Vogue 8330 in red

I just finished up my third pair of Vogue 8330 jeans, which is sort of amazing for me, since I generally am done with a pattern after one make. But these jeans have been a real workhorse.

This time, I went for a bit less of a basic by sewing them in a bright red stretch twill (from Fashion Fabrics Club). Since the fabric has so much impact, I went very minimal with the stitching and embellishment. I just did a single line of topstitching, rather than a double, and used a matching topstitching thread.

I do think that hardware is one of the elements that can keep your home sewn jeans from having that "happy hands at home" look. Rivets are easy to apply and definitely give you a more professional appearance. These are the basic rivets produced by Dritz that are available at all of the big box craft stores, but you can get more fun rivets here and here. I am also a serious convert to the heavy duty snap, although a jeans tack button is also a great look. What I love about the snap is that I don't have to fight to sew a buttonhole through all of those layers in the waistband.

Since my heavy duty snap was black, I decided to paint it with nail polish so that it would match my jeans. Needle nose pliers held my snap in place while I painted it. You can also use model paints from the craft store, but nail enamel works great if you have the color you need. Don't forget to lightly sand your snap before you paint it. I just used an emery board. It helps the paint to adhere well so that it won't chip.

Elizabeth shared her amazing tip for staying organized while sewing jeans, so I thought I'd share mine with you as well. For me, keeping all my hardware and application tools in one place is critical, so I am not searching for the rivet applicator tool in one drawer and the actual rivets in another. I keep a large ziploc, into which goes all of the tools and hardware. Each type of hardware is stored in a smaller ziploc with the tool used to apply it. Tools that I use for multiple pieces of hardware are separate, but still stored in the larger ziploc. This way, when I'm ready to sew a pair of jeans, I just grab my "jeans" bag and all of the tools and hardware I need are right there when I need them.

Another thing that has helped me is having my own set of "man" tools, so I don't have to go hunting in the garage when I need a hammer or pliers. I have my own small tool box with a basic set of tools that I keep in the sewing room. I use it all the time and not just for sewing jeans!

Inside, I used a polka dot cotton for my waistband facing and pockets. I am a total convert to the pocket extension into the fly. It is no harder to sew, but it adds some support in the belly area and keeps the front pockets from gaping. I'm never sewing another pair of pants without adding this feature.

I wore my jeans to the grocery store and a random guy told me I looked like Betty Boop. I think it was the dark hair and red pants with sky high heels more than an actual resemblance, but if you want to tell me I look like a vintage pinup, that's OK with me! Even if she is a cartoon.

I'm wearing my new jeans with a top I copied from my favorite RTW layering tee. This is another "pattern" that I have used to death. I think I have actually made about 6 versions of this tee. It's so versatile. I think I'll make a red one now that I have red thread on the serger...  Hmm, then I should probably get going on that wedding dress. 30 yards of ivory shantung/organza/lace/tulle is staring me in the face!