Oy, it has been a long while, but that’s because I have been diligently working on drafting a jeans pattern. After about the 7th try (I am not exaggerating), I thought, “Eureka! I’ve got my master jeans pattern!” but alas, that thought was premature. This attempt is closer than the others, but the jeans are still too big. In fact, I can pull them off without unbuttoning or unzipping them.
Fit has always been my nemesis. With jeans, my struggle has always been to find jeans that don’t gape at the waist. I have big legs, so jeans are usually snug in the legs and huge in the waist (I don’t have a petite waist, but apparently it is not as disproportionately sized as my legs). My goal with patternmaking classes was to be able to make things that actually fit me. I am slowly working my way toward that goal, but my severe lack of spatial skills provides many obstacles.
You know what has been great, though, is that I have not been all that discouraged or frustrated. Most people could probably get a custom pattern right on the first or second try. Me? I might never get it right, but I am actually enjoying the process. I never thought I could actually like something I am not good at (I am asian, after all), but I was wrong!
Okay, so I bought more denim, and I am going to try again, AND I have to make my mother a pair, too. Oy.
they look really nice and you look really slim too!
well, they LOOK really (really) awesome on, even if they can be pulled off. 🙂
How fun to make your very own custom-fit jeans! I have been known to buy 7 pairs of jeans just trying to get a pair that fits well and feels right with wear and tear and the washing machine. Kudos to you for giving it your all.
They look great though I used to have a pair of jeans I didn’t need to zip to get on and off. You can use them as eating pants for when you have a lot of sweets or other foods (like for parties). Not that you will use all that space, but it will be there just in case.
I have the same fit issue, if the jeans go over my “thighs of power” they fall of my waist and hips. As in, no need to unbutton you can just pull them off.
Your 7th try looks GREAT! Totall professional.
Maybe you can wash them in hot water and put them through the dryer? Shrink ’em up to closer to your size? They look extremely professional, though!
They look GREAT! What size needle do you use for hemming denim?
Love those shoes, too. Are they for low profile/barefoot running?
they look great! I applaud your perseverance at keeping going to get that perfect fit, though.
Oh my goodness! Kudos to you for continuing to try to get the perfect fit. I can’t find a pair in the stores to fit, but never thought to make my own. Are you using a denim with lots of lycra or spandex? They really stretch after wear. Good luck!
Darts at the waist! I have junk in the trunk and a smaller waist so I finally had to start adding darts at the back, one over each buttock, so my jeans wouldn’t gap. It works like a charm. Kudos to you for creating a custom pattern!
Those look utterly awesome–boo about the fit. You did a great job with the details and topstitching and the pocket size and placement is fab for your bootie. They do give you man crotch a little bit. I think the bottom of the fly needs to be a bit higher.
are you able to find jeans that fit you comfortably in Japan????
very gumptious of you to try to make properly fitting jeans… i myself am a very very long term levis fan….
i love my levis.
You should check out the jeans sew-along that was recently on http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com/.
Great execution on the jeans – they look like you meant them to be loose. You don’t have big legs, you have narrow other stuff.
These jeans are amazing. Ok maybe a little big, but your skills are so good. They look like store bought premium designer denim and that is no small feat. I have no doubt that you will achieve your goal one day!
p.s. Re: Pens: Have you tried the SumoGrip II gel pen by Sakura? I just got one and love it. Smooth, dark and refillable.
I found this blog some time ago (currently is not operational but still up for info), and I think this may help you drafting this pattern:
http://wkdesigner.wordpress.com/2008/10/07/classic-jeans/
Hope it works for you. If you happen to try the 8th time with this pattern, and are successful, please let me know… 😉
…and forgot to tell you, try pre-shrinking that fabric BEFORE cutting and sewing. You know, zig-zag the unfinished crosswise grain of the fabric, throw it in the washer with warm water for a short wash cycle and then in the dryer on cotton setting for a long drying cycle.
I think you did a great job on them! They call them “boyfriend jeans,” I think. You’re hip and don’t even know it.