Thursday, March 21, 2013

Jalie 2908 jeans

This month I've been toiling away behind the scenes on my muslin for the Craftsy pants fitting class. After 3 attempts, I still felt like I was sitting at square one. So frustrated! So naturally, I decided to make a pair of jeans. That makes sense, right?
Are they perfect? No. I didn't even tissue fit them. I just wanted to sew.
But are they wearable? You betcha! And I needed some basic jeans, so I will wear them, imperfections and all. As an aside, I apologize for the picture quality. The DSLR isn't available to me at the moment and the lighting was too wacky for my iPhone. It's snowing and overcast today.
The pattern is Jalie 2908, which I made before here. That pair is no longer in my wardrobe for several reasons, but the primary reason is that the low rise just wasn't working for me anymore. Too much tummy fluff - it needs to be reigned in! This time I went up a size (sigh) and used the mid-rise view.
Over the years, I've learned that there are a few alterations that I always need on commercially drafted pants, so I incorporated those changes here. I added an inch to the height of the rise and scooped out the back crotch curve, to allow for gravity's effect on my assets. I also pinched about 1/2 inch out of the back waist to remove the gapping that always happens back there.
Since I made these just for the fun of it, I went a little crazy and made the back pockets a bit wild. I basically just doodled with my sewing machine, so they don't match at all. I used pink upholstery thread for most of the topstitching, except for the "wings" on my pockets, which are wool Aurifil in a cream color.
The fabric is a stretch denim left over from this skirt. It really has a bit more stretch than I would generally use for jeans, but I was stashbusting and unsure how these would turn out anyway. I think they're going to be fine. Since they are a bit snug, the extra stretch is appreciated. For an on a whim project, I'm fairly pleased with these. Now what next? I'm feeling a little sluggish in the mojo department at the moment, so we'll see...

37 comments:

gMarie said...

Stunning Katie! I love the grommets. Perfect. I think they look wonderful. g

gwensews said...

Those jeans look extremely nice. No changes necessary. Spring will arrive soon and with it your mojo will return.

Marjie said...

Sometimes you just need to make something for your own peace of mind. A wardrobe basic like jeans, where you know pretty much what you need to do to make them fit well enough without playing around, is a great idea. As always, you look wonderful.

Unknown said...

They fit very well actually! Even better than the low rise Jalie. The mismatched pockets are a wonderful idea, I like it a lot.

Anonymous said...

Oh good, you did use the pockets! Now the fashion police don't have to come for you! :-D These look fabulous, great job!

The Hojnackes said...

I love them! I traced the low and mid rise lines on my pattern so I could see what I like best. I might need the mid rise to help with my tummy fluff, too. :( One of these days I might actually try to sew my jeans...

Gillian said...

These jeans give you legs for DAYS! Days of legs. They are great on you!

Unknown said...

These look incredible on you! Fabulous job. Glad you did those groovy pockets. Excellent.

Anonymous said...

Those look really great. Especially amazing that this was a quick throw-together kind of project for you.

Pam said...

Fantastic jeans - I did a pants fit - but in person - I think it would be difficult online. That said I signed up for a tailored shirt class.

I love the pockets - beautiful.

Lori said...

Those looks so great, the fit and the pockets and the detailing - amazing. Great job Katie.

Kyle said...

They look pretty fab--are you going to PR weekend???

Elizabeth Made This said...

Yay Jalie jeans! I've been itching to make another pair for myself, but I found some 7FAM jeans last week for the bargain price of $23 and couldn't pass them up...so Jalies when I find some denim I like. They look great, and the peeptoes are such an adorable choice.

A question about the Aurifil--do you use that with your regular machine, or do you have a dedicated embroidery machine?

Shannon said...

Oh my gosh these jeans are sweet!! I love the back pockets!!

Anonymous said...

Those are fabulous Katie! I am so very impressed... Someday I MAY try a pair of jeans! :) ~Laurie

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Jeez, that's your on-a-whim project?! Fantastic - love the pockets!!

Mary said...

I am echoing everyone-and slightly envious of your spur of the moment jeans! Nice work Katie!!

The Slapdash Sewist said...

These look great! And seriously, just whipping up a pair of jeans? Your post on Logan's sweatpants is too adorable. What a nice mom you are.

KID, MD said...

Thanks! I'm glad I put them on!

KID, MD said...

Thank! I hope so! The snow is finally melted. I hope it stays that way!!

KID, MD said...

Thanks! It seemed crazy to make them when I couldn't even get a pant to fit, but I'm glad I did. I really needed jeans!

KID, MD said...

Thank you! I wasn't sure about those pockets at first, but I really like them. It's why we sew for ourselves, right? To have something unique!

KID, MD said...

Thanks! Must avoid those fashion police! LOL!

KID, MD said...

*nudge, nudge* Go, sew jeans!!

KID, MD said...

*blush* Thanks!!

KID, MD said...

Thank you! They definitely make me happy.

KID, MD said...

Thank you! I do love making jeans, but it was a bit crazy to just go for it. Glad I did though. Sometimes I think we talk ourselves out of doing things that we really can do. I just had to do it!

KID, MD said...

The online format does have some down sides - like no one on one interaction! Tricky when fitting pants, but Sandra has been really responsive to questions and pictures, so it's been helpful still.

KID, MD said...

Thank you!

KID, MD said...

Thank!
I really want to, but it's not in the budget this year. I'm hoping it will come somewhere closer to me. Of course, the year I moved OUT of Texas was when it was in Austin, so luck may not be with me here! :)

KID, MD said...

Thanks!
I used my regular machine, but with a topstitch needle to accommodate the thickness of the thread. It shredded in regular and even bigger jeans needles, but the eye on the topstitch needle worked.

KID, MD said...

Thank you!
You can do it!!

KID, MD said...

Well, I didn't really need any new tops. Wait...

KID, MD said...

Thanks! Sometimes, a girl just gets a yen to sew up some jeans. :)

KID, MD said...

Thank you and thank you! It was kind of a crazy on a whim project. I'm relieved it worked out!

SEWN said...

You are brave brave brave. Love the new jeans.

Juniper said...

These jeans are HOT! I keep seeing this pattern in reviews and everyone raves about them! I have to get this pattern, even though I am becoming a bit of a pattern hoarder! You have convinced me!