Friday 28 June 2013

Goodbye RTW Jeans!

I can't believe I made jeans that actually fit!


Pants/Jeans have been on my 'must learn' list for a little while and I've been reading anything that I could find on pant fitting, but do you think I understand it - NO!  Earlier in the year I attempted a New Look pattern, very straight forward ... back, front, band, side zip - what a disaster! 


Thanks to the wonderful world of sewing blogs I discovered the Jalie Jean pattern - I read a number of blogs and Pattern Reviews looking for the hook, but it seemed that this pattern was fail proof ... my kinda pattern!  I placed my order and picked up some rather cheap stretch denim ($20 for 2.6m), thinking that if it all went to custard again I hadn't really spent a lot of money!


I chose the low rise option in a size u (US size 8), based on my hip measurement.  My waist isn't as small as the pattern suggests it should be for that size, but I figured that because they were low rise that wouldn't matter and I could adjust the waist band if necessary.

I selected a light weight denim so it would be easy on the sewing machine and I didn't have bulk to deal with.  The only adjustment I made to these jeans was to the leg style and length.  The pattern is a bootleg jean, I adjusted that to a straight leg and added two inches to the length.  My biggest pet hate about RTW jeans, is they just don't make them long enough for my legs.


I am super over the moon with how these jeans have sewn up.  I can't believe how easy they were to make actually.  And look, I can even wear a pair of heels with my jeans!






I'm ready to make my next pair!  I would also like to make a pair of skinny jeans, which I am thinking is just a re-shape of the leg from above the knee?

This will be my final project for Indie Pattern Month, whew!  I have completely exceeded my own expectations this month - I only planned on making one garment which was My Cordova.  That came together so quickly that I started on the Go Anywhere Dress.  I finished that last weekend and had the pleasure of wearing it this week :-)  Next on my 'to do' list were the jeans ... because they were pants I thought it would take me ages with a little frustration thrown in; how wrong was I!   Check out the other awesome projects, by talented people on the Pinterest Board


15 comments:

  1. Wow! I love your jeans, it fits you perfectly. Well done!

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    1. Thanks Hana it's such a great pattern.

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  2. These look great, Sandra. I see loads more self-made jeans in your future ;-)
    I have had this pattern for ages, but am still a bit chicken to give it a go?!

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    1. I would really encourage you to get that pattern out and make jeans! The Jalie instructions are fantastic.

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  3. These are fantastic! They're awesome on you, great fit. :-)

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  4. Oh wow these look fantastic. And so now you can spend up large on some expensive denim with impunity LOLOL.

    I have been thinking about getting this pattern for ages ... maybe I'll get on with it, though I am still somewhat traumatised by the skinnies an all!

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    1. I think there are a couple of small tweeks that I could make, which scares me a little, but practice makes perfect aye :-) I would really recommend this pattern.

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  5. Well done! your new jeans look absolutely terrific! Since I started making my own I've never had such well-fitting jeans either :)

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    1. Thanks :-) I'll need to start the search for rivets so I really get the RTW look!

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  6. These look amazing. Well done on making a great pair of jeans.

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    1. Thanks, it was surprisingly enjoyable!

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  7. You so inspired me to tackle jeans! Thanks for all your helpful information. I'll be making them again, and like you, think I would prefer a straighter leg. Yours are awesome!

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  8. Ughh I really need to try these. I'm way too scared to try pants again after a couple of really weird shapes... heh. But I have heard so many amazing things about this pattern I really should give it another go

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    1. I was stumped with the whole pants thing, but after trying this pattern I have a heap more confidence. I will make a couple changes to my second and third pair, but just minor really.

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