Author: Denise

Ginger Jeans The Second Time Around…

I can be very determined at times. After I made one pair of Ginger jeans (Closet Case Patterns), I thought that maybe “skinny jeans” weren’t for me. But, after seeing so many other people successfully complete them, I thought it would be worth the time and effort to make whatever adjustments were necessary to make them fit my body the way I wanted. Well, I’ve (almost) done it. I only say almost because there are a few small additional  tweaks that I have already made to the pattern for the next pair. But these are really good. And there were quite a few changes I made based on the fit of the last pair I made (here ).

Ginger jeans

For this pair I:

  • widened the pant leg from the knee down to relieve tightness in the calf
  • put in a center back wedge to give more room in the seat
  • lengthened the center back seam
  • added a wedge to the top of the center back seam to lengthen it at the top so that the front and back seams would meet
  • and re-made the waistband and back yokes to give more curve for a better fit

 

This pair is the best yet that I’ve made. But, I have already decided that for the next pair I will shorten the crotch length just a bit (or make some adjustment to it) and trim a little off of the side hip area. The adjustments I made seem like a lot, but actually didn’t take much time. I used the resources I have and the information provided by Closet Case Patterns on making pant adjustments. I’m always looking to improve my skills and my outcomes so learning new ways is an ongoing process.

I’m really looking forward to making another pair!

By the way, the top in the photos is V9205 that I made here.

*This denim is similar to what I used, but lighter in color. What I used is sold out. HERE this is an affiliate link.

 

Using Leftover Fabric…

While I had the goal of not buying any fabric for at least a month, I also had some nice, large pieces leftover from previous projects. And by the way, I didn’t buy anything for the month of January. But I had this really nice fabric left from the reversible coat I made in December (you can check it out here ). I decided to use it to make this vest from Butterick 5683.

This is another one of those patterns that I’ve had for a while. But the quilted coating was perfect for it. I also used the corduroy I had leftover that was the reverse side of the coat for the facings of the vest.

B5683

There was a time when I never would have even thought to use different materials that weren’t expressly stated on the back of the pattern envelope! But, as I’ve grown in confidence in my sewing, I’ve become very practical too. I can find a way to use up bits and pieces of fabric. And I always save those larger pieces of material since I never know when they might come in handy.

 

The only thing that I had to change, in part due to the structure of the fabric, is that I had to take in the side seams about 1″. Originally, this was very poufy when it was done and I thought I’d just consider it a miss. But, the pattern (due to the princess seams) was very easy to take in the sides and get the fit I wanted. This is the first time I’ve made this pattern, so I don’t know how it would fit me made in a different material. In other words, I’m not sure if it’s an issue of size even though based on measurements and finished garment size, this should fit.

But whatever the case, I like the vest I made and I think the pattern, with it’s variations, is terrific.