Vado Boyfriend Jeans for Me.

Once you have made jeans that fit you, that is it.

You can't go back to uncomfortable ones.

I can't find jeans to fit me.
I have a very thick waist but it is tummy weight. If I get jeans to fit me in the waist, they have ridiculously full legs.
If they are neat around the bottom and legs, they cut me in my middle. 
But jeans and shirts are my style, I like them!

Style Arc Boyfriend shirt and Vado skinny jeans

I have had great success with my Vado jeans and my original white and black pair are on heavy rotation but I have put on weight and my denim ones were too tight.
Life it too short for tight trousers.

My weight gain is mainly on my middle so I added a few cms to the front of the jeans and the waistband of my original pattern and I was back in business.

I used some denim/wool from Spotlight, it has a small amount of stretch which is needed for this pattern.
I went with navy top stitching.

As usual I interfaced the front panels for some tummy control (personal choice) and I used stretch poplin of the pockets bags which I finished with French seams.

I love that I actually have some bum as well as tum in these jeans.
Skinny jeans are great but I wanted to try a different look.

So I thought I would try the Vado Boyfriend jeans again

 Not too shabby.

The pattern has more ease through the leg, not sloppy, just a little more fabric.
Once again, tummy room, love it!

I love these jeans!

I got a booty!

My only tiny grumble....
They are supposed to have long legs, like really long legs that you roll up!

I don't have long legs and these are almost too short on me.
So I will need to add a few inches to my next pair

Because I really like the look of the rolled leg.
More lush denim/wool but this time with copper coloured thread topstitching.

I am so pleased with these jeans.


Thank you for reading... xx N

Monsieur Shirt and KwikSew 2123 Jeans - Sewing for Hugo

I am still steadily sewing for Hugo but it is quite hard to get photos of said sewing.

He is not home as much and when he is, is playing sport or working.
And the hair needs to be a certain way before photos are allowed.

Earlier in the year I made him another Mister/Monsieur shirt from a green Wiltshire Liberty.
Which since has been known as his 'camo' shirt.

This is my go-to for him, I make him the medium and can sew it in five hours, no fittings required.

Another repeat sew is KwikSew 2123 mens jeans.

I altered this pattern a few years back lowering the waist band.
I just made them in a stretch to give some ease, I would need to size up in a rigid denim.

I used the last of my black, coated denim I purchased.
From 5 m I was able to make Vado jeans for me (which I no longer fit in so I altered them to fit Zara), a Burda skirt (to be blogged) and another pair of Vado jeans for me.
#ninjacutting for the win.

Nice and stretchy with heavy black jeans top stitching.

~Hugo's Verdict~
Camo Shirt
As most of you may know I have a particular soft spot for floral shirts. When shown the dark green khaki combination floral I immediately knew I wanted a shirt out of it. Most of my shirts are bright florals so this darker gum tree like floral  is a nice change up. The shirt pattern is the same as my past (Marie?) which although nice and fitted to my body gives me plenty of movement. 

Dark Jeans

My light blue denim jeans that I have had for over 4 years have seen better days. I have actually worn the backside out of them sitting down so much at university. With the blue jeans subbed out as summer emergencies I needed a new pair. Mum kindly made me a new pair of fitted jeans out of black coated denim. These jeans are really comfortable the dark colour of them really makes my floral shirts stand out.

I am a very lucky man

~My Verdict~
I am tired and a 'bear of very little brain' at present. Go-to patterns are a life saver, which both of these are!
I have my own shirt sewing order in which I iron, interface and sew all the pieces that need it, rather then a traditional method as I have made it so many times.
Not needing to fit the jeans is also very handy not to mention I can ninja cut with another garment, making the most of my fabric.

Thank you for reading xx N
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More Jeans for Mummy.

I was a bit flat after the shirt debacle
So I made some more jeans

My custom fit Vado jeans.

In super stretchy, denim/wool from Spotlight, $16/m.
(Good and wide, I got a pair of jeans and a pair of long shorts from 2m)

I am so happy with these jeans.
I fitted the side seams before the final sew, always worth doing as different types of denim have different fits, apart from that I just sewed them up!
White, jeans top stitching thread makes a big difference in the finish.

I love the tummy room this pattern gives me.

But the fit at the back make me very happy.

On our hol's in Bendigo, I picked up this gorgeous wide leather plaited belt.
I made some long shorts with extra wide belt loops, to fit.

I used copper topstitching for a more casual look.

~My Verdict~
Perfect.
I have nailed this pattern. I will make one more pair in a heavy denim and that is my jeans well and truly sorted.
I am so happy with my capsule wardrobe, so far. Getting dressed is easy, I always feel smart, everything is worn regularly and I am getting a good feel for my style.
I have no doubt others could get bored but I am so busy I love it!
Getting dressed in the morning is enjoyable and very very quick!

The Jeans Affair

Have you heard of Bootstrap patterns?
They are similar to Lekala, very similar, they have many of the same patterns but with better instructions, evidently. 

For Zara's next item on the #sewingrota I made her some custom fit Vado jeans.
I really enjoyed sewing these jeans. The instructions were excellent but I have made jeans before so I wasn't dependant on them.
I think the Ginger jeans would be more hand-helding.
That said, I love the very professional zip and front construction.

The written instructions come with step by step colour photographs but these were quite dark and hard to see.

Perhaps an intermediate sewing pattern, not that hard but it needed time and patience.  

I sewed them up in some white denim using silver hardware.

I did fit these as I sewed but I made no modifications.

Seriously, the fit is almost spot on!

They may be just a tad firm across her hips but as we are coming into Netball season they won't be for long.

I love how well they fit her bottom.

We took the option of very curvy.

Dang, but they fit well!

How gorgeous is she?

The fit is amazing, I am totally blown away.

~Zara's Verdict~
These jeans are great. 
The material is perfect, Mum found it for me.
 The fit is great.

 Thank you Mum for spending your time making them. They are very flattering, especially considering the odd 5 kilos I put on during the Christmas holidays.
 : D

I am glad you like them Sweetheart.
xx N

Vado Jeans

First post for the year.
Vado skinny jeans

That would be my sixth use of this pattern.
Time to put it away, for now.

Heavy denim with a hint of spandex from Spotlight, $15/m.

Lots of top stitching, lots of tummy room.

Droopy bum lifting pocket placement.

~My Verdict~
Very happy with my Vado's. I think the pattern will be quite easy to alter, as well, if my weight fluctuates.
I am very tempted to try the Boyfriend jeans but I really don't need them...
My capsule wardrobe is coming along very nicely.

Happy New Year! 
xx N

Vado Boyfriend Jeans

Now, don't get me wrong, I love my skinny jeans

But Boyfriend jeans are so cute!

So I decided to give the Vado Boyfriend jeans a go.

 Very similar to Lekala patterns, you pop in your measurements and a pattern is created for you!

You can create an account and store your measurements on the site. That said, take the time to check them, I have obviously gained a few kilo's and my beautiful practice run are just too firm when I sit down.
Luckily, I don't think I will need to purchase another pattern, just add a few cm's to the front (where it is firm) but I am so disappointed.

That aside, they are gorgeous!
I sewed then up in some denim/wool, from Spotlight, leftover from Hugo's jeans, beautiful to sew but absolutely no stretch.

The shorts have a lovely high waist with good ease around the thigh.
The pockets are slightly smaller than the skinny jeans, obviously a design choice.
I topstitched them with navy, heavy weight thread for a dressier look.

I am hoping they will work on Zara as over sized Boyfriend shorts, maybe something a little dressier, with a nice linen shirt, for work placements?

Oh well, you win some... and you eat too much cheese.

Thank you for reading.

xx Nicole