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Welp. I finally did it. I finally used my eggplant marble-printed active fabric that I got from Joann’s 4 score and 7 years ago. Okay so I think it’s been more like 5 or 6 years but either way it’s been long enough!

When I had originally signed up for this pattern test, I had been hoping to use a fabric that’s coming in as part of a partnership. Unfortunately, about a month later, I’m still holding my breath for it to show up.

Oh well! If you’re following me on Instagram (which I think is probably everyone reading this as of now?), you’ll remember that at the end of last year I mentioned that I have put myself on a Fabric Buying Ban, only to be broken in instances of: 1. Needing a specific fabric for a pattern test that I do not currently have in my stash; 2. Needing a specific fabric to finish off a project that I’m in-process of making (i.e. rib knits, powermesh, etc); 3. I absolutely will lose my mind if I don’t have that specific fabric. So far we’re still good! I’ve been sewing through my stash and I can finally see a small dent being made!

Okay now to the good stuff: the Hallies. Like I said, I had originally planned to use a different fabric that’s still en-route but I am so happy that I had this active fabric hanging out in my stash otherwise I would’ve been out of luck.

These pants came together smoothly and quickly! I managed to get everything set start to finish in the span of maybe 5 hours max (I really need to start keeping track of everything), including paper pattern assembly, cutting out the fabric, and even taking my content videos and photos. I definitely could’ve finished quicker than that had I had my serger on-hand since I managed to whip this out at my boyfriend’s using the time-consuming stretch stitch on my machine after realizing that they were due a day sooner than I had planned on and panic-sewing.

Just a word of advice! Take your time on the waistband, especially around the points of the V. Don’t skip clipping in to the points so you can get that nice, sharp V and definitely don’t skip basting for the waistband especially so you don’t miss a layer when attaching the waistband to the pants themselves!

As for the pants, I really appreciated the two different lengths available! They come in both 30” and 28” inseams so I really lucked out as someone with a 28” inseam!

Initially, I had some hesitation with this pattern when I had signed up to test as I was a bit worried on how the crossing v waistband would look, feel, fit, and stay on a plus size person but when Ashley assured me that the design came in both mid- and high-rise options, I couldn’t turn it down!

And I’m glad I didn’t! The second I put on these pants, I was instantly excited by the perfect fit and refused to take them off until I went to bed. I opted to make the pocket flares with the side slit detail for something a bit different! While I made these as more of a “lounge around the house” type but the activewear fabric actually had me debating on going to the gym (don’t worry - I didn’t). However! I will absolutely be making a matching sports bra in the near future to go along with these pants.

I can’t decide on my favorite detail of these pants. Part of me wants to say the waistband bc the crossing v in the front and the mirrored v in the back is so fun and definitely on the more unique size (and, again, shout out for fitting well on my plus size body and not folding over or shimmying down like I was worried about). The other part is the silhouette itself as I’m becoming more and more of a fan of bootcuts and flares after falling back in love with my jeans while styling them with my Saturday Skirt Set top.

The only bummer that I will admit to is the fabric itself. It’s an eggplant-and-black print printed onto a plain white base fabric so the white base fabric definitely peeks through with movement and thanks to topstitching holes (do better Joann).

Will I be making more of these? Absolutely. Will I be breaking my Fabric Buying Ban in order to create an army of jersey Hallie flares that I can throw on while I work from home and run around the house and for errands?…… I’m not admitting anything.

The Pattern Company: Petite Stitchery & Co.

The Pattern: Hallie Pocket Flares

Size Made: 4X

Version Made: High Rise; Pockets; Side Slits

Fabric Used: Athletic Knit from Joann Fabrics

Additional Adjustments Made: None