Wandering through the Reed's (Laela Jeyne Wanderlust Collection Reed Trousers)

My husband is such a bear when it comes to clothes shopping.  Either the arms are too short, the legs are too long, the rear is too tight…the list goes on and on.  When Marisa from Laela Jeyne Patterns opened a test call for the new Wanderlust Collection, I was super excited to see that there is a men’s pants pattern in the mix.   We’ve been searching for the elusive perfect pants for an age, and now that he’s slimmed down, it’s even harder because he’s a mixture of two or three different sizes.  However, the Reed Trousers…these pants…there is so much perfect going on here that I am almost excited to an unhealthy level of enthusiasm. 

Hi there, everyone, Kim here from Nini and Ash, and I am so excited to be one of the stops on the Wanderlust Collection Blog tour.  This season, Marisa focused on pants, and I fully intend to sew up a few of the women’s and girl’s pants at some point.  For today’s stop, though, I focused on the Reed trousers for men and paired it with the Emmett top (which happens to be one of my husband’s favorites).

So, first, let’s get some pattern details going so you know what you are getting:

• Sizing from 32” to 56” so there’s a wide range of sizes that these pants can fit
• Clear, concise instructions with photos/drawings for each step in case you’re like me and use the reference photos while you’re sewing
• Layered printing so you only print what you want/need
• Detailed adjustment instructions so you can get the exact right fit for your (or your model’s) body type
• No trim pages so you don’t have to cut off any edges to make the pattern pieces line up

Since the start of the year, we’ve embarked on a journey to get ourselves trimmed down, and my husband has lost over 20 lbs so far.  This means pretty much all of his pants don’t fit, but it also means that he’s kind of in that weird "in between sizes" phase.  I made these pants in a straight size 40, and I cut a wedge in the back of the pants to make the waist smaller while still fitting the rest of him.  Really simple little fix, and it was perfect for getting a comfortable, smooth fit everywhere on the pants.

My favorite part on the pants was the welt pocket.  Usually my least favorite part to make, but these ones were actually really easy to do.  He picked a suiting fabric that was so easy to work with, and the instructions for the welt pockets made for easy sewing.  He opted against a button to close them because he never uses it.  He also didn’t want belt loops (which was happy news for me since I forgot about them until he asked if I had put them on). 

The pants overall took a bit of time to complete, but when you think about the welt pockets, the front pockets, the fly and fly extension...the extra time is well worth it because the end result is a sharp looking pair of pants that look even better than any pants you would grab off the rack at a store!  I will admit part of the extra time to complete was my fault.  I had to re-do the zipper when I didn't pay attention to what I was doing.  

The inseam for all sizes is 34” so it was super easy to shorten the pant length to his measurements.  I ended up shaving 2” off the length and using a 1” hem allowance.  He has a really long torso and arms, but he usually needs a shorter inseam on his pants.  The length on these hit him in a really nice spot, and the fit was relaxed but slimming on him.  I really love how they sat on him once he tried them on, and he was more than willing to pose for some photos with them...even if he took a business call just as the camera came out. :/!  I'll take what I can get considering how much I didn't pay him to go out in the cold and act like he was enjoying a spring day.

I paired this with the Emmett and went with the simple top with no buttons.  I did lengthen the arms because, again, he has really long arms.  This was a thermal knit that I got from Sincerely Rylee and was perfect to complement the light color that he chose for the pants. 

All in all, it's pretty much love around here when it comes to the Reed Trousers and the Emmett top!  He's already talked about his next pair of pants...if that means a trip to the fabric store for me, then I will absolutely make you another pair of pants, sweetie!!! :)!

As I said earlier, I am only one of the stops on the Wanderlust tour.  There are a lot of talented ladies who have sewn up each of the different pieces in the collection, and we'd love for you to stop in and see all of the collection pieces and the amazing creations that everyone has come up with.  THEN, you can head over to Laela Jeyne Patterns and buy the whole collection because I'm pretty sure you will "need" all of them once you see how beautiful all of these pants are.  My daughter has already asked for a pair of the Wren Skinny Jeans, and well, I need some new pants so I will have to grab the women's pants for myself!!

Take a tour with us and visit with some of our bloggers from the past few days:

Laela Jeyne Patterns Wanderlust Collection Blog Tour

January 30

Sea of Estrogen - A Jennuine Life - Once Upon a Sewing Machine

January 31

Stitched By Jennie - Sew a Piece of Joy

February 1

Sew Sew Ilse - The Sewing Scientist

February 2

Anna's Heirloom Boutique - Sew You Think You Can Sew - Nini and Ash

Now, head over to Laela Jeyne Patterns to get your copy of the patterns!  Here are the individual links to each of the patterns in the collection and a little big about each of them. All patterns in the Wanderlust Collection are currently on sale for $5 each.  That's a pretty phenomenal price for four staple pieces in any family's wardrobe!  *Please note that all links provided are affiliate links:

Reed Trousers: men's classic chinos, fits hip sizes 32"-56, slim fitting and relaxed through the legs, designed for non stretch woven

Willow Pleated Trousers: paper bag pleated paper bag style, fits sizes 00-26, 3 lengths (shorts, cropped or long), designed for non stretch woven

Ivy Trousers: classic chino style, fits sizes 00-26, slim fitting and relaxed through the legs, 3 lengths (shorts, cropped, and long), designed for non stretch woven

Wren Skinny Jeans: skinny jeans, fits sizes 12mos-10, slim fitting through the legs, designed for cotton woven

Thanks so much for stopping along the Wanderlust Collection Tour!  We appreciate you spending some time learning a little bit about the collection and letting us share our creations with you!  Now, grab your copy of these patterns and share your creations with us on the Laela Jeyne Patterns Facebook group!  

Blessings and Happy Sewing,
Kim

OH!  I can't believe I almost forgot!  Laela Jeyne Patterns is also celebrating a 3rd birthday so Marisa also has a sale on ALL patterns in the store (bundles excluded)!  $5 for all individual patterns and $6 for all swim patterns...the sale ends tomorrow (3 Feb) at midnight EST, and you don't want to miss out on some fantastic patterns...check them out!