I've been wanting to move my blog away from Blogspot for a while but could never be bothered to actually do it. This week was the tipping point though, and I've now fully migrated over to https://patsypoomakes.wordpress.com/ . The blogspot address will remain here but all new posts will only appear at https://patsypoomakes.wordpress.com/ . There are lots of reasons for the move but my biggest one is how hard Blogger has made it for people to subscribe to receive new posts via email. It's such a basic requirement but apparently, they think it's too much to offer. I'm basing this purely on how I myself prefer to consume this stuff. I can't be arsed with feed readers anymore and emails are easy and convenient. When I receive one, if I fancy reading it, I will click through to it and, if not, I'll just delete it. Another reason is the spat between Google (owners of Blogger) and Instagram/Facebook/Meta. I don't even know if this is still the case anymore
Hell, yeah, I made me some jeans! I had a different post planned for today but, you know... I made jeans so I'm gonna talk about jeans. **Warning**: there are some shots of my bum. Also, I wear underwear. Get over it.
In all my years on this planet, I can only think of ONE pair of jeans I've owned that fit me well. I only bought it about 2 years ago. When I tried to buy another earlier this year, I don't know what Boden have done with their measurements, but it's all gone to hell as far as fitting me goes. Great!
The workshop was great and we covered zips and pockets in it, too. It was invaluable having made a fly opening before making one for real on my jeans.
The version I picked is the high waisted, skinny leg one. I read that the sizing was generous and the denim had some stretch so I went with a size 6. Having worn it a few times though, it's a little too tight. Sure, it looks good but they're bordering on being "standing up only" jeans. The waist is perfect but everywhere else will probably be an 8 next time around.
In all honesty, I fully expected the whole thing to be a complete fail, so I'm still winning. Big time. I learned a lot while making these but I still have a huge way to go. It's kind of like making pancakes. The first one was always going to turn out a little iffy.
The pattern itself is very good. Everyone raves about the instructions but I found them quite vague in places. The sewalong posts do help but I'd rather the instructions were a little clearer, especially around the fly insertion stage.
Topstitching was one of the things I was most scared of and I didn't need to be. It was actually ok. I used proper topstitching thread and stuck with my denim needle throughout. I considered using a second machine for the topstitching but in the end I didn't bother.
My machine handled the bulk of the denim very well. Not a single hissy fit, for which I was thankful. I read in several places that making a "step" for the presser foot with some folded up denim would help the bulky seams. It really does. You place the step behind your presser foot as you approach a seam, and there are no skipped or shortened stitches anywhere. That was the best tip I've taken away from this. It works with all sorts of other projects as well. Jersey neckbands will never look shit on the join again. Ha!
I really enjoyed installing the hardware. The rivets were very straight forward and they finish it off nicely. The button was just as easy. But there's a bit of a pattern on it and because I didn't think about it, it's now wonky. Lessons, lessons, lessons...
Belt loops have always been my nemesis and these were no different. Even worse, because the topstitching thread makes it a little more tricky. I managed to make the buttonhole in topstitching thread as well but I don't like it. It doesn't look too clean. I think I'll stick with regular thread next time.
The pockets are drafted as these really cool "stays". They help keeping my tummy in check but also I don't get the crumpled pocket situation every time I put these on. They're always in the correct place. And yes, it's leftover fabric from my Copenhagen dress.
I didn't interface the waistband. The sewalong says if you want it more soft and stretchy, leave it off. I did and I think it was the right choice. I interfaced the button and buttonhole area though, of course.
The inside seams are mock felled seams as directed by the pattern. I had a good look at all my RTW jeans and none of them have got proper flat felled seams... I always thought they were standard. Clearly, not cost effective anymore to make them that way.
In short, I'm very happy that I can make jeans but I'm hoping the next ones will be even better.