After a couple of years of experimenting, it seems this year I’m trying to sew what I need at this moment in my wardrobe. I needed some tops other than my t-shirts, I made blouses. I have two old pairs of jeans, and I need new ones, then I make them. I decided some time ago to stop buying clothes whenever I could make them myself, unless it’s an emergency, that is. So friends, I’m making jeans.
The dark denim (left in top picture) will be a pair of Ginger jeans, while the lighter (not so much) will be a pair of Angela Wolf Bootcut jeans. I will start with the latter for the simple reason that I pretend to make them without modifications, while the Ginger I pretend to widen the leg. I just want my first jeans experience to be as straight forward as possible. That’s the only reason for starting with the Angela Wolf.
As you know, this is a slow process. I had cut and taped my pattern pieces, cut out my size, pre-washed my denim, and I was yesterday ready to proceed with the instructions, when I came upon the sentence: “Before cutting the fabric, wash and dry the denim twice to prevent shrinkage later on and eliminate any excess dye in the fabric“. You read it. Twice. I had everything ready but I needed to wash my fabric again. Bugger! I was tempted to continue anyway since most of the shrinkage occurs lengthwise, but after consulting with Koen, I decided to take the safe road and take things slowly. I used then my time to shorten the main pattern pieces by 3 inches to accommodate my shorty legs.
Remember, people: pre-wash your denim fabric twice.
Oh, yay! Sewing jeans is the ultimate, in my opinion. That’s when you know you’ve arrived as a tailor. Jean shopping is so hard for me. If it fits my thighs, it’s too big in the waist, etc. I put them on, squat, sit, walk around. And I never, ever dry them in a dryer if they fit right, otherwise they’ll be too tight. I’d love to fashion my own perfect pair. Best of luck to you. I know they’ll be awesome.
Pants is one of the most difficult garments to fit, and jeans have the added difficulty of working with a difficult fabric (difficult for the machine).
I have exactly the same issues as you, and it happens to most of women! This first pair will have those same issues, I expect, since they will be a wearable muslin. The problem with elastic denim is that it’s impossible to make a muslin if the fabric has different properties than the definitive. We’ll see how it goes 😉
Ooh, can’t wait to see your finished jeans. I’m not a jean wearer, but pants are always so intimidating aren’t they??
Thank you for passing by and commenting, Jennifer, it’s so nice seeing you here! Pants are intimidating, but jeans are even more. Let’s see how it goes 🙂
The Angela Wolf jeans look lovely, good luck with them!
They do indeed! So far I’ve only cut the fabric. We’ll see how it goes. Thank you!