Getting ready for summer

In a fit of optimism and making good use of an extra long weekend away from the office, I've been getting ready for summer.

I dusted off my 'old faithful' trouser pattern once again, this time to make it up in some light-weight cotton, perfect for summer. I'd actually bought the fabric last August but didn't get around to making the trousers immediately. I then thought there was little point making light-weight trousers in the autumn, so put it away and got on with some more seasonal projects.

It has felt like a particularly long and cold winter. We normally only get snow every 7-8 years, so having had 4 lots this winter I am very pleased to finally see the tulips making an appearance in the garden and feeling a distinct warmth in the sun when it does deign to make an appearance. So, to ensure I don't end up leaving it too late with the fabric languishing in the cupboard for yet another season, I decided it was about time these trousers were brought into being.

This is now the fourth pair I have made from the pattern. I absolutely hate buying trousers as I really struggle to find ones that fit, so to find a pattern that is not only incredibly simple to make but that fits without any adjusting is a dream come true. This pair are made from a blue and white striped cotton.

I'd bought 2 metres of the fabric, since it wasn't quite wide enough to fit the leg pattern pieces on side-by-side. I therefore cut out the trouser pieces away from the centre fold of the fabric, leaving me with a decent width, 2 metre long strip of fabric over. I then used this to make a bag for my yoga mat.

My yoga mat doesn't normally stray too far from the spare room, where it gets used most mornings with the help of the fabulous Down Dog yoga app. However, this summer I'm off on a Cornish retreat and the yoga mat will be coming too. The bag has a strap that is long enough to fit diagonally across your body, keeping your hands free. It also has a small pouch pocket for simple essentials. There's even enough room to roll a towel around your yoga mat or fit a water bottle alongside. What's not to love?

It may be another few months until I get to take my yoga mat away with me, or even for the weather to be truly warm enough to wear thin cotton trousers but Sun, I'm ready and waiting for you!