Having a bit of free time while Uni was on end of year break I decided to give jeans making another go, with mixed results (previous attempt is here). Instead of revisiting my original Burda pattern I had a crack at the much very popular (in internet sewing circles) Ginger Jeans pattern by Closet Case Files.
For the second time running I have ended up with jeans way too big - how frustrating!
As this is a completely different pattern designer to my last attempt and many other 's have managed to make Ginger's with great success I am pretty sure the problem lies in my self measuring.
Either I am measuring my hips in the wrong spot or erring too much on the side of caution with ease.The jeans were that supposed to end up skinny and sexy fitting (like these) looked much more traditional bootcut jeans shape.
To be fair I did accidentally skip on step that I think would have made life easier in the long run- to baste and try on the jeans before beginning sewing. By doing this I could have made alterations and /or have recut the pattern to a more suitable size.
As it was I had to add darts at the back in addition to taking in the side seams by 5/8", just so they stayed up. I also put some elastic in the back waistband for a snugger fit and to be able to wear the jeans belt-free.
Other sewists seem to have made these jeans up with great success so I am going to have a more thorough look at how I am measuring and maybe try again in a size or two smaller.
I will post a pic up of the finished product soon!
Til then Happy Sewing!
Kate :)
This just came up in my blog feed, a limited time only (April 12th-19th 2013) FREE download from indietutes:
How lovely is this smock top AND sun smart (has sleeves!) so great for daycare/ kindy tops! Now all I have to do is wait for Little Miss to grow big enough for a size 2...
Indietutes is a big fan of refashioning/upcycling old garments (YAY!) so the top pictured here is actually remade from an old adult shirt.
In Charity's (indietutes pattern designer/ blog author) own words:
"The Oh Suzanna Smock pattern is one of my favorites because the pattern
was drafted to facilitate a reconstruction from an adult shirt. I am a
big fan or reusing or upcycling previously loved garments. Not only
does it cut down the resources used but worn, well washed garments
contain fewer chemicals than new fabric, which is treated with a variety
of potently toxic substances (flame retardants, starches, dyes and
such). Also, if you have a child who is sensitive to fabrics,
previously worn materials feel softer on the skin."
So BE QUICK if you want a chance to download and try this pattern for free- you only have until April 19th!!!!
P.S check out her Etsy shop too if you like her pattern style. I really like the Willow Wayfarer Hipsters for Slimsters and at $4.00 USD its really affordable!
P.P.S This is NOT a sponsored post - all view's expressed here are purely my own and totally uninfluenced by ANY outside parties. Being a part-time working mum sewing on a limited budget I love to share free (and cheap) pattern information, in the hope of helping out others in similar financial situations!
Happy downloading/printing/taping + sewing ;)
Kate :)
