Ralph Lauren Blue Nights Stretch Denim In Body Hugging Ginger Jeans

What better way to show off your body hugging Ginger jeans than a day at the Art History Museum of Chicago to see the Mainbocher Exhibit.   The Haute Couture Club of Chicago field trip took place of December 4th where several club members showed off their Ginger jeans.

I was happily sporting my new pair made with Ralph Lauren blue nights stretch denim from Mood Fabrics.  I ordered five yards, enough for two pair and than some.  This is a great denim to work with.  It has just the right amount of stretch for a great fitting pair of jeans.  The cotton adds texture and durability for long lasting wear and comfort.

My sister tagged along with me to the museum and was able to see and hear about the making of everyone's jeans.  Of course, she wanted a pair.  Later, I had her to try mines on.  They fit her better than they fit me!

So I let her have them along with my Ralph Lauren striped cotton blouse.  So yesterday, she took these photos for this post.  Afterward, she didn't hesitate to let me know that she'd love another pair.  But first, I need to make a pair for myself. ;-)

Anyway.., here is more on the making of the jeans.

Pattern Description:  Closet Case Ginger Jeans View A low rise with narrow stovepipe legs.  View B high-waisted with skinny legs and a tummy-slimming pocket stay.  I made view B.

Pattern Sizing: 0 - 20; I made size 14 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?   Yes, they did.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were very good and easy to follow.  Rhonda Buss did a sew along for Sew News that provides great illustrations on the sewing process.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I especially like the option of having two different jean styles in one pattern.  Although view B is rise-waisted, they don't look like "mommy jeans".  The slim leg makes them figure flattering while providing some control around the medium section if you need it.

I didn't like the placement of the back pocket.  It is too low on the hip.  I moved the pockets up about 1.5 inches.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  The back hook is too short.  I added about an inch to it.  Of course, I added a few inches to the length of the leg.  I mentioned earlier that they were a better fit on my sister.  This pair I didn't make a swayback adjustment.  So the center back of the pants stands away from my waist, and the leg wasn't a snug on me.  Next, pair I will make that adjustment.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Most certainly would.  I need to make at least two more pairs:  one for me and one for my daughter.  And yes, I recommend them to others.

Conclusion:  This is a great jean pattern with two style options.  I would recommend that you test the fit by making a muslin before you cut into your Ralph Lauren Stretch Denim.  ;-)

Parting Shots:  These are from the Mainbocher Exhibit.  If your in the Chicago land area, check it out.  It's very interesting.  Mainbocher was a first in a few fashion design elements, and he designed uniforms for the Girl Shouts of America and the U.S. Armed Forces.

Fur and Denim

My first thoughts of a fur coat is often associated with a vision of a elegant dress or pant suit underneath.  But Marie Claire shows a different perspective in it's August 2015 issue.  The colors are bold and beautiful.

 Fur and denim is a great weekend outfit.

This second look is so 70's.  The shoulder wide collar, the over the knee boots, and the fringed purse.  I couldn't do the short, shorts though.

 These jackets also remind my of the 70's.  Cute, but a little to youthful for me.

Of course all of these looks are a little pricey.  But I can get "a look" for less with some faux fur. Lol

In my Mood Fabric stash, I have a yardage of faux fur that would be a great for a faux fur project this fall.

I'm thinking of using Burda Magazine, October 2008, coat 101 style.

Happy Sewing!
C

Denim Like Twill - Fall Wardrobe Builder

Fall is here and I don't have enough casual wear in my wardrobe!  So this season I'll working on beefing up my casual wear.

A nice pair of jeans are a perfect start.  I found the absolute perfect Mood fabric.  Check out this cotton denim like twill.  It is gorgeous. The description  states that it has a softer hand than denim, which is true.  But I'd like to add that it feels buttery like a suede clothe.  It's great against the skin and moves gracefully with every step.  This is a must have fabric for fall casual wear.

The color is listed as black.  It's more like a charcoal gray.  I wore a black shirt to show the difference in color.  I wish it came in more colors. hint, hint.  Dear Mood can you find more colors please?

 

I paired it with McCall's 6610, which offers two styles. This pattern is described as misses jeans:  fitted, straight or boot-legged jeans have waistband, carriers, pockets, front stay, joke back, fly front zipper closing and narrow hem.

It comes in sizes 6 to 22.  I used size 14 with a few alterations: lengthen by 4 inches; added 1/4" to the upper front and back pants; and added about 1/2" to the hook on the back pant for more move in the crotch area. 

I also made a few changes to the design of the jeans:  I used the small pocket for view A (sewed view B) and topstitched side seams about a foot from the waist through the hip area.  For security, I also cut two of the carriers. I press and sew both.  This gives me more carrier length to play around with.  With this pair, I sewed on eight carriers instead of five.  I did not sew them flat to the pants.  I wanted to be able to easily thread different sized belts with no problem. 

This is the second time I've used it. The first time was a learning experience for me.  The legs didn't quite turnout as well as I thought the would.  With this pair I addressed the leg issue.  Also, confirmed that I really do not like the straight waistband.  Next time I will use a curved one for a better fit across my sway back.

For the most part the instructions were easy to follow and included fit tips.  The topstitching instructions is incorrect.  Both state that you should do the stitching to the right.  If you follow #37, do the topstitching for the (#44) center back on the left.  Then the joining of the front and back center seam will match as intended.

With a few more little tweaks, this will be my TNT jean pattern.  It has all the elements of a solid pair of jeans and is a good starting point for a custom fit/style.  So give both, the fabric and the pattern a try.  You won't be disappointed.

Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

M5860 Jacket Paired with Vogue 7608-A

I finished up M5860 in time to wear for a girls night out during the holiday week. A jean jacket that is figure flatting and stylish. I like everything about it: 

patch pockets with flaps
top stitching
longer length (makes me look slim)
fitting along the sides

Pattern Description: Misses' Unlined Jacket: Fitted, unlined jacket has princess seams, patch pockets with flaps, collar and collar band, long, two-piece sleeves with cuffs and optional jewel stone embellishments.

Pattern Sizing: 8-22; I used 14 with my usual modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were great; nothing confusing. Nice pro tips including for resizing the under collar and tip on how to reposition the pocket after making a full bust adjustment.

One of the things I plan to do better in 2012 is to take a serious look at the layout and include comments on that in my review.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Like above at the start of the review.

Fabric Used: I used a stretch woven twill fabric from Vogue. The stretch in the fabric made it easy to "curve" the pocket and flap into position after making a full bust adjustment. Great fabric to work with for this project. Stretch woven is not recommended, but it is a good choice. Especially with a FBA.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made my usual adjustments, which are here. Additionally, I top-stitched around the flap and the pockets twice. I used smaller buttons on the sleeves in an effort to use what I ready had on hand.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think I will make at least one more version of this jacket for the summer (white or beige).


Conclusion: This is a great slimming jacket pattern. Try it.

I made matching jeans using Vogue 7608. This time I made view A, flare leg pants. I changed the design on the pockets and exclude the design on the pant leg. Now I have a few pairs of jeans for the weekend.

Happy Sewing!

Jeans for my journey - V7608

V7608 Sandra Betzina

I wanted a new pair of jeans for my trip. This pattern fit the bill. It's been in the stash for a few years and is out of print. The pattern pieces were already cut and ready for use. That helped speed up the process a bit. I made them in one day (Thursday afternoon/evening).

Pattern Description: MISSES' JEANS Close fitted, straight-legged or boot cut, below ankle pants have contour waistband and yoke back below waistline and carriers, side front pockets and fly front zipper. Optional top stitching design and rivets. FABRICS: Corduroy, Denim, Stretch Denim and Brushed Cotton Twill. Lining: Cotton Twill. Unsuitable for obvious diagonals. Allow extra fabric to match plaids or stripes. Use nap yardages/layouts for pile, shaded or one-way design fabrics. *With nap.**W/O nap. See pattern envelope for additional information.

Pattern Sizing: Sizes A - J; view A

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? For the most part. I didn't do all of the top stitching and I used a decorative stitch on the pockets and front of the pant leg.

Were the instructions easy to follow? No problem with the instruction. On page 2 there are some helpful fitting instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I actually bought this pattern for view B. The photo of that view looks more like the line drawing of view A. Secondly I thought the decorative stitching on the pockets and pant leg was interesting. No real dislikes.

Fabric Used: Stretch black denim from JoAnn's and some leftover yellow cotton blend for the front pockets.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I only made part of my usual crotch adjustment and I lengthen the pant leg about 3". Also I left out some of the top stitching and omitted the rivet.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will sew them again. Next time I will shorten the crotch a little and possibly do more of the top stitching. And yes, I recommend it if you have it in your pattern collection.


Conclusion:

Nice jean pattern with some helpful fitting instructions. These pants fit nice. I'm sure to get a lot of wear out of them.

Fall is Around the Corner - Making The List ...,

The leaves are starting to turn. Today the atmosphere is crisp and sunny. We are able to turn the air conditioner down or off. I've received my Fall magazine issues. I thinking about what I want to sew this fall. Last spring Bebe advertised this jacket. I like it. So it's making the fall sewing list. Weeks ago I found a pattern with the same design lines. For jeans: Vogue 2812. This is a trouble free TNT for me.



Happy Sewing!
C

Lining Up The Projects

This week I've been organizing projects. Since I don't have an exclusive sewing room, I use my dining room table as my cutting table. Because the dining room serves a dual purpose, I tend to cut multiple projects at a time. Organizing the notions to be used putting them into a "project" bag with the cut to-be-garment(s). Yesterday I finished cutting two dresses and traced off three BWOF patterns. Now I'm at the point of finishing the seam allowances on some of the items. Things cut so far: 3 dresses, 1 pair of jeans, 1 jean jacket, one knit top.

My DD is finishing up the summer session and will have two more semesters before graduation. Thank you, Jesus! She is looking for an internship. This fall I'm hoping to help the employment effort with two mini wardrobes.

The first group:



Items to be made - Jacket and pants (Brown/Beige Hounds Tooth wool blend), top (creme jersey), and dress (cranberry wool crepe).

The second group:



Colors - Purple, Black, and Grey
Items to be made - Jacket (black wool blend [have it not photographed]), dress (plum silk cotton), pant (grey wool blend), and skirt (plum crepe wool).

The numbering of the groups won't dictate which will be completed first. I just wanted to distinguish the two. May be I'll give them some cute name later. But for now it's group 1 and 2.

Well, as always I have plenty to sew. So I better get cracking. Today is a "Sew" day for me.

Happy Sewing!
C