Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Pants Pants Pants... pants pants!

Since finding this tutorial by Dana, I have been obsessed with the idea of making some knee pad pants for my kids. I just love them. There is something about these pants that just really appeals to me. Maybe because they don't look new, or because they scream "I'm ready to be played in"... not sure. But it did get me thinking.... does the love extend to grown up pants? Would I wear knee pad pants? I think the answer is yes but I'll get back to you on that.

So anyway, I got a little fix on some repairs I did but this didn't stop the obsession. I realised that I would just have to make these pants so I could then move on and free up that brain space for something else. Does this sound familiar?


Not content with making one pair of pants, my kids, my friend's two girls and my niece all now have a pair of knee pad pants. But the best bit is that the black fabric was $1 from the Op Shop, the green was a $3 remnant from GJs and the patches are a mix of old socks, a too small onesie, an one old t.shirt and a bit from my stash.


I wasn't brave enough - I did try and it didn't go well - to make my own pattern so I used a commercial pattern for the actual pants. They are OK but I will adjust the pattern to give the pants more shape for next time. Oh yes, there will be a next time!

22 comments:

One Flew Over said...

What a fantastic creation! I love the rainbow print knees!!

MiM said...

beautiful!

Tania said...

The minute I realised you were a mum of twins, I should have clicked. You just work best when its in multiples, right?

Cathy said...

what a great idea - unfortunately, I don't think my big boys would want me to fix their designer jeans like this! They like the holes.

Your little one looks sooo cute in them.

Becky said...

Now I want to see matching jumpers with elbow patches ;)

Peta @ Pippiwillow said...

I'd wear em! Now I want to do this to the 'odd' double layered terry towelling duds. They are ACE - well done. you. Peta

Liesl said...

Good grief Nikki ... that's not craft ... its a self-imposed sweatshop!

I can see how you could get quite carried away though. They are really gorgeous little pants - very cute indeed. (And well done managing to pose them on the clothesline without them being swept away in a gale force wind!)

Unknown said...

They are so good !

CurlyPops said...

It's so satisfying to be able to whip up a whole new kiddies pants wardrobe in a day. The knee patches are ingenious for the littlies who scoot around on their knees all day, and they look gorgeous as well.

Chasing Snails said...

Very cool idea - wish I had of known about these when Miss B. was scooting about on all fours.

Hmm, not sure if I would wear a pair... I want to see a photo if you make a pair for yourself : ).

MooBear Designs said...

I love the re use of socks!!! That's a great idea!! I reckon you need to add a little flare to the end of the pants... you can do anything thing. Did you by any chance take the wardrobe refashion pledge too? I did last week... I am so excited. Mind you I haven't bought anything new since before Bear was born. Blah bLah blAH... AWESOME pants can't wait to see more and maybe a some funky new tops... oh no more ideas AAAAGH...

xo Steph

Unknown said...

Noah has some pants that require knee repairs...

yardage girl said...

Great pants and lovely to be able to re-use pre-loved fabric and clothes to make them. Not to mention the benefits of extra padding on little knees!

Michelle said...

fantastic pants...
and I love these style...the patches remind me of grandpa cardigans...
which I adore...

Maria Rose said...

Those are great. May I suggest you up the anty and add bum pads as well?

Gina said...

You are my pants GURU. My toddler is getting about in capri-style pants (yes, even in THIS weather!) because he just doesn't fit a lot of stuff. And I have a pattern ready to go... I just can't bring myself to try 'real' sewing. I'm s-c-a-r-e-d.
Patches are AWESOME.

june at noon said...

I love the rainbow patches! I do the same thing, wanting to make a million of something, except my craft ADD kicks in and I'm on to the next thing before I've finished the last. I can't keep up with myself!

Judy Ross said...

I've been wanting to make these since I saw them on MADE. (Fortunately for me, 15 month old twins are forever growing/wearing out of their clothes, so these might be pushed up the to-do list a bit.) I'm in awe of your productiveness! Love love love those rainbow knees.

dillpickle said...

Those rainbow knees are definitely my favourite. They're brilliant! They meet all of my essential criteria for good kids clothes - stripes and bright! Very excellent :-)

Anonymous said...

They are sensational!

Treacle Beak said...

The kids' pants look terrific, Nik. Guess it's because they were made by a terrific mum for terrific kids,but I may be just a little biased.

Cindy said...

I am a bit inclined to run up 5 at at a time as opposed to 1?! I love the ranibow patch, my favourite for sure.