Sunday, June 26, 2016

Jeans&Tee's

Or G&T's, if you like.
Boozey jokes aside, it is what I wear most days.
So it makes sense to find a go-to pattern.
Last year, I had a good run with the Ginger jeans. I wore them constantly.
If you are new to jeans sewing I cannot recommend this pattern enough. The instructions are fantastic.

A few life style changes (more exercise) and some minor health issues (nothing serious, just gall stones) has resulted in some weight loss.

As I had nothing to wear that fit me nicely anymore (even though I have lost my baby weight my middle has thickened) it seemed the perfect time to embrace the capsule wardrobe.
First up, some Winter tee's.
After reading several excellent posts I decided to give the Plantain tee from Deer and Doe, a go.
I made three.
A black, cotton/lycra (from eBay) with black vinyl elbow patches, a navy cotton/modal (from Eliza's of Sunshine) with silver patches and a black and white stripe cotton/modal (from DK's Fabrics) with black vinyl elbow patches.
I have grey, nude and white versions  ready to sew once I change threads.
My went by my bust measurement as I like tummy ease in my tee's. 
If I used a firmer knit I would size up but I really like the fit with this very stretchy cloth.
I added an inch to the hem but that was my only mod.
I may shorten my sleeves a wee bit.
As I tend to have my hands in water most of the day I find I push them up.
3/4 length would just make more sense.
My boots are from Emu  and sheepskin lined. Another item I constantly wear.
My pearls are a gift from Jed, from the Hamilton Sheepvention, he brings me something home each year.
The scooped neck is lovely and very flattering on me, even wearing my horrid feeding bras #droopyboobsofinsta.
After hearing about Bootstrap patterns on the lovely Lara's blog I decided to try them myself.
I really liked the concept of a made to measure pattern as I cannot find RTW jeans to fit me.
I did find the measuring process a bit tedious and just a little confusing. I would advise pulling out a pair of jeans you own and check things like zipper length and knee and ankle dimension.
My initial pair were far too wide at the waist (as my lovely Insta friends were witness too).
I am not blogging my alterations as, after re-measuring, I realised Zara had inadvertently added 25cm to my waist measurement.
Thus user error, not pattern error.
The instructions are very professional and the results are very very professional but I would still recommend the Ginger jeans instructions if you were a bit nervous.
I sewed them up in some very stretchy denim from here.
I think the secret to jeans sewing is the topstitching 
I used this thread in the top spool and matching, poly rasant thread in the bobbin.
The sewing was slow and chuggy and I had to use a needle threader to thread the needle eye but it was worth it.
My second pair, I topstitched with white jeans thread.
I added pocket flaps and decorative stitching to exaggerate my lack of junk in my trunk.
While I researching sewing techniques I found this article.
Now I am not sure my bum looks 'amazing' but it does lift how flat it looks.
I raised the zipper by an inch on this pair and I think it looks better.
Last pair for now, a gorgeous black coated denim with black topstitching.



This pair is my favourite.
This photo really shows how well the pattern allows me tummy room but fits nicely through the bum and thigh.
I couldn't be more pleased.

~My Verdict~
I am sold on sewing my own jeans. Why would I even bother buying them? They never fit, they cost a small fortune and shopping is a pain.

If you are thinking of sewing your own, go for it, I am happy to help!

Ditto with the tee's. I love the fit, the fabric is lush and even the pricey stripes worked out at under $20 for the tee (with enough left to make Trixie something)

I am pretty happy with my efforts and my capsule wardrobe is coming together very nicely indeed.

Thanks for reading
xx Nicole 

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36 comments:

  1. This is so inspiring Nicole! Jeans & long sleeve tops for winter are wardrobe staples here & I struggle finding jeans to fit.
    Your jeans are especially great. Ain't no junk goin' on here & a tricky stitching lift to boot(y?). ;)

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    1. I don't think I have ever been called inspiring, thank you Renae.
      I must admit, I am kicking myself for not sewing them sooner. I just feel so much nicer with nice clothes, more motivated and happy.

      I did have a snort at the 'junk in my trunk' article but I do think it works.
      A bum optical illusion.
      Thank you!
      xx N

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  2. Thanks for the jean recommendation. I've been wanting to try and make my own for a while. I've made them for the kids, but haven't been brave enough to try them for myself.

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    1. Go for it.
      There may be a few fitting issues but once you have it sorted, they are not too hard at all.
      I can make a pair for me in 5 hours (just sewing) and I am not a speedy sewer.
      There is a plethora of help on the inter webs too.
      Thank you!
      xx N

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  3. As always, your sewing is impeccable and the fit is perfect.

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    1. You are very kind Deb, that compliment is very humbling from you.
      xx N

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  4. Amazing fit! You and the jeans look great.
    & I love watching your capsule wardrobe as it evolves.

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    1. Thank you Spoony.
      The capsule wardrobe works so well for me, I get dresses so quickly and everything goes together well. I am wearing all my clothes more and just feel better.
      xx N

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  5. You have done some fabulous sewing and I love how hard you worked to get the jeans just right. I have yet to brave jeans for me.

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    1. Jeans sewing was scary, I will admit that, but the fabric is not that expensive and with some great patterns out there, well worth a go. I wear jeans, nearly everyday, it just makes sense to sew them.
      Do it, that coat you made was utterly magnificent, you will handle jeans with no problems at all!
      Thank you.
      xx N

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  6. Fantastic Nicole! What an amazing fit.

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  7. You look amazing! I am in awe of your skill, you guru you.

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  8. Nicole you are positively TINY! You look great and the clothes also look great. I love the Plantain pattern - it's a go-to for me although I haven't fit it for my current shape; I should probably do that. Jeans are on my list ... I will be hitting you up for help whenever I come to that bridge.

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    1. You are kind Masha, 'tiny' you can come again. ;)
      But I do feel really nice and I think that is important. The Plantain is a great tee and I wish I had sewn it sooner. I really like the swinginess over my tummy but it still gives me shape over my boobs.
      Do the jeans, you know where I am!
      xx N

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  9. The jeans look great! It looks like an amazing fit too. Awhile ago, I made the Birkin Flares - the first jeans I've attempted and although the fit isn't perfect it works for now. I've always wanted to try the making the Ginger jeans as well. I like your Plantain tees too - tees are a staple for me, but they are lacking in my handmade wardrobe.

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth.
      I am really happy with the fit. I have not heard of the Birkin flares, I will check them out, thanks!

      The Ginger jeans are just gorgeous and the instructions are very very good.
      The Plantain is the bomb and free! So no excuses not to sew one up for yourself!
      xx N

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  10. You have been very busy. Rain gear next ? How do we follow you on Insta to get the full story ?

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    1. No, no rain gear, I wish!

      If you look at the top of my blog you will see an Instagram logo, click on that and you should find me.
      Thanks for reading!
      xx N

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  11. You look totally fab - the tees are perfect and the jeans, well, Deb said it best - impeccable. And Peta's spot on - you are a guru :-)

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    1. You are lovely Justine.
      I am wearing this lot of sewing to death. I must admit though, I think your elegant beautiful sewing would be more fun!
      Thank you
      xx N

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  12. So first of all, you made me laugh out loud and won the internets with your new hashtag, #droopyboobsofinsta - I will definitely use that tag! LOL!

    The fit of those jeans is soooooo good! And the Plantain tee really is a winner. You can easily eyeball more swing around the waist or less, allowing you to size down in the bust if you are dealing with stretchier fabric. I've made so many versions now! I think my favorite part about the plantain is that neckline, it's the perfect scoop for those of us who are blessed in the bust department and like to show some neck.

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    1. We may as well embrace it Inder, Trixie is very attached so I will be doing the feeding bra thang for a bit longer yet ;)

      I am super happy with my jeans, I am still super keen to knock off your Brumby skirt though, I totally love that on you and think I would wear it a lot.
      Thanks for your tips re the Plantain, did you blog it? You are so right, I like the scoop neck as I have quite big boobs for my size and I can get a mono-boob in the wrong cut tee.
      xxx N

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  13. Your sewing is amazing ..... so inspiring!!

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    1. Really? Wow, that is super kind of you to say. Please tell my teenage twins (joke) (not really)
      xx N

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  14. After reading about your experience sewing jeans for yourself, I feel inspired to try sewing myself a pair! Your jeans fit perfectly. I'm so impressed.

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    1. That is brilliant!
      You go for it, flick me a message if you get stuck, I am happy to help.
      Thank you
      xx N

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  15. That topstitching is amazing! Your jeans are really very impressive Nicole and they fit you so well P.S- i'm hearing you on the horrid feeding bras... that's the only type I seem to have these days as well ;)

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    1. Thank you V.
      I am so happy with them, the tummy room is a God send with my 6 child waist.
      I am stuck with old bras and i really don't want to buy more, Trixie may feed for another year or another month.
      xx N

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  16. I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe... might have to try it out myself. Also how do we follow you on instragram?

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    1. My girls got me onto the Capsule but it is great, it works so well.
      If you look up the post you will see a little instagram symbol, click on that.
      Thank you!
      xx N

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  17. Who needs rtw wear jeans when yours look so much better! And I can't believe you thought jeans were scary! I personally would have thought you would at least think them a challenge but not intimidating. You did an awesome job as always.

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