Ginger Jeans in Denim

Making your own jeans can be intimidating but I went for it using a Mood Fabrics' Theory Denim (sold out but here are many more to pick from - Mood Fabrics' Denim) and the Ginger Jeans by Closet Case Patterns, which is named for Mood Sewing Network's own Ginger Makes

  This denim pair is my third pair of pants from this pattern.  The first from a stretch twill from Mood Fabrics and the second from Mood Fabrics' black suede cotton.  Each time I changed a couple things on the pattern and this denim pair I feel is a good fit. One change was for the baggy seat, using this recommended alteration at Thread's Magazine and it really worked, no more baggy seat

    here I am standing straight for another view

  A few more changes

• Add 1" to the rise in the front, 1" in the back tapering to 1-1/2" at the center back
• Pinched out a small dart a the front crotch area, tapering to nothing at the bottom zipper
• Added a seam allowance to the center back at the waistband so I could angle the seam to fit closer to my waist.

    I always add length to my pants and with denim I add even more.  I don't know about you but it seems that denim always tends to shrink up and I don't want my jeans to get to short.  I am happy to have them a bit longer, just for security and other shoe choices, too!

        Rivets, yes, that seems to be one item in jean sewing that just puts the jeans over the top and look so RTW, I have a stash of rivets but have not had the best success inserting them into my projects and getting them to stay.  Thanks to the great instructions included in the Ginger jeans, my rivets are perfectly installed and they are staying in my jeans.

  While we are looking at this close up of the front pocket and coin pocket, let's talk topstitching.  I saw this tip on Instagram thanks to Sarah from Grey's Fabric.  Instead of using topstitching thread, use regular construction thread and the triple stitch on your sewing machine.  I really wanted to use this bronze thread and I went with the triple stitch and I love the results. I am so happy with these new jeans and the slight changes I have made to the pattern.  Aren't we the luckiest people, we can change a pattern just a bit and sew up fabulous fabric to make a garment the is perfect for us.  I love to sew and I really am trying to learn more about fit and making the necessary adjustments to make a pattern and garment better. Happy sewing in 2015, I hope all your bobbins are full and all your garments are wonderful.  Here is to a great year of fabulous garments