Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Vogue 8330

The heavy duty snap was hammered and these babies are done!
I love them!! When I first started seeing skinny jeans, I was horrified. Could anything be more unflattering?? What would Stacy and Clinton say??? But the more I saw them, the more I liked them.  Still, I couldn't convince myself to put in the effort to sew a pair when I wasn't sure that I liked the style. So, I did the unthinkable and actually bought a pair of jeans. I know. After some judicious back waist darts, the RTW pair fit OK, and I found myself wearing them all the time, even though the fit was only OK. It was obviously time to sew myself a pair that actually fit.
The pattern I used was Vogue 8330, which I found at the thrift store. I was thrilled to see very favorable reviews on PR. Erica B even made these! The only thing I didn't like about the pattern was the low rise, so I raised it to just below my natural waist. That took 3 inches in front, tapering down to 2 inches at center back.
I added 2 of the three inches above where the pocket sits, to enlarge the pocket opening, but I should have lowered the coin pocket. It looks a little strangely tall. The topstitching was done with C&C "jeans" thread on my Janome. The jeans were constructed on the serger as well as my vintage Singer. She purrs through denim like butter.
I used Dritz rivets, although I have some nicer ones coming soon from Hot Patterns. I couldn't wait, so they'll go on my next pair of jeans. For the closure, I used a heavy duty snap, also from Dritz. It was much easier than fighting Janome to make a buttonhole with jeans thread. I will have to explore other color options though. Hancock's only has black and old gold, which doesn't match the silver rivets they carry. Hello.
Inside, I used a striped cotton for the waistband facing and pockets. I extended the pocket bag across the front all the way to center front. I first saw this done on Beangirl's blog, but have since seen that some of my Burda pants pattern have that feature as well. It is really great for keeping those pocket bags tucked in, but also provides a little tummy control for those of us who perhaps don't have the tummy tone of yesteryear.
Changes I made for fit are mostly detailed here and here. I think these are my best fitting pants to date, so I am pleased. Despite the fact that I get front wrinkles if I move, I am still pleased to have figured out the front crotch curve as having a good fit there makes these pants quite comfortable. Nothing pulls, binds or rides up. I'm not sure I am thrilled with the fit of the waistband, since it tends to roll down on the sides. It is a contoured waistband, and I wonder if it doesn't curve too sharply for how high the waistline is on these pants.
Here are the pockets, now actually stitched on. I waited to sew them on until I had sewn and topstitched the center back seam, so that I could balance the pockets an equal distance from the topstitching. In looking at the pictures, I think they might have been a bit more flattering if I had placed them slightly closer in. I'll remember that for next time!

I'm pretty darn thrilled with my jeans. They are comfortable and despite the dogma about pant legs falling straight from the hips, I find these pretty flattering. It was fun to sew along with the ladies at It's a Jeans Thing as well. Thanks for letting me play!! I may try to squeeze another pair in before the 15th of December!

21 comments:

MushyWear said...

You achieved a fantastic fit! They look so good!

Marie said...

I agree - the fit is great. The jeans have come together just wonderfully.

I am using my 'new" vintage machine to topstitch some jean style shorts but it is a bit of a learning curve. Your topstitching looks wonderful, whereas my looks like I am learning to sew again.

Cindy said...

They are wonderful, Katie!

Marjie said...

Well done! I applaud your decision not to make them low rise. I find that low waisted jeans add weight to the wearer in the midsection, which is one place that we don't need it!

Karin said...

Awesome job! Very inspiring too. I like the fact that these aren't low-rise. I prefer natural waist myself.

Sarahbelle said...

They look great!
I especially liked the striped ticking waist facing!

Also: that is a great sweater -- did you knit it?

Audrey said...

They look great. Wonderful fit and perfect topstitching.

Andrea said...

Katie, your jeans look fantastic and are very flattering on you. Gorgeous topstitching.

Shannon said...

These look great! I am so impressed! And I like that they aren't low-rise, too. Isn't it so much more comfortable to have your jeans come up closer to the waist?

Ann said...

Okay, I have to ask you. You said you used C&C "jeans" thread in your Janome.

Were you able to use the jeans thread in both the bobbin and needle or just in the needle?

Thanks
:)

Pam said...

I love your jeans - very addictive aren't they! You have now inspired me to make some.

And, quite frankly, they are a perfect fit on you - congratulations!! I love the skinny look with a higher rise. I have some skinny jeans and yes, although I love a good low rise - i don't love them on the skinny (or cigarette jean) for that matter!

Fantastic!!!!!!!!

Tanit-Isis said...

They are awesome! I do the tummy-pocket extension thing, too, although my low-rise jeans all go below my tummy so maybe I needn't bother. Meh.

I find with stretch jeans the pockets when worn end up somewhat farther apart than when the fabric is unstretched. So you have to put them a bit closer than you might otherwise.

Enjoy your jeans! :)

Kyle said...

Holy smokes that's impressive!

Victoria said...

Those are one sexy pair of jeans! You look great and all of your effort was well worth it!!!

Kitschy Coo said...

Amazing job, they (and you!) look fantastic.

gwensews said...

Great jeans Katie! No need to ever buy jeans again, when you can get such a good fit sewing them for yourself. Good job!

Stephanie said...

Wow! These are super impressive! Great fit and they look so professional!

poppykettle said...

I LOVE the stripey waistband detail. I'm so stealing this idea. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, no?

Witch Hazel said...

Wow, the jeans look great, and what an amazing fit! All of your top-stitching looks amazing.

The Slapdash Sewist said...

Soooo flattering! You are totally working the skinnies, I can't believe you were hesitant. I am so impressed with all your details and fit.

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Wow - totally awesome - they fit so well!