Wednesday, September 10, 2008

There's Potential

The first muslin of the Sandra Betzina jeans pattern is done. Sorry, I won't be posting the pics I took. They are just too awful. Imagine 7 AM, white muslin, dark undies, PJ top with no bra, bed head. And well. No. LOL!

But the jeans themselves aren't horrible. They don't fit out of the envelope, but that's no surprise. However, where they don't fit is exactly what I expected after seeing the pattern pieces.These jeans are narrow in the thighs, especially down near the knees. I am not. They are also for a more flat-tushied shape, which I've never been.

Backtracking a moment … there are actually two completely different patterns in the envelope. One is for full-length jeans and the other is for capris. The full-length jeans are narrow through the leg. The capris are much fuller. Even though I knew the capris would probably fit my thighs better, I tried the jeans anyway because I wanted to, well, try them.

But they're actually not as bad on me as other jeans patterns made straight from the pattern so I'm encouraged. They fit me a lot like many RTW jeans. Jeans that I would never buy. But these are better than RTW for one important reason — I can fix them before they're made.

So that's what I'll do. I need more thigh/knee room, I need to add crotch length to go over the backside and I need to take in the CB. I'll make another muslin after those changes and evaluate again. I'm not saying that these changes will make the jeans perfect for me, but I'm not ready to toss 'em aside just yet either. Besides, cutting and sewing muslins is mindless sewing and I need some of that right now.

10 comments:

  1. What method do you use to determine what the rise should be for your buttock?

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  2. Well this is encouraging news because I have the same pattern and almost the same shape as you. However, I have been hesitant to even take the pattern out of the envelope and just this morning thinking about it, wondered if I wouldn't be better off just drafting my own pattern and incorporating the back pockets of the SB jeans into it. These days I am really 'fizzed out' trying to fix commercial and not so commercial patterns.

    At least there might be hope because if you haven't given up and put it aside, then it might be worth a look.

    Off to buy fabric.

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  3. I am excited to see how you make the changes to your pattern especially the change in rise since my tush isn't so flat either. That's always where I have fit issues in RTW and why I am learning to sew better than before. So please don't leave out details when posting about your alterations.

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  4. I agree, details please! I'm another who is shaped quite like you and your trials & tribulations with sewing patterns is benefitting me, too!

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  5. Best of luck with your next muslin. Maybe this will help you find your sewing mojo!

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  6. You have inspired me to try making clothes for myself...once again.

    I just purchased 2 of the Jalie tops from Pattern Review that you have made and ordered 2 pieces of printed knit fabric for them..wish me luck. I need the distraction from all of the Hurrican Gustav destruction around me!

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  7. I so have a flat tusch, so maybe these would be good for me! But, like you nothing fits out of the envelope, but starting with a flat rear is a good starting point for me. Can't wait to see how these are on you.

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  8. I'm sorry to bother you with this here, in your comments, but I couldn't figure out how to reach you by email and I am desperate, desperate I tell you... Here is what I tried to send you through Pattern Review:

    Hi Debbie! I was SO HAPPY to find your FAQ through Pattern Review this morning about the Coverpro. I just bought one and the manual -- disappointing! I was lost until I found your links! Thank you! That said, I'm still unclear about how to finish off the coverstitch in the round. How to make the stitches line up when you can't see under the foot? And I don't understand what you mean about manually pulling the needle threads from the beginning... Can you help? Thank you so much.

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  9. Maybe I'm mistaken, but I could swear I've read or heard a comment by Sandra herself where she complained about her flat bum. Coincidence that her jeans pattern is made for the flat rear-enders out there??? Since I was so generously blessed with a generous bottom, I'm eager to see what you do with this jeans pattern, Debbie! Keep at it; you are a great source of inspiration!

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  10. Center. Tough position! That's more sewing than I've done all week. I'll repair one fb jersey this weekend tho. Does that count?

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Thank you for each and every comment. I appreciate them all, but I have to be honest and let you know that I'm usually bad about answering questions. I hope you understand that there just isn't enough time in the day to do everything I want to do.

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