Daphne Trouser Workshop

This is a fantastic workshop with really helpful instructions and clear, easy-to-follow directions. My only suggestion for future videos would be to introduce more contrast in the materials used, to make it easier for viewers to see what’s happening. Making a pair of white trousers with white interfacing and white stitching looks great as a finished garment, but it can be hard to follow on video—I found myself pausing and rewinding a few times to figure out what was going where. Using something like red stitching or black interfacing, even just for the demo, could really help with visibility. Other than that, I loved the workshop—and I love my trousers!

I purchased the workshop with the pattern to improve my dressmaking skills as well as make a pair of trousers that fit me nicely. I'm happy to say I got my wish for both. This was my first pair of 'proper' trousers with a zip fly and I took my time with each stage. Starting with the fitting part, which was really helpful as I usually just cross my fingers and hope it'll fit. I did need to make some adjustments to reduce the size from the one I cut which all worked out fine, following the instructions. I also took in the width of the trousers legs slightly. I'm super happy with the result, especially with the zip fly which looks really neat, both inside and out. I did need to watch some of the stages on the video for the intricate bits a few times until I understood what I needed to do. The bias binding inside the trousers is a lovely touch. Just following how Hetty sews and having her tips and comments along the way was really useful and well worth the price of the workshop. I made the trousers in fine needlecord and have bought some more fabric to make a summery pair and I'm planning on making linen ones too. I couldn't find a suitable 19cm zip anywhere and had to buy a 20cm one. I was worried it might not fit however it was absolutely fine.

As it was my first time trying out the pattern I thought I'd go for a fabric I was less precious about so I made the trousers using bright pink curtains that I found in a charity shop and I am so happy with them. I jumped into the workshop video at the halfway point as I purchased it to help me tackle the fly - which it was extremely helpful for. This was my first time ever sewing trousers and I think I watched every video on youtube on how to sew a fly but to no avail. The tutorial was clear and broke down each of the steps really well. And I also found it super helpful for attaching the waistband and finishing the trousers. My only point of feedback would be (and this is down to my inexperience more than anything) that at times it would have been helpful to have slightly more close up shots of the garment as each section is being sewn as it was difficult to tell exactly what was going on, which perhaps is also because the garment is so light in colour and the video is quite brightly lit. That being said I got there in the end anyway so it's not so much of a major issue and I know it's going to be so helpful for my next pairs, and for just taking the skills forward onto other projects.