I know! I’m back so soon 😉
It’s for good reason…there’s a new pants pattern out for knits that’s so comfortable and flattering, not to mention versatile, that I had to share it. It’s actually my favorite new pants pattern (I’ve made three already!). Yes, I do gush every time Tie Dye Diva releases a new pattern, probably because I know how hard Jen works designing and testing them, but honestly, this pattern is my new fave of hers.
It’s the Diva Pants pattern*, and it’s uh-mazing how it looks so good on everyone (check out Tie Dye Diva’s FB page for more pics). Ok, so it has 3 rises, 14 sizes, and 3 lengths (cropped/ankle/full), 2 ties, and optional pockets. I think what took the longest with this pattern is deciding which combination I wanted to make…so many to choose from!
My first pair (not pictured) was actually a test version in a size 2 because I fall right on the cusp of sizes 0 and 2, and I thought I might want extra ease. I made them in this ITY which I love, and although I think they look really chic (I love the way they swish, hehe), I felt like I preferred less ease in the end. Also it’s recommended in the pattern to size down if you’re on the cusp.
My second pair is a size 0 in the final pattern, and the options I selected were high rise, ankle length, flared leg, and a narrow tie. This fabric is a gorgeous knit I think I picked up years ago at JoAnn’s, initially to make a dress, but it offered the perfect stretch and drape for these pants. It’s some kind of poly/rayon spandex knit with 50% stretch.
It’s just so flattering on everyone I tell you! The ankle length is perfect for sandals or booties. I’m 5’3″ so I shortened it by 1″.
For my third pair I decided to try out the mid rise, cropped, straight leg, wide tie, with pockets version. Whew, that was a mouthful! Also shortened by 1″. I made these in a double brushed poly I picked up from Cali Fabrics last year I think. This version is a more casual combination, and I just continued wearing them after taking pics because they were too comfy to take off. I could definitely see myself doing yoga in these.
It’s kind of hard to see the wide tie as it’s camouflaged with the rest of the pants, but it’s there. Several ladies made the ties with a complimentary fabric so it stood out from the pants. I myself didn’t think that far ahead in how it would look, but I’m still perfectly happy with my hidden tie. This mid rise is also very flattering as well, and I think it’s the lowest I would go personally. Low rise just doesn’t flatter me, although several ladies in the group said that low rise is the only one that does flatter them, so it’s convenient that all of them are provided in the pattern.
I think out of all of the testers only one needed to do a crotch adjustment which is a pretty big deal given the size and body range. I mean not having to tackle crotch fit is awesome! If you do need to alter the fit for waist and hip, instructions for how to do this are provided in the pattern.
In case you’re wondering how that waistband looks so awesome holding up my pants, it’s because there’s elastic in there at the top. You don’t have to worry about the waistband fabric serving as a yoga waistband, as that elastic does the job quite well enough. Plus, there’s a rule breaking technique used in the pattern to achieve this look effortlessly. I must say it made me a bit nervous at first doing it, but it really took all the struggle out of getting it in there easily, making sewing this waistband a cinch. No tugging or bunching or stretching the elastic while sewing.
If you’re looking to grab this pattern, the newly released Diva Pants* are on sale through Wednesday the 23rd. You won’t be disappointed with this one!
penny sew vintage 
Love your cozy Diva Pants! And your toenails match!!!!
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