2 years ago
Black denim Ginger Jeans
It's not hard to remember how many pairs of Ginger Jeans I've made since I first bought the pattern a few years ago, because each and every pair is well-worn and loved. I started out with the high waisted drainpipe leg in a heavy-ish black stretch denim and these have been my go-to jeans for years now. I went on to make a blue pair with a wide leg hack (by simply grafting on the Dawn Jeans leg) and then a black wide leg. I love those pairs, but when it's rainy - as it's been aplenty the past few months - they get less wear, and I realised I needed another pair of straighter legs to add to the mix.
So, with this gorgeous lightweight stretch denim in my mitts, I proceeded to plan my next pair of Gingers. I'd made a few mods to my last wide leg pair, including a redrafted waistband that was supercurved. This fits so much better than previous versions and is way more comfortable. This time I wanted to go back to a narrower fit, so I traced my most recent version and then laid this over the original drainpipe version. I extended the side seams at the hem by about 1.5cm on the outside leg and 1cm on the inside leg, and then gradually tapered this into the leg above the knee. To be perfectly honest I wasn't sure how well this would work, but reasoned that if I didn't like the fit I could always revert back to the drainpipe version and resew the seems accordingly.
The denim was great to sew with. It's a bit lighter than the last black denim I used, and is a mix of cotton, polyester and elastane - a combo I haven't worked with before. All in all I was impressed. You have to be careful not to stretch the denim as you sew (a walking foot might be useful, but I managed by just taking it nice and slow, trying not to tug on the fabric while guiding it along). The three percent elastane (which lends about 10 per cent stretch) might add an extra challenge while sewing, but it really pays off while wearing: they are exceptionally comfortable. Best of all, they're washable at 40 degrees. I also bunged the fabric in the dryer and it came out fine. Always a bonus for hardworking wardrobe staples like jeans.
I really enjoyed the process of sewing this pair. With so many pairs under my belt now, I knew exactly what I was doing and felt confident they were going to fit at the end. It's always very gratifying sewing the Gingers as you can choose a lovely fabric for your pocket lining - something to add a little cheer to proceedings every time you get dressed. I used a Liberty lawn I was given by a family member, but it's always fun choosing what to use.
Finally, the try-on and big reveal. I'm delighted with this pair. The fit is spot on, loose enough to feel relaxed and comfortable but not so baggy I have to miss out on rainy days.
Thanks for reading.
#MinervaBrandAmbassador #MinervaMaker #MinervaMakes #SewnShownSeated #GingerJeans
It's not hard to remember how many pairs of Ginger Jeans I've made since I first bought the pattern a few years ago, because each and every pair is well-worn and loved. I started out with the high waisted drainpipe leg in a heavy-ish black stretch denim and these have been my go-to jeans for years now. I went on to make a blue pair with a wide leg hack (by simply grafting on the Dawn Jeans leg) and then a black wide leg. I love those pairs, but when it's rainy - as it's been aplenty the past few months - they get less wear, and I realised I needed another pair of straighter legs to add to the mix.
So, with this gorgeous lightweight stretch denim in my mitts, I proceeded to plan my next pair of Gingers. I'd made a few mods to my last wide leg pair, including a redrafted waistband that was supercurved. This fits so much better than previous versions and is way more comfortable. This time I wanted to go back to a narrower fit, so I traced my most recent version and then laid this over the original drainpipe version. I extended the side seams at the hem by about 1.5cm on the outside leg and 1cm on the inside leg, and then gradually tapered this into the leg above the knee. To be perfectly honest I wasn't sure how well this would work, but reasoned that if I didn't like the fit I could always revert back to the drainpipe version and resew the seems accordingly.
The denim was great to sew with. It's a bit lighter than the last black denim I used, and is a mix of cotton, polyester and elastane - a combo I haven't worked with before. All in all I was impressed. You have to be careful not to stretch the denim as you sew (a walking foot might be useful, but I managed by just taking it nice and slow, trying not to tug on the fabric while guiding it along). The three percent elastane (which lends about 10 per cent stretch) might add an extra challenge while sewing, but it really pays off while wearing: they are exceptionally comfortable. Best of all, they're washable at 40 degrees. I also bunged the fabric in the dryer and it came out fine. Always a bonus for hardworking wardrobe staples like jeans.
I really enjoyed the process of sewing this pair. With so many pairs under my belt now, I knew exactly what I was doing and felt confident they were going to fit at the end. It's always very gratifying sewing the Gingers as you can choose a lovely fabric for your pocket lining - something to add a little cheer to proceedings every time you get dressed. I used a Liberty lawn I was given by a family member, but it's always fun choosing what to use.
Finally, the try-on and big reveal. I'm delighted with this pair. The fit is spot on, loose enough to feel relaxed and comfortable but not so baggy I have to miss out on rainy days.
Thanks for reading.
#MinervaBrandAmbassador #MinervaMaker #MinervaMakes #SewnShownSeated #GingerJeans
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