Classic Vogue 8774 Jeans

While I know that skinny jeans are the thing these days, I don’t always want that. Skinny margaritas? Yes! Skinny jeans? Not all the time. So, I pulled out this classic pattern for making a straight-leg jean.

I used this stretch cotton I had bought about 2 years ago. I have wanted a pair of floral jeans since the first time I saw them. To me, they are such a fun, springtime (and early summer) wardrobe staple.

During the process of making these jeans, I realized that I really love the jean-making process. Getting the right fit can be challenging but I really enjoy working out those details. And each pair gets better, so if you’re thinking of making a pair, GO FOR IT! I suggest you start with a basic 5-pocket jean pattern, and go from there.

I want to make another pair with a lighter background (similar to the photos above).

In the meantime, I’m just going to enjoy these!

*Jeans sewing tip: use your machines triple straight stitch to get that jeans thread look (my Bernina actually calls it a “jeans stitch”). This way, you can use regular thread but get a thicker, sturdier sewn seam.

BurdaStyle Mag Biker Jacket

When I was looking through the March issue of BurdsStyle Magazine, I knew that this was something I wanted to make. The problem was that I have never done anything from the magazine with this much detail. To say that I was concerned about whether or not I could actually get it done is an understatement.

Well, much to my surprise, this jacket was not as hard as I thought it would be. Actually, it was pretty easy! Of course I had to trace the pattern, but that’s a step I’ve done before so I was used to that process.

I had this tweed fabric I had bought a while back that I really wanted to use for this project. It looks good, but the material was hard (at least for me) to work with. Because the weave is very loose, it frays very easily. Also, there are little sequined pieces woven into the fabric which meant I had to sew slowly in order for the material to not get stuck in the feed dogs of the machine and for the needle not to be damaged. So, I learned my lesson. I would love to make this again, but with a very different fabric that will be a bit easier to handle.

But, I am definitely happy with the end results. This is my first time making a biker jacket with an asymmetric zipper and zippered sleeves. I know some of you consistently make garments from the magazine and I truly admire that. I’m trying to stretch my ability and I figure that this is a good way to do it.

So, until next time… I’ll keep sewing and sharing.

Favorite Skirt-BurdaStyle 09/2010 #106

I first made this skirt around the end of 2010. It quickly became a favorite of mine for a lot of reasons. I loved the corduroy I used which was much like a suede fabric. I also loved the style of it because it was stylish but not too short, etc. It became the perfect thing to wear with boots. I had always intended to make another one but I never did until now.

Because I really liked the look of the previous one I made (you can see that here), I wanted something that would give me the same sort of look and feel. But, it was also important for me to use up some fabric I already had. So, I chose to use this piece of printed moleskin suede. The skirt fabric and lining are both pieces I had on hand.

I know that some of you don’t particularly like to use BurdaStyle Magazine patterns, but I would like to challenge you as I’ve challenged myself on that. There are so many styles I truly love in the magazine and I admit that tracing them can be daunting and sometimes annoying. But I really look at it as part of the whole process of sewing a garment that I want. Whether it’s tracing from the magazine or tracing from one of the Big 4 (yes, I do that about 90% of the time), it has almost become therapeutic for me to do so.

That being said, I had initially chosen to make this skirt because I had figured it would challenge me enough to try something more detailed from them, but wouldn’t be too difficult to put together. Overall, This is a fairly easy project. By the way, the top I’m wearing in the pictures is from the same magazine. It’s 09/2010 #121. This was my very first successful BurdaStyle project completion. It has three pieces! So, if anyone wants a super simple beginner project, that’s the one I recommend.

Let me know what projects you have that challenge you.

We all have them so know that you’re not alone. The only way that I know of to get through those difficult pieces to to keep trying – make the mistakes and learn from them.