Citronille Pattern Challenge: "Lou" Pants

The Challenge. To make a garment using a pattern that was translated from French to English. I was like cool, I can do this, no problem. I contacted Kristin over at Sew Mama Sew and told her I was in. Sew Mama Sew is the host of the Citronelle Pattern Challenge with Abby Gilchrist at Fiddlehead. There were 12 bloggers chosen to participate in this challenge. We each choose four patterns and one of those patterns would be our chosen garment to make for the challenge, Abby gifted us with one other pattern on our list. I don’t know about anyone else but I always have room for another pattern in my stash.

The pattern included the original instructions in French, the translated instructions and a French to English translation key. The illustrations for this pattern were very helpful. The pattern that I was to sew is the Citronelle “Lou” women’s Pant pattern. This was my second choice on my list. I chose a pant pattern because I’m always in search of a pattern that requires the least adjustments. This pattern seemed pretty straight forward so I was really looking forward to tackling this one. When the pattern came, I opened it and noticed there were no pockets. I’m not sure how I missed that when I was choosing patterns. I really, really wanted to stay true to the pattern but I had to add some pockets and a few other minor changes but the challenge has been fulfilled because I did follow ALL the instructions. 

I am also part of a six week blog series for " Building Your Wardrobe" and these pieces are staple pieces to have in your wardrobe. The [DIY] bows are removable and can be worn with any other shirt. #buildyourwardrobe

How Abby Gilchrist, the owner of Fiddlehead Artisan Supply came to carry these French patterns by Astrid de Larocque-Latour. 

From Abby:  My story around how I am carrying these patterns is that I saw these patterns quite a few years ago, and really loved their style. What sweet children's patterns! And while I like a slimmer look than many of the adult patterns, there were some that I really wanted to make - but, they were all in French.... I read around on some blogs and found that many people were purchasing the patterns in French from Citronelle, and then either just trying to put them together based on the pattern pieces and the diagrams in the pattern, or trying to use Google Translator. So, I decided to try out carrying the few that she had translated into English herself, and when we got a positive response on them, we started making the translations so that we could offer a lot more of her styles.

The other Bloggers who were up for the challenge. Be sure that you stop by to check out their garments between 9/21 & 9/25 they are making some awesome pieces!
Sherri Sylvester of thread riding hood

Tenille Brien of Tenille's Thread
Maris Olsen of Sew Maris
Ari Green of Max California
Marisa of thirtynine
Sara Johansen of the Sara project
Natalie Strand of Vegetablog
Diane Reafsnyder of Gator Bunny
Jessica Wright of Willow & Stitch
Sara Homer of Now Try This
Kelly Donovan of Craftree

.....Oh Yeah, make sure you hop over to Sew Mama Sew between September 28 and October 8 for a chance to win a Citronille pattern of your choice. 

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