New pattern: the Joanne culottes
This summer, like every summer, we dream of easy slip-on shorts, comfortable clothing in which to wander the deserted streets of Paris through July, or the crowded streets of Barcelona come August. I myself have been dreaming of culottes that are both easy to sew and easy to wear but still have a lot of style.
Above is Joanne’s mood board and the atmosphere in which I created this design. Joanne is a pattern that we feel comfy in, no movement restrictions, the item of clothing that makes us want to move and walk all day long! The culottes that we can dress up with a nice top, sandals and voilà!
Joanne is a short/culottes full of pretty details. The waist is elasticated to provide absolute comfort, and its handy yet delicate tulip-shaped pocket contrast with the straight lines of the culottes. The back is made of two parts for a more flattering fit, which also allows colour-blocking fans to have lots of fun mixing and matching fabrics!
It is important to know that the short version isn’t just a cut version of the culottes and vice-versa. They are two different patterns: The short is closer to the body and the crotch classic while the culottes have more ease at the hips and the crotch is lower. Also, the Asymmetrical hemline (longer on the outside thigh) make the transition from fabric to leg more smooth and clean, giving the illusion of longer legs. However, you can easily shorten the culottes for a knee or mid-thigh lengh, it can look great and I'm gonna test it really soon!
It was important for me that Joanne was comfortable but fancy! I have always loved culottes, they make an ankle look thin and have a certain charm!They made a return to fashion last summer, so enjoy!
The pattern is available with two variations for the waistband- paperbag or classic.
A paperbag cut means that the garment features extra fabric at the waist. It creates a feminine silhouette that adds shape to an outfit, making it chic, but not overdone.
To sew the culottes’ version, I would advise you to use a fluid fabric, avoid stiff fabric. You could opt for a crepe or cupro fabric for a fluid look or a smoother drape or cotton poplin fabric for a more structured look…
For the shorts' version, I would advise also a crepe or cupro but no too thin or a knit fabric like a light french terry for a more sporty look!
The pattern is rated as beginner: the only particularly complex point is sewing the curved pockets. Joanne’s charm lies in its flattened curved pockets, take your time, so not to mess them up! Don't worry, the explanations are very clear and detailed.
I am looking forward to finding a bit of time to make myself a culottes’ version in a fresh, flashy colour using a crepe fabric, to wear with simple shoes and a top!
Oh and by the way, I do not want to hear “this is not for me, I am too short!” WRONG I am 5”3 and I still look like I am 5”3 with my culottes, not less ;-) The midi length does not make anyone look dumpy if it is worn high-waisted. And if it still intimidates you, go for vertical lines in order to elongate your figure!
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