Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Daffodil yellow jeans

For April's MAGAM challenge, Sarah Liz suggested  "maybe this month you can learn a new technique, expand your sewing knowledge, or just make something you like for the new season"
I love wearing jeans, but buying them RTW is a bit of a hit and miss affair. If they fit in the waist they are too big in the hips and if they fit my hips I can't get them buttoned up. Making my own pair would also expand my sewing knowledge.

I bought this Jalie 2908 jeans pattern in 2009 when everyone else was making "jeans that fit". I always intended to try it for myself and five years on I have. At the time I read almost every review on PatternReview.com and made copious notes, which is a good thing as I had forgotten most of them.

I used some daffodil yellow stretch drill purchased a couple of years ago to make a muslin first. The stretch factor was much the same as the stretch gauge on the pattern so I traced off  the size that matches my hips and increased the waist two sizes. 

Because these were a trial pair for fitting mainly,  I omitted a lot of the traditional jeans features. I only did minimal topstitching and skipped the rivets and belt loops. My pocket design leaves a lot to be desired - there isn't one - and the pattern gives no clues as to what would be suitable. I also feel the pocket is a bit too long for me. I have made a note to shorten it by 2cm. The bias waistband fits me well but it twisted somewhat as I was stitching it on.





 This is a very good pattern, the instructions are easy to follow and the diagrams very clear. I printed the separate pattern instructions from the Jalie website for easy reference and all the pieces went together smoothly. I did add a pocket stay and this may be why they didn't stretch quite so well around my middle, but I got the button done up and after wearing them on Sunday they loosened up and needed hitching occasionally.


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 Not too sure how often I will wear these in public as they are a bit colourful, but I will tackle another pair in more traditional denim soon. Meanwhile, I have conquered another "never thought I could do it" demon
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14 comments:

  1. KatApril 22, 2014 at 3:55 AM

    Congrats on conquering the demon! Feels good, eh? Your jeans are fabulous and I really do love the yellow - even though they're a 'tester'. They'd go great with a black and white top (similar to the one you're wearing actually). It's a great pattern and you did a great job. Now go reward yourself :)

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    1. KathySApril 22, 2014 at 4:10 AM

      Thanks Kat, I'm getting used to the colour. My family thought they looked good, "just like bought ones" so I'm feeling rather pleased.

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  2. LisaApril 22, 2014 at 6:51 AM

    I totally agree with Kat, those jeans look great on you and the color is gorgeous and complements the top you have on to me too. Very nice!

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  3. Hana April 22, 2014 at 9:02 AM

    Ohhh, you did a very nice work on your jeans, Kathy! Congratulations! Love the color, so summery and it looks great on you :)
    I think your black and white blouse is matching well with the jeans :)

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    Replies
    1. KathySApril 22, 2014 at 7:24 PM

      Thank you, Hana, your comments are much appreciated.

      Delete
  4. Sew Blessed Maw [Judy]April 22, 2014 at 8:11 PM

    You did a great job on your jeans.. I like the yellow color too.. Have fun wearing them.

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  5. UnknownApril 22, 2014 at 9:24 PM

    I think you did a fantastic job- jeans are hard work indeed. Real skill builders. You must wear them! If i can wear my bright neon orange jeans you can do it too. Own it ;)

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    1. KathySApril 24, 2014 at 1:13 AM

      Thanks Maureen, I think your orange jeans are fantastic, too.

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  6. Sarah LizApril 23, 2014 at 12:49 AM

    These turned out very well - they fit nicely across the backside, which is quite an achievement :). I actually prefer jeans that are a little more "trouser like" - ie, no rivets or topstitching on the pockets. I think the colour is lovely - it would look lovely in Spring.

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    1. KathySApril 24, 2014 at 1:15 AM

      Thank you, Sarah Liz. The colour is growing on me :)

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  7. CarolynApril 24, 2014 at 1:10 AM

    These jeans looks absolutely terrific on you, and are well worth wearing out I reckon! Fabulous fit! For jeans pocket design ideas, check out ready to wear options. Often the simplest are the best :)

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    1. KathySApril 24, 2014 at 1:21 AM

      Thanks, Carolyn. I did rummage through my wardrobe, but I seem to have disposed of my RTW jeans. Probably because they were too hard to keep up :).

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