Wednesday, June 22, 2011

McCalls 5592

These jeans really shouldn't have taken me over a week, but I now have the profoundest sympathy and understanding for those of you who don't have a dedicated sewing space. Setting up and taking down my sewing, even though it is just the basic machine and ironing board, takes forever! It really cuts in to the actual time I have to sew. And since our belongings haven't even left Texas yet (Don't get me started on how annoyed I am at the moving company), it's still slow going around here.
I know white jeans are the opposite of practical, but white has been such a huge trend this spring and I just really wanted a pair. I figure at least if they get gross, I can bleach them. The top is BWOF 04/2009-112, made last April. I wear it all the time, and it was also great during my pregnancy.
The pattern for the jeans is McCalls 5592, alas now OOP. I made them before, here and still wear them all the time. They fit well, are comfortable and I really like the rise - not too low, but not mom jeans. What I neglected to consider as I cut out this pair was that the last pair were stretch denim and this pair is not.
You can see the front whiskers and the wrinkles at the side seams. I could have given myself a bit more room in the hip.
The back is OK, but I probably should have allowed a smidge more depth in the crotch.
Construction-wise, these are made of a lightweight cotton twill from Hancock. In white, the fabric was pretty sheer, but I didn't want to line my summer jeans, so I underlined the main pattern pieces with batiste. I still get a little pocket show through, but not too bad. I serged all the exposed edges (serging together the FF and underlining at the same time) before we packed up.
The topstitching is in cream. Thanks so much for all of your input!! I tried to find lighter grey or silver topstitching weight thread, but couldn't. I really like the way the cream is visible but not obvious. I really missed my Singer for the topstitching. Having to rethread the machine a zillion times did not make for speedy sewing either. The buttonhole was also a hot mess. Janome just didn't want to deal with the thick thread. I'm glad the button covers it, cuz it ain't pretty, but after three attempts, I was really ready to pound in some rivets! Janome is an indifferent buttonholer at the best of times, but this was ridiculous.

Overall, I like them. They are a fun addition to my wardrobe. Next up, some desperately needed PJs. It gets cold at night here!

19 comments:

natalie said...

katie love the jeans. Im actually loving the ekg jeans you made. I know soo 2010 right. Your stuff is still here! what moving company did you use so i wont use them!

Bella said...

Love your jeans, and since you made them out of your usual "comfort zone" all the more credit is due!
Between setting up and clearing away the machine and iron, I waste a full hour of sewing time every time I do sew. My sympathies!

Tanit-Isis said...

Gorgeous! Now I want white jeans (yeesh, I'm such a copycat...)

I totally feel you on the pain of sewing jeans with one machine. Well, because I only have one machine. Yes, I'm looking for a backup. Especially if the yard apes stay interested in sewing for more than five minutes. My Janome can't do a jeans buttonhole to save its life, either.

That's a major bummer about your stuff. Moving companies are such a pain! (But then, doing it yourself isn't so sweet either...) Grr. We really need teleporters, don't we.

Pam said...

I absolutely love these jeans you made! Congratulations!! Fantastic! This is my favorite outfit you have made - the shirt is perfect with them. I have a heavy duty type of white jeans in the garage - I don't think they are soft enough for me. . . I'm not sure it will be worth the time to sew them up!

Big in Japan said...

I've yet to muster the courage to attempt jeans. I traced a pattern last summer and that's as far as it went. I also don't have what it takes to wear white jeans. You rock, Katie!

Renee said...

Great jeans! I bought some white denim a couple of months ago to make some, but haven't gotten to it yet. Might have to move it up the list after seeing yours!

Lisa said...

Wow I love this outfit , I bet these jeans will be worn so much they are fab . I really am putting your top and jeans on my wish-list.

Uta said...

Great pants! I'm amazed at your ability to sew through any adversity, even in the middle of a move..

knitmachinequeen (KMQ) said...

Great jeans. That reminds me that I have white denim in my stash!

Aminat said...

Love your jeans.... They are so great on you. Good job

MushyWear said...

I really like the style of these with the wide legs. You did an amazing job, especially given your circumstances. I agree, the cream thread is a great color for the top stitching!

Mary Nanna said...

Palmer Pletsch suggested in their pattern to sew the whole jeans in the contrasting thread to save swapping over, which is quite a good idea and you probably could have pulled it off with cream and white being so close.

I have learned my lesson with jeans. I only ever sew with 2% elastane - the perfect amount, you can sit down without saying "ouch" and yet it's not so cozy down there that people can see more than they ought. I know there are people out there who can pull off stretch jeans but it's not me.

I love white jeans. I love your white jeans. I do hope the denim stretches enough to make them more comfortable for you,

Little Hunting Creek said...

ver nice jens - they look great with your top:)

Kristy Chan said...

they are totally worth the extra effort in laundry - the whole outfit is just perfect. You've really got the smart casual look down pat. Actually it's a good thing you live halfway around the world from me, because I'm so going to copy this look!

Joy said...

These have a really nice shape! Hopefully the denim eases up a bit for you - although they don't look tight from where I'm sitting.

I've started using regular thread instead of the topstitching for my buttonholes since my machine doesn't like the thicker stuff. I figure slightly thinner thread looks better than a rat's nest!

Anonymous said...

Those look really fabulous on you. Ilove my white jeans and surprisingly they aren't stained yet (knock on wood:))

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

They look great - especially the back. So smart to prepare some things ahead of time!

BConky said...

My daughter wants me to make her a pair of white jeans. She's 5'10" and can't find them to fit. Yours turned out so cute. I need to find a pattern in a fitted jean for her. She want's skinny jeans.

Sascha said...

Oh you look amazing in those jeans! ...aaaaand I have always loved that top. I keep forgetting I'm meaning to copy that idea and make some stripes in different directions.