Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Jalie Jeans - Number Five?

I think this is the fifth time I've made the Jalie jeans. I think I have more back fitting issues than any other pair I've made. I don't think it's me, my body hasn't really changed all that much. I think it's a combination of the denim and the alterations I made. I know some of you are like me. I trace the pattern onto tracing paper and modify as I go. The first time I made these they were pretty tight in the thigh. So, the next time I just added a little width to the thigh without actually changing the tissue. Those were pretty perfect. On the next two pairs, it was big again. Again, I just sort of modified willy-nilly and guessed at the right amount to take off the thigh. I need to actually make them according to the pattern and then adjust the damn tissue so I'll know the next time. I just sort of guess and, well, sometimes it turns out but sometimes it doesn't. Overall, I like this pair of jeans. I hemmed them long to wear with these four inch heels.


Like I said, the back isn't great. One day I will have to make the contoured waistband. See the belt wrinkle? That's because there is a sharp V in the back of my pants that the belt can't follow. See the really wrinkly things??


A closer front view.



I've found the perfect topstitching guide feet by the way. I use a 3/8" and 1/8" for the topstitching. It gives the perfect space between the rows of stitches. I get my feet here and I love them. I have 1/32", 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". I've ordered from this eBay seller several times and they always ship fast!

29 comments:

Darci said...

Hello, Gorgeous! I don't care what you say, those jeans make your ass look fantastic and your legs go on for miles.

I was fully swoony over those pockets when you showed off your stitchwork in a previous post. Lovely, lovely work!

BTW: I'm at a loss on the contour waist stuff, too. Let me know if you find some good direx. For some reason, contour waistbands leave me flummoxed.

Joy said...

To prevent a v-shape, have you tried adding height at the center back, tapering to nothing at the sides? I've done this before with a sway back type adjustment - however that was on little girls' elatics waisted pants, so it could be a little different (:

I love the various pairs you've made. It's hard to tell from the photos just how snug they are (or aren't). How true to your measurements is the sizing and can you tell how much intended ease there is?

Debra Martin said...

Dawn, LOVE the heels! What Joy said about adding height at the center back works for me, but I have to also taper it so it forms a dart because the higher I go, the smaller I get if you know what I mean? I hear you about the just edit the damn tissue. I never remember what the heck I did to my side seams to get a pattern to fit...

Your jeans look fabulous and your legs really do look like they go on for miles ;)

Is that a Jalie top? I like it!

Vicki said...

You are the queen of making jeans! They look fantastic. Great pockets too:)

Angela said...

Oo.. I love the these... the color and the back pockets!

Angela said...
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Angela said...
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PepperToast said...

Love the denim. Where did you get it?

marLou said...

Fantastic jeans! I think you did great!

BetsyV said...

Denim varies wildly and that may be part of your differences by pair. However, if you are still running like a madwoman, my guess is your measurements have shifted around even if your weight may not have changed. Time to get that tape measure out.

Love the top - pattern?

BetsyV said...

PS: I never wear belts with jeans any more and haven't put any loops on the 3 pair I have made. Why? I have the same problem at CB no matter how straight the waistband looks. Once the belt goes on, it cinches in and pulls up to the narrowest part of my waist no matter where the jeans sit.

Ditch the belt and loops. Anyone with a relatively small waist versus hips has the same ugly problem in the back.

marysews said...

Those jeans are really cool, and the pockets add that creative touch!

becki-c said...

Love 'em. You look seriously fabulous! I love how you took a simple element and made a great pocket design. I have found that taking in the centerback seam at the top and tapering to hips helps with it. Love the shoes too.

Amy said...

Your jeans look terrific! Did you get your hair cut? Super cute :)

Echo said...

Love the crop circles too :o)

Christiana said...

What a fabulous job, the jeans look great. Love the swirly circles on the pockets.

Christiana
sewamusing.blogspot.com

Cissie said...

Those jeans look fabulous on you! And the red shoes are a perfect touch.
Glad you're back!

Unknown said...

Score: Dawn - 5, Kristine - 0.
You make it look so easy! I've had this pattern forever and keep saying, "I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna..." but, I haven't. You are amazing, all 5 pairs looked phenomenal and you are rocking them in the heels.

Trudy said...

Your jeans looks amazing. Makes me want to make some. I really love the things you make. I have just signed up as a follower and put your blog on my blog roll. Thanks for all the inspiration.

Unknown said...

I really like these jeans, especially the back pockets!!

Paulette said...

you look too damn skinny, girl!! Love the Jalie top....when are you going to make the Kwik Sew top?! ;)

Victoria said...

Nice jeans Dawn! You have 5 more jeans than I do. I still have to make these jeans. Thanks for all the info you've contributed. You've made the rest of us more comfortable with taking on that task (wink)!

Cissie said...

One more comment, Dawn. I love everything you make and your fit it always spot on. But I have to say, these jeans are too baggy in the butt area. You have a fantastic figure and your jeans should should that off! I don't know how to fix that but you can figure it out! I haven't had the nerve to try making my own jeans, but have spent a fortune with alterations experts.

Sewingadicta said...

Wonderful work ... Five jeans! ... You are all a specialist!

Monica D said...

GREAT work!

amber said...

Nice jeans! I also like the tank that you're wearing with them - such a pretty print.

JustGail said...

Nice jeans! I see suggestions about leaving off the belt and loops, and making the waist band higher in the back. I used to have jeans that had loops between the side and center back loops. It helped the belt go more in a U shape, instead of a V. Although I'm not sure how it would work with 2 center back loops.

Unknown said...

Those are seriously the most fabulous jeans I've ever seen. I desperately wish I could put that pattern on my pockets - it's both gorgeous and vaguely scientific (which I adore).

Rebecca said...

The crop circle embroidery is awesome!