Merchant & Mills Eve Trousers

This is my third M&M pattern and I found it true to size and a quick make. I hadn't made anything with a zip guard before but the instructions were easy to follow. I opted for front darts

I used some fabric from my local scrap shop. It wasn't labelled but it feels like a lightweight checked wool linen blend. I'm hoping they will become a staple in my autumn wardrobe

I bought the Whisper slippers pattern as intended to make some gifts for family. Even as an experienced sewer I found the instructions and all the layers confusing. I had also used remnants from my fabric stash as a way of using up and trying to mix and match in an interesting way. Sadly at the final stages it went badly wrong and couldn't be easily unpicked, and due to fabric choice both slippers ended up on the bin

I love love love the Eve Trousers from Merchant and Mills. These are the first pair of fitted waistband trousers that I have made. I was a little nervous about whether or not I was going to be able to get a good fit on these trousers as I have quite narrow hips and a rounder tummy which makes buying RTW trousers impossible! In the end I made two toiles, shortening the length at the leg and rise and grading between two sizes at the hips and waist. I found the instructions for inserting the lapped zip a bit confusing but I'd like to recommend and thank Sew Much Fun on youtube who have a video focussed just on this section which is really really helpful.

I have had loads of compliments on these trousers and I feel that they are the perfect classic fitted trouser shape. I feel very cool in them honestly they are an absolute wardrobe staple and I've worn them non stop. They have a bit of a Toast like look which is a brand I really love.

I made my first pair in a medium weight denim which was worn and washed really well. My second pair I made in a lighter jacquard which to be honest was a bit of a bad fabric choice on my part as I think these trousers really benefit from a bit of structure and look a bit shapeless when sewn in a lighter fabric. The other excellent thing is the fabric requirements are pretty low (under 2m) which is a factor I consider when selecting patterns.

Mainly, I recommend this as a great basic trouser that look very cool and contemporary.

My first attempt at trousers and I chose the Merchant & Mills Eve trouser. I was looking for a light summer look so used a cotton linen fabric in Blue Turquoise. I’m generally a size 8 to 10 but I have a 32” waist so chose to make a size 10 grading out to a size 14 waistband. As you can see they’re quite big but the waistband fits! I did alter the back darts and front pleats to reduce the overall size of the trouser. It was my first time making a lapped zip but the instructions are great and it went in easily. All finished, nerve racking buttonhole stitched perfectly (we all know how temperamental buttonholes are) and I had sewn it on to the wrong side. I decided to sew the button on the inside and I am super pleased with the result as it gives it a nice clean finish. I’m about to start another pair in light denim, different size though and I think I’ll go for a straight size 10. I’m delighted with the light summer feel and the linen was a dream to sew with.

This is the second pair of Eve trousers I made, I'm currently on my third, with another pair planned.  Such a good pattern, the cut is brilliant.  I did have to make adjustments as I'm a bit hourglass with a flat bum. The photo makes me look thinner than I am, for some reason.  I mostly adjusted by making the darts at the back longer and shortening the body where the pattern indicated, above the crotch seam.  I love the flat front and the leg shape that hangs from the hip in a very elegant way.  I love the slight tapering that gives a hint of a "balloon pant" look.  I love the cropped leg and the detail of the back pockets.  I made this pair in a pure wool check with a crazy magenta Lurex detail woven into it.  A little scratchy and loose weave, so I lined them.  I also have an orange cotton flannel pair, and I'm making one in a black viscose-linen with a lovely drape for the summer.  The instructions are very clear (except for the zip insertion, which I have found a bit hard to follow from the illustration on my current pair, where I decided to follow the instructions rather than doing it the way I always do it).  I like that there is a smaller envelope in the pattern envelope to keep the pattern pieces in, separate from the instructions.  Definitely a ten from me.