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.

Comments

  1. Wow, I love love LOVE your jeans! They look *so* good on - great fit, very flattering, and the topstitching looks terrific :). I want some just the same as yours!

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    1. I must admit, I am rather pleased with them. I have seem some great examples of jeans in blog land and always wanted to sew the perfect pair. I actually do want to repeat this exercise as I wear jeans a lot!

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  2. No-one would know these weren't bought jeans. I have not had much luck with snap buttons so I can't help with the button question although I'm not 100percent sure what the query means. Anyway you did well and saved money for more fabric!

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    1. I wouldn't say I saved money because I really didn't need these. I have plenty of rtw pairs that I could wear but these are more casual Friday work appropriate than my rtw pairs because they are not faded. Actually if I buy any more fabric the door on my cupboard will not close!

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  3. Your jeans look great - very RTW. I had the same problem with my snap button falling off despite a lot of bashing with hammer. I tried again after reading the Ginger tutorial and also the Thread Theory have a tutorial. Cut the point off the shank piece - about 2-3mm with wire cutters. This worked great and my button is well and truly held together now - just like a bought one! (I did have to use another button as I had well and truly smashed the old one)

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    1. Thank you! I might have to try the wire cutter trick!

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  4. They look fabulous, the two threads is a great idea. With the button, I made sure I had plenty of interfacing back there and just kept hitting it with the hammer until it was secure.

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    1. Mine hasn't come off again but I am loathe to hit it too hard lest I damage it.

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  5. These are just fantastic. You have done an amazing job on the detailing and the fit. Thanks for reminding me about an old favourite pattern. It is too easy to be dazzled by the new jeans patterns and forget how good the Jalie one was!

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    1. Thank You! Yes, the grass is always greener...isn't it!

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  6. These jeans fit you so beautifully! It is funny how everybody jumps on the new pattern bandwagon...when this Jalie jeans pattern first came out there were versions popping up everywhere...but I don't think I have seen too many versions lately. Hurrah for pattern stashes! We need to remember the good 'uns in there.

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    1. Thank you! Oh yes, I am trying to get maximum mileage from my patterns because they certainly are not cheap to buy.

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  7. VERY nice fit and beautiful top stitching . Is top stitching on the back pockets a satin stitch or is that a straight stitch ?

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    1. I ended up using a bar tack stitch for the pocket detail. It came out really well so I will definitely use it again.

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  8. These are great on you, the fit is perfect :-) I've made a couple of Jalie Jeans but still don't feel as though I have the fit right, now that I've worn them a few times. I think I need more of a crotch curve at the back and definitely need more at the hips on the back pattern piece. I've got the Jamie Jeans to sew, just so I've got a comparison and can get my head around fit!!!

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    1. I added more to the sides at the hips at the back because it certainly wasn't generous. My version is the low cut one but I think because I have lost weight it is a little higher in the rise now. This actually suits me. It also mean't I had plenty of side seam to run in to get my fit just right.

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  9. I've been umming & ahhhing about whether to buy the Ginger pattern... but I've got the Jalie pattern and these look FANTASTIC. No idea about the button - sorry!

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    1. Thank you! With your skills I am sure you can adapt just about any pattern to suit your needs!

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  10. You have done such a beautiful job with sewing these jeans. The fit is perfect and the finish looks very professional. You should be very proud of your work.

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    1. Thank you! I am quite pleased. I just hope I can repeat it on subsequent pairs.

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  11. Oh my gosh. These look great,better than RTW! Great job.

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    1. Thank you! If only there were more lovely denim fabrics to choose from in the shops.

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  12. I'm impressed! The fit at the back is perfect and very flattering.

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    1. Thank you! Now that I have the perfect pair, there will be more.

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