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.

Green with Envy - Ralph Lauren's Vibrant Green Viscose Matte Jersey - Vogue 8921

Vacation wardrobe interrupted to showcase my latest Mood Sewing Network project. So here goes.., After seeing Episode 5 of Being Mary Jane, I was determined to find a vibrant green fabric to make a similar dress.  I searched the Mood online fabric store to see if there was something close to the color.  The first few searches turned up nothing I really liked.  Then in early March, Mood posted new arrivals to their store.  There was a huge selection of green textiles for the choosing.  I was one happy sewist.

So with my Mood allowance, I selected Ralph Lauren's Vibrant Green Viscose Matte Jersey. Seriously it's a great fabric.  The recovery is excellent; the color is rich; and it is easy to sew. And perfect for my inspiration dress.  While Mary Jane's dress was a sexy sleeveless little number, Vogue 8921 was good for me.  I wanted a similar silhouette with modest and long sleeves (still chilly in Chicago).  This pattern has been on my list for a while.  After seeing Erica Bunker's version, I was sold on making this dress.

Vogue describes this dress pattern as: Misses' Dress - dress has fitted bodice with waist and front shoulder pleats, back zipper: Necklines, drape B, sleeves B, C: Narrow hem. The sizing listed is 6 through 22. I used size 14 with modifications.

For the most part my dress looked like the pattern and had a similar silhouette as the inspiration dress. The instructions appeared to be very easy, but I did not read them. The construction techniques were similar to other patterns that I have sewn in the past. I did notice that stitching two or three rows was recommended instead of serging the edges. I never do that, and I always manage to forget to say that in my reviews. View C calls for 2 3/4 yards.  I ordered 4 yards and had less than a foot left.  Maybe it's because I lengthen the sleeves and skirt.  But to me the yardage seems a little off.  I recommend you get a little more to be on the safe side, especially if you are tall like me.

I've had the pattern a while.  But I am just getting around to it. I like:

•  pleating at the shoulder and waist
• "V" neck - great for my body type.
• simple

I did make a few alterations.  As usual:  a FBA (only half of what I normally make and similar to the FBA done for V8825.); prominent shoulder blade adjustment (shoulder darts); sway back adjustment; and added 4" to the length of the skirt and 1 1/2" to the length of the sleeves I wanted them to fall on my hands.

I don't know if I will sew the pattern again.  I made this dress for the Annual Pastor's Banquet.  This is a nice dress that an intermediate beginner should be able to sew with no problem. 

I'm really pleased with the outcome of this dress. 

Happy Sewing!
C