Meadowlark by Love Notions sewing pattern review
The latest sewing pattern from Love Notions is the Meadowlark hiking pants, and I got the opportunity to be a pattern tester. The pattern includes pants, shorts and zip-off leg options, and I was allocated the zip-off leg style:
Disclosure: I was a tester for this pattern. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking these links, Threadistry may receive a small commission, at no cost to you.
I somehow made zip-off hiking pants look like smart office pants! I chose not to add the cargo pockets, as I’m not really a fan (because they sit at my widest point – no desire to accentuate that, thank you!).
These are a straight size 8, as per my measurements, and I’m really happy with the fit! The length is perfect, and the dart at the knee (for the articulated leg) sits at just the right spot. I could possibly scoop out a little bit at the back to suit my rear curves, but it’s pretty close to perfect!
The pants have a flat front waistband with faux fly, and an elastic back. That does create a small amount of bubbling at the back, but that’s just me being picky!
The pockets (front and back) are a great size! And then there’s the zip-off legs, for instant shorts:
I love the length of the shorts – not too short and not too long. There isn’t a zipper guard, so it does feel a little cold on the legs (but other similar pants I have with a zipper guard still feel a bit odd at the zip).
They do feel like a cute, comfy and practical pair of shorts.
I used a stretch suiting fabric (available from Spotlight in Australia). Suiting seems like a weird choice for hiking pants, but I wanted something light to mid-weight with good drape.A bit of stretch in fabric for pants is so comfortable, and helpful for fun lady issues like bloating.
Just because they were designed as functional hiking pants doesn’t mean they have to look it!
It’s an intermediate-level pattern, requiring a bit of thought to get the waistband and leg zips done. It’s well worth the effort though!
As well as the zip-off pants/shorts, Meadowlark can be sewn as just shorts or long pants, and there’s an option for a roll-up tab on the legs for a capri-look. There’s cargo pockets and a zippered side pocket options too.
I’m going to try the rolled-up leg option next!
Note: I’ve paired it with the Rhapsody Blouse from Love Notions. You can check out my review here.
| Size | 8 |
| Version | Zip off pants/shorts |
| Fabric | Stretch suiting from Spotlight Australia |
| Pattern modifications | None |