First project, making some paneled/slahed breeches

[Barret]

Hey everyone, I am embarking on my first sewing project and figured I would see if anyone had any tips to lessen the amount of cursing the sewing machine will have to endure as I learn what to do. I have been wanting some good looking pants and didn't really see anything that caught my eye at any vendors so decided to make my own. I am going to go for a pair of paneled (or slashed, I have seen them referred to both ways) breeches that will be a little longer then knee length to tuck/tie below the tops of my boots. I have seen some patterns online but haven't bought one yet, how critical is it that I have a pattern? I have a friend who can help me get going who has a lot more experience making garb then I do, she has made corsets and dresses and many other things, but I am not sure if I should go ahead and get a pattern anyways or not.
I am also looking for fabric suggestions. I live in Texas so TRF/Sherwood will be the faires I attend most and it can be hot. Not too concerned about the cold either because I have a full length leather highway man's coat I can wear when the weather is bad. I know that natural materials breathe better but I am trying to decide on weight, I want something that hang's nicely you know? Also i read that these types of breeches started as lined breeches that were cut so the lining could show through I am assuming I will use a different material for the different panels, but I want to make sure I pick fabrics that will work well together. My character isn't nobility but also isn't a peasant  but I don't plan on being to strictly H/A with materials etc. mainly just want something that looks good and is comfortable.
Anyways, thoughts, tips, suggestions and warnings are all appreciated.

[Lady L]

I have used the Fantasy Fashions pattern, available from Pillaged Village. I used black velveteen with gold silk-type fabric for the contrast. I admit, I haven't quite finished it, so I have no pics yet.
I thought it was a very good pattern, as is their men's dashing doublet pattern.

http://www.pillagedvillage.com/~pillaged/cgi-bin/cart.cgi/FF_05.html

You might want to use cotton broadcloth or something lighter weight than velveteen, but that deep black is very rich looking.

[LordPaulet]

If you have never made pants before they can be a bit tricky without a pattern (unfortunatly we have things on our rear ends that are more...bulbous than our front ends )  I would recommend a pattern for a beginner seamster.  Margos is VERY good...if you dont want to spend a CRAP ton on just patterns...then go with The Tudor Tailor book...has a NICE pattern that your friend can help you enlarge for those nice slops
Im going to warn you...you will need quite the machine if you plan on doing paned slops if ANY of your material has a decent thickness (slops can be upwards of six layers at some points )  There will be cursing...no matter what...I promise.. so apologize in advance to your machine and get ready for the pin pokes....also make sure you pull your pins out...otherwise an ouch could happen later (trust me...walking in hot weather and getting poked in the rear end all day is NOT fun :S 

[Barret]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Gonna head to the fabric store tomorrow probably, we will see what happens. I will let you know how it goes.

[DonaCatalina]

I have used the Fantasy Fashion pattern twice, it was much easier to alter to His Excellenceny's shape than other patterns were, the Simplicity pattern especially.
First thing to be aware of is the crotch is a little tight. I added a triangular piece with the point going to the back to give more room for comfort in sitting.
As always, make a mock-up of cheap cotton first so you can make neccesary adjustments.

[gem]

I would agree that something as complex as paned slops without a pattern is probably not a project that's going to be really beginner-friendly (for all the reasons mentioned above, particularly the challenge of fitting pants).  Also, you should probably get your pattern *before* you get your fabric (in general), since the pattern will tell you how much fabric to buy and what fabrics are suitable for the project (and, often, which are not).

If, however, you and your garbing friend are going to the fabric store merely on recon, to scope what's available and for you to start to get a feel for different fabrics... that's useful, too.