actually had a brand new spare foot pedal within arms reach.  I had just been using the old one all this time (since it was the exact same model for both machines).  Plugged the new one in and back to sewing with only a minimal hiccup.

And, for your enjoyment, I present a hilarious conversation with my mother in the middle of the construction process:

MOM: Wait, this is a jacket?

ME: Yes.

MOM: I thought you were talking about that new Burda trench coat the other day?

Me: Yes.

MOM: So, wait, after this you are making another jacket?

ME: Yes.

MOM: How many jackets do you need?

ME: Oh, I dunno.  A few more.  Well, maybe more than a few.  Maybe my next 5 or 6 projects?  Hmmm...  Maybe more than that.  I don't know, I have a lot planned.  And, well, they are just so good for using up fabrics in the stash, you know?

MOM: *Blink* *Blink*  You know it is going to be like 95 today, right?

ME: I know!  It's like I am finally planning ahead or something.

So, umm, yeah.  Anywhere else and I could be seriously needing to wear this jacket on a daily basis.  Here... not so much.  Rather than blaming my poor weather prediction skills, I am just going to pretend like I am actually planning ahead so I can wear this when the weather finally turns cool.  And then, when it does, maybe I can make some nice lightweight jackets to, you know, plan ahead for spring and summer.  Or something.  Yeah, ok, ok, in reality I just lack the ability to make a seasonally appropriate wardrobe.  Such is life.

Anyway, here is my official pattern review:

Pattern Description: Coat with draped collar, side seam pockets, and three length options.

Pattern Sizing: Butterick sizes (8-10-12-14-16) and (16-18-20-22).  This pattern also comes with A/B, C, D cup sizing.  I made a size 12 grading out to a 14 at the hip (on the back panels only) with the C cup sizing.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions are terrible - do not use them.  First of all, the instructions for finding your cup size are ONLY in French and ONLY in centimeters.  Basically the way to find it is by measuring your upper and full busts, then finding the difference.  1" = A cup, 2" = B cup, 3" = C cup, 4" = D cup.  Their construction order is non-sensical and painfully time-consuming.  I glanced through them to pick up useful tidbits (like the pocket seams are supposed to be 1/4"), but largely ignored them.  My construction order went something like this: (1) Sew all bodice pieces to corresponding bottom piece. (2) Attach pocket bags. (3) Sew coat sections together to former outer shell and inner lining.  (4) Set in sleeves for lining and shell, attach shoulder pads to the shell.  (5) Sew collar to under collar and attach to outer shell.  (6) Attach lining to shell.  (7) Make buttonholes, attach buttons, and hem everything by hand.  The pattern says you should make the top seperate from the bottom, then attach them - I tried this in the muslin and I could not get the seams to line up at all.  If you sew the top and bottom sections first it is much easier to get the seams to match (I was so happy with the seam matching in my final version I thought I might cry).  I think this is actually a very easy coat to put together (due to minimal details and easy collar shape), so I think it would be good for first-time coat project, but only if one was going to use supplemental instructions if they were unfamiliar with coat construction.

Did it look like the photo/drawing when you were done with it?  Yes, it looks very much like the photo and the drawing!  My fit might even be better than the model - at least my sleeves are long enough (I know, I know, they were also trying to sell you the gloves, but that is beside the point).

What did you particularly like/dislike about this pattern?  Likes: I love the style of this coat, I love all of the length options, and I love that it was actually very easy to put together.  The fit was actually quite good out of the envelope (especially with the cup sizing on the patterns) so that was nice as well.  Dislikes: The instructions are terrible, they make an easy coat pattern into a difficult project.  I also had a problem with the pocket bags being too long for view A - I had to fold them up and they make the front of the jacket a bit more bulky than it needs to be.  This wouldn't be a problem in the view B or C lengths, just the short view A length.  Also, I am not such a fan of side seam pockets - I like them located a little more to the front so I can shove my hands in them more comfortably.  But, well, better pockets than no pockets, so I suppose I can't complain too much.

Fabric used:  Shetland wool from Fabric Mart for the outer shell, poly charmeuse from Joann fabrics for the lining, cotton flannel for interlining, and various weights of fusible interfacing and muslin for structural purposes.  (On a not so random tangent - here are my thoughts on the Shetland wool fabric: I bought this because I loved all the color options, and I was excited when Fabric Mart had a sale.  The wool is a nice light to medium weight, and it drapes well.  I found tailoring it to be exquisitely easy, and it really was nice to sew on.  However, I don't think it is the most comfortable wool fabric to wear.  It can feel a bit itchy and it does tend to leave a lot of fibers after being cut.  It isn't too ravelly, but more like it leaves a dust of wool fibers behind because of the loose-ish weave.  So, basically, I have to say that the pros are many color options and easy to sew with, but cons are that is is a bit itchy and sort of leaves a mess.  I wouldn't recommend it for children's clothing or anything without a lining, because of the itch factor.)

Pattern alterations or design changes you made:  No real design changes, other than moving the buttons a bit.  My buttons were a bit large, and I overcompensated moving them, so they are a little closer to each other than I wanted, but they are still ok.  Also, I put all of the buttons on the left side, and all the buttonholes on the right side (this was suggested by an earlier review) as it makes the jacket much easier to open/close as opposed to having inside buttons.  As far as fit alterations, I did a full upper arm adjustment on the sleeve, and I took in the back seams about 5/8" on each seam to help with swayback issues.  No need for FBA due to cup sizing.

Would you sew this again?  Would you recommend this to others?  Well, this is a very distinctive coat, so I don't think I need a lot of them in my wardrobe.  However, I am really pleased with the fit of this pattern (especially the back!), so I would consider using this pattern again, especially in the longer lengths.  I would highly recommend this pattern to others - if you are experienced then this is an easy coat pattern!  If not, this would be a good first coat patter, as it is easy to construct, but you will want to make sure you have supplementary instructions.

Conclusion:  Great pattern!  This is a super stylish coat pattern that comes in three flattering lengths.  I think the construction is very easy (especially if you totally ignore the instructions), and the results will look good on a lot of people, as the seaming does a good job of creating a waistline.  Also, the cup sizing on this pattern is nice as well.  Overall this is a very good pattern and I couldn't be more pleased with my results!

New Boots!

So way back at Nationals (a few months ago) I ordered some new skating boots.  After years of skating I have come to find that Harlick is my preferred boot brand - for me, it just fits.  No amount of nagging, pandering, berating, or insulting from the peanut gallery is going to change my mind on that account.  The only problems I have with them are (1) they are expensive! and (2) I have to wait so long for them to get made, since I order custom fit boots.  The expense I can justify - actually in terms of cost per wear they are definitely the cheapest boots I have ever owned, since they last so long - and the wait is something I just have to put up with.  In either case, suffice it to say, I was super excited when my new boots came.

Last year, as you might recall, my major equipment update was buying new Roll Line plates.  In the end I had the Giotto plate for figures, the Dance plate for dance, and eventually wond up having a spare Ring plate sitting around, and my old Atlas figure plate re-mounted for my loop skates (which was totally the right decision - my loops are much more consistant on the Altas plates).  Another nuance of the situation... the wheel base on my dance plate is 150mm, whereas on the figure plate (and the Atlas plate) it is 145mm.  At first I really liked the added stability of the longer Roll Line dance plate, and at the beginning of last year I was very happy with the set up.  However, as I am working into the more advanced dances with quicker footwork and sudden one-foot turns, I am finding the added length cumbersome, and I find I just don't have the control I want over my skate.  And, since my figure plate is shorter I can directly compare how I feel in my different pairs of skates; on my dance plates I constantly feel like my weight is falling backwards, especially when I am trying to cut a deep edge and I can't quite make it, whereas in my figure skates I feel like I am right over my skate and in total and complete control (well, you know, most of the time). I have been thinking about it a lot, and I am pretty sure the reason is that the shorter plate length is perfect for where my weight is distributed over my foot.  A really good explanatory page with information about plate mounting is here, if you want to check it out.  So, long story short, I have decided I want a 145mm plate for my new dance skates.  Which, as luck would have it, I happened to have sitting around in the form of my Ring plates.  The Ring plates are set up just like the Dance plates, except for lack of a toe-stop mount.  Which, as of right now, I am not really in need of.  If I want to get a 145mm length plate with a toe stop mount, pretty much my only Roll Line option is the Energy plate - it is set up similar to the Giotto, but with a space for the toe stop.  Since I love my Giottos, I wouldn't be opposed to switching to the Energy should the need for a toe stop arrise... I just can't afford a new plate right now, what with having just bought boots and all.  But I figured it would be better to mount the plate with the correct length now, and switch them later should the need arrise.  So, as of right now, I have ended up with my new Harlick boots on the Roll Line Ring plates.

Oh, and I LOVE them.  I was able to skate on them for an hour last night, and, while I am sure I looked really silly (new boots = hard to bend my knee = hard to do edges = look like I can't skate), I can tell that the shorter plate length is going to be a very good thing.  Firstly, the boots fit absolutely perfect.  I mean, seriously, perfect.  I love them.  And with the shorter plate length I really feel like I am over my foot in the skate.  These just feel like my skates.  I tried a few three turns (basic one-foot turns) in both directions - so easy!  I have been feeling a lot of drag from the longer plates, but with these the turns just happen.  My only question now is getting the action adjusted appropriately - I think I might need to go down to the green (soft) cushions on my new dance plates to get the edges I want, but I might also need to break in the boots a bit more before I make that call (it could just be my lack of ability to bend in the boots right now).  Either way, I really like them, and now I just need to break them in and tweak them until they are perfect.

And, lest you thought I would leave you pondering what they looked like, here are pictures of my new dance skates:

New dance skates!

My plate: Roll Line Ring.  Wheels are Roll Line Grease 95A.

Inside of my boots - I got a mixed rubber/wool tongue. 
I love these - the rubber prevents it from getting too smashed down,
but the wool provides comfort where the laces cross over your foot.

My vanity splurge - glitter varnish on the soles!

You can see on the tongues - break in process has started.
Can't wait to skate in them some more!

So, new skates, yay!  I must say I am super pleased with them and I am hoping they will be broken in by the end of the month.  I will post an update once I get them broken in and get the plates dialed in to the perfect setting.

Newsflash: New Vogue Patterns!

Ok, so I have been stalking the Vogue pattern website for about a week because I knew it was going to be time for a new release soon.  So I wasn't surprised when I got the announcement email from BMV website.  Upon inspection of the new patterns I was, however, extremely underwhelmed.  I mean I am trying to find something redeeming in this collection, but I am struggling.  There is only one patter I am actually really liking:

V8868 - Yes, the only thing I liked were the hats!

It was clear that Vogue is very much following the trends - color blocking, peplums, and VOLUME.  None of which are trends I am especially digging at the moment.  I mean, I have enough color blocking patterns courtesy of Burda, I am on the fence with the whole peplum think, and the voluminous Vogue patterns are just too much.  I mean large to the point of being crazy.  Makes me feel like I am very on trend with my recent wide-legged trousers I suppose.  Although, compared to some of the new Vogue patterns, my pants might as well be leggings! Anyway, I actually found a majority of the collection to be too boring to be worth mentioning, but there was enough to laugh at I figured I might as post those.

Ok, first, these patterns are ok, but not terribly exciting:

V1328 - Kay Unger dress.
It is ok, but so similar to the October Burda pattern, I don't need another.

V8845 - Claire Schaeffer's Custom Couture Collection
I like this on the model and the line drawing, but I feel like if I wore it, it would just look wrinkly and messy.

V8865 - Vogue Wardrobe collection.
I like the jacket.  But, again, I feel like it just won't translate well into real life.

V8858 - Marcy Tilton Design.
I think the skirt is super dramatic.  This pattern also comes with more "wearable" versions.
I am not interested by the practical designs, and not really in need of such a dramatic skirt.

There were also some new "Vintage Vogue" patterns:

V8851 - Vintage Vogue.
Ok, but not something I would wear.

V8850 - Vintage Vogue.
Again, not something I would wear.  I do think this dress is interesting though.
Just not my personal style.

On to the trends.  Color blocking:

V1326 - Tom and Linda Platt design.
Makes me think of a black widow spider?

V1329 - Kay Unger design.
I actually like this color blocked design.  I don't know if I *need* it.
Hmmm... maybe I need it.  The line drawing is nice - lots of seam lines for fitting.

Peplums:

V8849 - Vogue Easy Options.
Selection of basic sheath dresses and peplum options.

V8866 - Vogue Wardrobe Pattern.
This is a case of two trends (peplums and volume) smashing together and
making something a bit... over the top.

Volume:

V1327 - Anne Klein.
Something just seems... off... with the proportions of this dress?

V8846 - Custom Fit with Cup Sizing.
Sack dress.  Even if the sack is draped well, it is still a sack.

V8853 - Very Easy Vogue.
Can you say dowdy?

V1331 - KOOS Couture.
Crazy!

V1335 - Guy Laroche.
Straight jacket!

V1332 - Pamella Rolland.
Cocoon!

So... ummm... yeah.  Not impressed.  Amused, in a way, but not impressed.  The Kay Unger color blocked dress is growing on me though.  And I still like those hats.  But other than that... Well, I suppose I can always look forward to the December Burda?  What do you all think?  Feel free to discuss in the comments.

Pattern Review: Patrones Extra 10-40

You guys - I have pants!  I have been lusting after these pants since March... and finally I have them finished!  This was my first experience using a Patrones pattern, and I have to say that overall I am quite happy with the resulting fit.

Patrones Extra 10-40

There were a few design changes made because my rudimentary Spanish and sewing experience wasn't quite enough to help me figure out what was supposed to happen, but overall I think things turned out pretty well.  I am going to count these pants as part of my year-long Sewing Challenge, as my "Unexpected" Trendy Item.  Ok, so maybe these pants aren't exactly "trendy" like colorful cigaret pants, exposed zippers, or peplums, but these pants are very much a stretch for me and my wardrobe.  And by that I mean (1) they aren't jeans, (2) they aren't a dark color, and (3) they have pleats!  Basically these are the sort of pants I would try on in a store and leave behind after having a horrifically brain-scarring encounter with a reflection in the dressing room mirror.  You know how that goes.  But, you guys, I really like these pants!  I think proper fit makes a world of difference between my self-sewn pants and store-bought pants in the same style.  So, are these pants the ultimate in current trends?  No, but are they helping me push my bounds and comfort zone?  Yeah.  So, ergo, for my challenge, they count.

And, so, here are my pants:

Pants!

Side view.  On a side note - my first pants with pockets!

Booty shot.  Also, I clearly need to get some wedges/heels to wear with these pants.

The front with my altered waistband, pleats, and AWESOME fly front.
Please note that the only reason it wrinkles here is because I need to move the button over slightly, but since I wanted to take pictures before it got dark I hadn't had time to move it yet.  Otherwise - flat as a pancake.

Pocket!  I am super proud of my topstitching.
I used Gutermann Extra Strong thread for the topstitching and I really like the look.
The sides are mock flat-felled seams, and I think they look pretty good.

Crazy model pose imitation photo!

A few additional thoughts: (1) I do not like the fact that it gets dark earlier... it makes taking good photos more difficult, and I apologize for all the crazy shadows.  (2) I really need to get brown or tan heels and/or wedges to go with these pants.  I mean, I hemmed them long intentionally, but they really will look better with heeled shoes and not flats.  (3) These probably will be more of a spring/summer wardrobe item, but since it has been over 100 the past week, well, I can pretend.  Definitely not pants to wear in the rain though.  (4) Just in case you are wondering, I am wearing them with my Simplicity 2369 top.

And my official review:

Pattern Description:  Wide legged trousers with pleats, pockets, and front closure detail.

Pattern Sizing: Patrones sizes 40-44-48.  I had heard that Patrones runs 2 sizes smaller than Burda on average, so I traced the size 48 (since I am usually a Burda size 44) and graded down to a 46 in the waist.  The fit was practically perfect (other than the typical gaping in the back waist that happen to me on every pants and skirt pattern due to swayback issues), so I think the 2 size conversion is probably a good way for a Burda user to pick out a size in Patrones.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Well, I used a combination of my rudimentary Spanish skills and google translate to convert the instructions from Spanish to English, but I didn't think they were super helpful, so I largely ignored them.  Which was a bit bad because I ended up not being able to figure out exactly how to make the waistband like it is in the magazine.  I ended up using instructions from Pants for Real People to do the fly-front and pockets, and the rest I did based on previous pants-sewing experience and figuring things out by staring at the model photo in the magazine.

Did it look like the photo/drawing when you were done with it?  Mostly, except for the waistband.  I changed that after not being able to figure out how to put it together, and deciding I didn't really want the metal rings anyway since metal fixtures usually give me skin rashes.  Otherwise I tried to duplicate the color, style, and topstitching, and I think it looks very similar.

What did you particularly like/dislike about this pattern?  Well, the fit was fabulous without any crazy alterations, so that is a major plus!  I was really drawn to this pattern in the magazine, though I typically avoid pleated-front pants.  I wanted push myself to go outside my comfort zone, so I picked a style and color that I wouldn't normally wear.  In the end I am very happy with it.  My only dislike is inability to figure out how to make the waistband look like it does in the magazine.  I am sure it isn't really that complicated, I just wasn't able to figure it out.

Fabric used:  I used a tan stretch cotton sateen for most of the pants, and a lightweight poly lining for the front pocket bags.  I think the sateen is a bit more prone to wrinkles than I would have liked, but overall I am happy with materials I used.

Pattern alterations or design changes you made:  The only pattern alterations I made for fit were to nip in the waist a bit to prevent gap-a-tosis in the center back, and to add 2.5" to the inseam length (because apparently Patrones drafts for a shorter woman than Burda does).  As far as design changes, I left off the belt loops (because the fit is good and I won't need a belt with these pants), and I changed the front of the waistband because I couldn't figure out how to get all the buckles and loops in the right spots.  I sort of winged it and ended up with a more boring but equally functional waistband.

Would you sew this again?  Would you recommend this to others?  I don't know how soon I would sew this again - I chose this pattern to push myself to make a style of pants I wouldn't normally wear, and right now I am happy with the one pair of pants.  I am very pleased with the fit though, so I do think I will try other Patrones patterns in the future.  I would recommend this pattern to others, but only if they either had experience sewing pants before, or if they had supplementary instructions from books, magazines, or the internet.  Especially if they want the waistband details like in the magazine, since I found those difficult to figure out, and decided to just leave them off in the end.

Conclusion:  I really like this pattern!  Though I don't know if I will be sewing this again anytime soon, I am pleased with the results from this pattern and it gives me confidence in sewing more Patrones patterns in the future.  It might not be my typical style, but I think these pants will see use in my wardrobe in the future since they are super comfortable.  Now the only thing I need - some nice brown heels to go with these pants!