Jalie Jeans

With all of the fuss being generated over the release of the Ginger Jeans pattern at the moment, I thought it was time to make up another pair myself.    The fabric of choice was a nice weight stretch denim I purchased way back, maybe even a couple of years ago, and promptly shoved to the back of my fabric cupboard.  One of my weakenesses is buying fabric with great intentions that are never realised.  I don't do New Year's resolutions but if I did, this could be something I could work on....matching sewing aspirations realistically to the time I have available.  Anyway, there is nothing like a little peer pressure to kick start ones mojo for a project.  

After debating for quite some time the merits of buying the Ginger Jeans pattern, and boy was it tempting, I eventually decided to err on the side of frugality and use what was already in my collection, the Jalie Jeans pattern.  

For past versions of the Jalie Jeans, I have used the bootleg pattern and simply folded in the sides to get my desired leg width but this time I decided to take a less lazy approach and redraw the entire pattern.  I also wanted to add some width to the back leg pieces at the hip because the side seam was not straight on me when worn.  Pattern pieces now altered, I preceded to make them up.  

I actually bought top stitching thread to ensure a professional finish but couldn't decide between two colours.  My solution was to use both!  For the pocket bags, I cut up a too small white school shirt of my son's.  The zip was rescued from an old ready to wear pair of jeans.  I decided against using a twin needle to topstitch these jeans, instead stitching two rows of top stitching.  It was time consuming changing between two rows of thread but I really did enjoy the jeans making process.

The only real difference between these jeans and rtw, is I didn't flat fell the seams.  I really don't think even a seamstress would notice this when worn.

Do I love the result?  Oh yes!  These have to be the most comfortable jeans I have ever owned!   Please excuse the close up butt shot but I had to share the dual coloured stitching. Yes, the fabric is a little stiffer than my rtw counterparts.  The only slightly annoying thing about them is I have yet to work out how to permanently secure the button.  Despite adding extra denim behind the nail, it tends to want to fall off.  I am not sure whether it is the design of the thing or execution.  If anyone knows the answer please share.