Something like 3 months ago, I finished making a pair of jeans. When we went on a vacation to northern Wisconsin in October, we took photos of them. Finally today, I’m sharing them. Let’s have a little sewing, shall we?
These are my third pair of Ginger jeans. I sewed them immediately after sewing Mel’s Morgan jeans and my Safran jeans, and by the end of all that I was totally jean-ed out. I’d been saving some Cone Mill stretch denim from the kit I’d bought eons ago for a simple pair of Gingers but my mind got carried away and I made these ones instead. Which means, I’m still on the market for a simple pair, and if my denim comes fast enough, hope to sew them up before we leave for my mom and step-dad’s for Christmas (we’ll see).
These jeans are kind of a success and failure at the same time. Success because they fit as I wanted them to, everything went together well, and I’m really proud of the hand sewing and other small details.
Failure because I made a decision to do something fun, making Western-inspired scalloped front pockets, embellished with hand-worked arrowhead tacks, but the end result had a major flaw. I did a couple of practices of the pocket, loved the look, and while I knew I was using a stretch fabric, and a pattern with negative ease around the hips so the scallops would bow out a bit, I also then didn’t use a dark pocket fabric fabric, and kind of didn’t think the pockets would bow out as much as they would. Which meant after alllll that work, when I tried them on after basting, the pockets looked really kind of stupid. So I closed them up with a red vintage button. I definitely didn’t heed the adage that form follows function.
I didn’t bother with a buttonhole since I couldn’t really see a time when I’d open them, because a button on your front jean pocket is awkward as it is. So I can’t stuff my hands in my pockets (well just in the lower part), which isn’t usually that annoying because I don’t do it that often anyway, but let me tell you, closing up a pocket sure makes you subconsciously want to stick your hand in your pocket!
But, I can revel in the fact that I love the shape of the pocket at least, the button is cute, the arrowhead tacks came out great, I really like the contrast red topstitching, and on the flip side (literally), I made awesome back pockets, and a yoke adjustment to make it extra heart-shaped. Which makes for a rear view of these jeans that I’m pretty proud of if I do say so myself. 😉
I love that yoke sooo much! I got the idea after doing a slightly more curved yoke for Safran, but I wanted to go really heart-shaped with pair. This may need to become my go-to back yoke for Ginger!
I keep a sewing notebook where I write down notes for all my projects, except sometimes when I’m rushing or really getting into something, I forget to write things down. I looked at my page for “Ginger #3” when I went to start this blog post… and it was blank. Thanks, past Tasha. Big help. So I’m not really sure what else I adjusted. I know I widened the calf and possibly the thigh a bit to make them more straight leg, since I thought it would suit the Western vibe. And I made them long enough to cuff, and pressed the outer seams open and used red serger thread and bar tacks.
The rest is a mystery! So instead of me rambling about modifications and things, enjoy some more photos around the cabin we stayed in. The grounds were glorious, and we managed to hit the fall colors at exactly the right time.
Like I said in the beginning of the post, I do plan one more pair of jeans soon, plain ones though, no cuff, no fuss. Either Ginger or Safran or a mashup, not sure yet. I had a difficult time finding denim this time. I used Cone Mill for these Gingers and I like the look of the denim, but I can’t stand that it attracts pet hair, when literally no other jeans I have ever owned (either I’ve made or purchased) do/have done that! So annoying!!! What gives? It also kind of curls at the edges when sewing, which no other stretch denim I’ve used does, which is likewise annoying (but gah, not as bad as the pet hair &%^$%##@). I love my Gingers in Theory denim but they’re not super stretchy, and I did the waist stay, so they can be a bit uncomfortable after several hours (and plus, I want a non-cuffed pair anyway). So I had to suck it up and get more Cone Mill denim for my next pair as nothing else I saw online seemed to fit the bill (I wanted really dark indigo denim without lots of streaking and with a decent amount of stretch). It’s a slightly different weight, 12 oz instead of 11.5 oz so I’m going to just hope maybe they will be different enough not to be a pet hair magnet. I’m not holding my breath.
But, a few things to take care of before then, including sewing what will hopefully be a fun Christmas gift, and releasing a knitting pattern next week!
outfit details
Ginger jeans – made by me
vintage blouse – the top of my grandmother’s square dancing set
vintage belt – gift
shoes – Minnetonka
Maybe you could get samples of denim and make pet coats and see which ones attract all the pet hairs ?
Bwahaha!! I love that idea. 😀
As always, your project is fabulous! I love the western look!
You seem to have a great knitting/sewing balance. What is your secret? I’ve pretty much ignored sewing ever since I’ve taken up knitting.
Thanks, Cindy! I don’t really have a secret for it, it’s just kind of how I’ve fallen into a pattern, just going back and forth depending on my mood and what projects are interesting me at the moment. 🙂 But that doesn’t mean I don’t have periods of time when one craft gets the short end of the stick. Like in summer, I tend to do a lot more sewing than knitting. And in the last couple of months, I’ve done a lot more knitting than sewing. I think being obsessed with clothing has helped me keep a balance. “Ooh, I need this color cardigan to knit!” “Ooh, now I need this dress to wear with it!” LOL
Wow- the time and effort you put into these really paid off- they are amazing! I love the pocket details, red stitching and yoke design. You just can’t get that kind of detail in RTW jeans.
The Artyologist
Thank you! I know, one of the best parts about sewing is being able to customize to your heart’s content!
absolutely gorgeous! I love the heart-shaped yoke and the arrowhead tacks. Beautiful details! (also, if I may, excellent butt!)
Ha ha, thank you for the booty compliments! I really love the heart-shaped yoke, too. And I’m proud of those arrowhead tacks because I found they were deceptively more difficult to accomplish neatly than it looked like (but of course I did some practice ones). 🙂
I love these!! I made a pair of jeans a couple of months ago that I wound up having to close up a pocket on because it was pulling. I didn’t think it would bother me much, but now I’m constantly wanting to slide my hand in there.
Right?! Never did I even care about putting my hand in a front pocket until I couldn’t. ;P
And thank you on the jeans! I’m really enjoying them otherwise. 😉
EEEEP! EEEEP! EEEEEEEP! Sorry, I just had a super spaz out on how much I love your latest creation! Those arrowhead tacks are DIVINE! And they fit perfect, and I love the shaped pockets, and the back yoke and pockets, and western cut, and cuff, etc, etc! I’m finally starting to feel comfortable making pants though I haven’t made jeans yet…I’m working up the courage. Thanks for the inspiration! Lovely post!
I am super spaz thankful of your super spazzing! 😉 It’s definitely worth working up the courage to sew jeans!! They are fun to do, and no individual step is really that hard, and if you just take it slowly, eventually you’ll have a real pair of jeans in your hands and be amazed.
Love the Jeans and the pockets.
Thanks!
Just darling! Love the detailing!!
Where did you get that blouse???
Thanks! I mentioned in the outfit details bit at the very end, but it was the blouse half of my grandmother’s square dancing set. I have the matching skirt, too!
Love the front pocket shape and detailing. So unique!
Thanks!
I love the photos, the cute dog, and am smitten by the little arrow detail on the back pockets above all else about the very-nice jeans. That really makes me love them. I envy that you actually get things done, and so well too!
Thanks so much! Sewing is craft where I typically finish what I start, unless I scrap it (which of course, happens!). But knitting projects can flounder on for ages when I find a new shiny project. ;P
Beautiful work(as always) love the arrow heads so neat 🙂 one day I may pluck up the courage to try sewing jeans . The holiday looks magical .
Thanks! It was a pretty magical place to be, I hope we get a chance to go back someday. I’d definitely encourage you to work up to sewing jeans someday!
I love those arrowheads too! And the yoke is fantastic. And they fit so perfectly. I’m not a jeans fan in general but I’m coveting these.
Thank you! I really like those arrowhead tacks too. 🙂
Love the details! These are great!
Thanks! There were a lot of details in this pair! I’m hoping the next ones are a little less fussy to sew, ha ha!!
The whole outfit is wonderful. The jeans are so cute with your yoke adaptation. I love the blouse. I feel inspired to try making one like that! You look really nice and your photos make me want to go and rent a cabin there! Take care and happy sewing!
Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth of comments regarding your jeans.
First of all – great all around pair of jeans and you achieved an amazing fit. I think the changes you made to the front pockets are one-of-a-kind not to mention they make your jeans look very high end. Its a tough break you had to add the button but I really like how you solved the problem. I was truly amazed with the arrowhead feature on the front pockets especially given the fact you you sewed them by hand – you did a great job and I know from personal experience how hard it is to hand stitch through several layers of thick, hard to sew denim is no laughing matter.
Regarding your comments concerning the fact that the denim attacks dog hair – I would like to point out the following: 1. fiber content is usually the chief reason for pet hair sticking to fabric and the worst case is typically found on high content synthetic fabrics – which is certainly not the case with denim which is generally 100% cotton. 2. The level of hardness in the water you washed the jeans or prewashed the fabric affects how much pet hair will stick to certain fabrics. Based on personal experience – clothes washed in hard water are more prone to pet hair problems compared to clothes washed in soft water. Also, the type of detergent you use along with the type of fabric softener you use will also affect how much pet hair will stick to certain fabrics. If you use fabric softener I would try washing your jeans without fabric softener (it leaves a film on fabric which attracts pet hair) and try using vinegar instead. Hope this helps solve the pet hair problem on your new jeans.
That’s all for now, Nancy
Thanks for your thoughts, Nancy! Well one good thing about the arrow head tacks is that because I worked out all the plans ahead of time, the ones on the back pockets only went through one layer of denim, and I believe the front went through one layer of denim and 2 of the pocket lining. But yes, still no small feat and my fingers were blue and tired after! 😀
We do have hard water in Chicago and while these jeans haven’t been washed in any way that I don’t wash other things, what you said is really fascinating. I may try some vinegar in the wash cycle next time I was them, and while I know you’re supposed to air dry jeans I don’t, but I’ll omit the dryer sheet and see if it makes a difference. Thanks for the tips!!
Okay nope I lied, I just examined the jeans and realize I did the front arrowhead tacks *after* sewing the topstitching, which means it was 2 layers of denim and 2 of the pocket lining. Phew!
I never use dryer sheets but I suspect they would leave a film on your fabric that would attract pet hair. Pls. let me know if adding vinegar to your wash cycle helps with the pet hair problem.
I have also experienced bruises etc. after hand stitches through several layers of denim but in your case the results were worth the effort.
That’s all for now, Nancy
Yee-Ha! Fab pair of Western jeans Tasha and, if I may say so, a spectacular rear view on so many levels! Love your autumnal pictures too. x
Wow I love those jeans ! I am going to order the ginger pattern right now and shamefully copy your version ! haha ! I looooove it !!!
I am currently completely crazy about 40s 50s western clothes and I just finished a shirt. (if you’re interested, it’s here : https://wildchildsophie.wordpress.com/2016/11/28/honky-tonk-shirt/)
Your jean is a 200% success!!
Thank you! Your Western blouse is amazing!!
I am simply drooling over these jeans! I would buy these in a heartbeat if I found them in a shop!
xoxo
-Janey
Your jeans are so cute and the fit is amazing – great job
These look awesome!
I’ve had THE worst time finding repro jeans that feature both the fit I’m looking for (high waist, slimmer leg) AND sizing that work with my slightly thicker waist: I too am short at 5’3″, and while I’m busty and hippy, I do not have the golden 10″ waist/hip differential that most of the 50’s repro brands are doing… I think after reading through all of your jeans and pants posts I’m convinced the answer is to tackle sewing my own! Thanks for sharing the minutia of your projects- I think it will help a ton with mine (I keep a sewing notebook too, btw) 🙂
I would liked so much to find the same patterns as yours to sew such clothes so nice!
I live in France and I like sewing à little. I’m not as clever as you but I manage à little! Maybe you could tell me where I could find such patterns. Congratulation for what you do!