Studio Note 004
Slow Start - Strong Finish!
12 April 2026
One month of studio notes!! This week was all about getting the trouser pattern right, slowing things down a bit, and starting to build the next pair from vintage Wrangler denim.
Hello Team!!
Happy 1 month of studio notes - look at me go!!
This week I have been working on the next pair of trousers.
The main focus was getting the pattern right.
I took a bit more time with this one than usual, just playing around with the design and trying to get the fit as good as possible.
I ended up removing the pleat from the high waisted carpenter trousers.
At first I wasn’t sure… but it was 100% the right call.
It just makes sense to get the base block perfect before trying anything extra.
The pattern is now looking really good.
Past me was wise to have faith that I would figure it out eventually!
You can see the first version vs a newer version below - big difference.
I am VERY excited for these trousers as they are the first thing I am using the very best vintage Wrangler jeans for.
Proper good denim. Nice weight. Nice fades. Feels like a step up.
Also… finally going to use the stamps on these 👀
So, what's been going on?
This week has mostly been pattern work + starting the patchwork panels.
I had a bit of a slow start to the week.
Took some time to chill, eat chocolate, not do too much, and just make sure the pattern was actually good.
Which was needed.
But now we are moving properly again.
Patchwork Panels
Started by deconstructing old vintage jeans.
Cutting them into squares.
Then rebuilding them into patchwork panels.
This part is always very satisfying.
It kind of feels like you are making your own fabric instead of just using it.
Also quite fun trying to balance the tones so it doesn’t look dead.
Pattern
I spent a LOT of time refining the pattern this week.
Definitely a bit of a bottleneck.
But I think it was worth it.
The new version just feels way better.
Cleaner, more intentional, and just sits nicer overall.
Still not 100% perfect, but much closer.
Cutting
As of writing this I am mid way through the trousers.
Today was cutting everything out.
Around 30 pieces in total.
Projected the pattern onto the patchwork panels and started cutting.
Always a cool moment when it goes from flat patchwork to actual garment pieces.
Makes it feel real.
Studio Life
Spring has also sprung!!
The weather has been really nice which is a massive bonus.
Been going on long walks which honestly helps a lot with ideas.
Feels like things are flowing quite well at the moment.
Music
A Tribe Called Quest - Bonita Applebum is a BANGER
Also been listening to Fred again.. again
Good energy in the studio right now - hype for these trousers
Notes
What I Learned
How to draft better trousers after a lot of trial and error
You can actually reduce seam allowance on patchwork panels by cutting it - DUH!
Slowing down at the start saves time later
Wins
Pattern finally in a really good place
Patchwork panels looking clean
Still posting consistently
To Improve
Need to get faster at drafting patterns - this was definitely a bottleneck this week
Material Log
Vintage Wrangler denim (various washes)
Reclaimed jean panels
Built into patchwork sheets before cutting
Nice mix of tones and weights