Well, this is probably my favorite Pattern Parcel so far! The Hudson Pants have been on my list of things to sew since I started seeing them this summer. Now they are part of Pattern Parcel #6 and I have the chance to try the pattern and share my thoughts with you! How can you not love a pair of stylish sweatpants?

The pattern designer, Kelly, has been sewing and blogging for years. This is her first pattern, but her experience is obvious. The pattern instructions are clean and modern looking. They include all of the vital information, plus some great tips, without looking cluttered. Her illustrations are clear and accurate, and her written instructions are easy to understand.

If you’ve been hesitant to try sewing pants, this is a great first pattern. You’ll learn the basic process for assembling pants, but you won’t have to worry too much about alterations and fitting. Just use a fabric with a good amount of stretch and read through all of Kelly’s helpful tips for choosing a size.

I made my Hudson Pants with navy sweatshirt fleece from Girl Charlee. I thought about making them with a fun geometric print, but my classic pieces always get more wear. A wild print would have been fun around the house, but I think I’d feel funny wearing them out.

The Girl Charlee fleece is a nice fabric for the price. You can make a pair of Hudson Pants for about the same price you’d pay at Old Navy, which isn’t usually the case. (Sewing is an expensive hobby if you love quality fabrics!) For the waistband, pocket details, and ankle cuffs, I used a double knit remnant that I picked up at JoAnn Fabrics. Sweatshirt fleece isn’t very stretchy, so for the waistband and ankle cuffs I thought it would better to use something a bit more elastic.

As per Kelly’s suggestion, I went up one size because my fabric didn’t stretch as much as recommended. (I always debate about whether or not to include sizes, but I always find it helpful to know and compare when I see the sizes other people made. It helps to know whether the pattern runs big or small.) I made a size 6, which fit perfectly. The pattern is also drafted for women around 5’5″ (which is my height). I almost added some length after measuring the pattern, but decided against it since I trusted Kelly’s measuring and pattern testing. The length ended up being perfect as well. In the end, I didn’t make any alterations and ended up with a great fitting pair of pants…which makes me happy!

I tried to take photos inside, but this little goober kept photobombing…

(and please ignore the variety of toys under the shelf…)

If you’ve been following me long, you probably understand how Pattern Parcel works now. You choose your price, support indie pattern designers, and the rest goes to and educational charity called donors choose. If you choose $32 or more, you receive the bonus pattern (the Odette dress). Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we’ve raised over $12,000 for classrooms in need!

The patterns included in this parcel are:

Syrah Skirt by Lauren Dahl (exclusive release!)
Bronte Top by Jennifer Lauren
Julia Cardigan by Mouse House Creations
Hudson Pant by True Bias
Zsalya Dress by Kate and Rose

BONUS PATTERN: Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll

You can just click over to the Pattern Parcel site for more details.