Cindy is back with us again for another visit! She's been a familiar face around here, having previously shared her creative takes on the 2+2 Blouse and even turning the Class Picnic Blouse into a spaghetti strap top. Last year, her family hosted Flat S, which turned out to be quite the adventure—especially since it involved teaching her how to surf! We’re thrilled to have her stop by once more to talk about her favorite sewing pattern. Thank you so much for joining us today, Cindy!
Hi everyone, I'm Cindy from Siestas & Sewing, and I've been a huge fan of Oliver + S patterns for quite some time now. Picking just one favorite pattern feels impossible because every single one is amazing in its own way. However, if I had to narrow it down, I’d definitely go with the Sandbox Pants.
These pants are truly versatile and serve as an excellent base for so many different projects. Over the years, I’ve made them at least ten times for my son and my two younger daughters. They're such a straightforward project to sew but always turn out looking fantastic. The fit is spot-on—neither too tight nor overly loose—and the elastic/drawstring combination waistband adds an extra layer of comfort.
As you can imagine, my son grew like a weed over the past five years, and while he eventually outgrew the Sandbox Pants, they were my go-to choice for boys' pants during that period. Not only do they look great, but they're also incredibly comfortable, making them a hit with kids like my son who spend most of their day running around.
I’ve experimented with various modifications over the years. For instance, I’ve swapped out the pocket designs and added knee patches for durability. Some of these tweaks gave the pants a whole new vibe while still retaining their classic charm.
I’ve also tried lining the pants to create cozy winter versions for my nephews. Another fun twist? Using stencils to add appliqués like starfish designs to the fabric.
And did you know the Sandbox Pants make fantastic shorts too? My younger daughters wore a pair for three consecutive summers before they finally outgrew them. When my daughter Brenna Kate needed new shorts for school, I revisited the Sandbox pattern. This time, I used a rib knit fabric for the waistband, rounded the front patch pockets, and added plenty of topstitching details. She loved them so much she wore them nonstop for almost an entire day until I convinced her to let me wash them.
Still not convinced about getting your hands on the Sandbox pattern? Let me share some of the incredible variations people have created using this pattern. You’ll find everything from fine-wale corduroy pants to space-themed shorts, plaid prints, frilly versions, contrast cuffs, capris, odd leg cuts, girly shorts, and even convertible pants. Oh, and don’t forget the rick rack trim and madras shorts—they’re all stunning!
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out the Oliver + S Flickr group where you can see some of these amazing transformations. Each piece showcases the endless possibilities that come with this pattern.
So there you have it—my love story with the Sandbox Pants. Whether you’re making them for boys or girls, dressing them up or keeping them simple, this pattern is sure to become a staple in your sewing collection. Happy sewing, everyone!
---
(And yes, those photos? My son has certainly grown, and my photography skills have improved significantly over the years!)
Coral Fabric,Coral Fleece,Coral Velvet,Coral Upholstery Fabric
SHAOXING WUYUN TEXTILE CO.,LTD , https://www.kexintextile.com