There are a couple of reasons to sew one’s own clothes. In a society full of cheap used garments, saving money isn’t one of them. For me, the process of sewing is itself very enjoyable. I like putting together fabric and pattern to make something pleasing to my eyes and comfortable for my body.

The huge advantage of home sewing is that I can make adjustments so the garment fits my unique carcass (and lifestyle) with no pulling, gaping, squeezing, chafing, or showing more flesh than feels appropriate. But pants …. argh … they are notoriously hard for the home sewist to perfect. It’s all those curves in three dimensions. Every few months I optimistically measure myself, print out a pattern, cut up an old sheet, sew it up, see where it needs adjusting, make said adjustments to the pattern, and repeat. When muslin #3 still doesn’t fit right, I call it quits for the day. And maybe pour a glass of wine.

Then I listen to the siren song of a different pants pattern from a different designer; that one should be easy to fit, right? Something to sleep on …

(Next day): Muslin #4 fits fine. Tomorrow I’ll cut the good fabric.