Pattern Description: "MISSES' JEANS: Boot-legged or straight-legged jeans have below waist contour front waistband and back yoke, double-sided front pockets with button trim, fly closure, narrow or wide belt carriers and topstitching details. Optional rivets. A: back pockets with zipper closures. B: lower calf length and back patch pockets." This is a Sandra Betzina pattern. I made view A jeans with the view B back patch pockets for my DD.
Pattern Sizing: A through J all in one envelope. I cut size C, according to hip measurement. I think they are a little loose for jeans, but that makes growing room.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did.
Front, back, and side views.
Were the instructions easy to follow? No, I'm sorry to say that I found them confusing in many places. I kept scratching my head over the text, diagrams were more useful, but mostly I relied on my own instincts and experience. The pattern pieces were oddly numbered, so that you didn't start with piece 1 for example. This added to the general confusion.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? My 12 yo DD selected this pattern. Generally, I let her choose the patterns and she is usually satisfied with the end results, as she is this time.
My one like: the shaping through the legs. Not sure it could accommodate my thighs, but it looks awesome on DD.
My dislikes: 1) The instructions, as I said.
2) The nested front pockets are too deep and large. This is the *best* thing according to DD: she can carry lots of "stuff." Deep pockets
3) SB recommends cotton prints for the pockets. I had perfectly matching silk and it would have been a better choice for much less bulk in front.
4) Insufficient number of belt loops.
5) My general impression is "mom jeans" but this means nothing to a non-clothes-conscious tweenie.
Fabric Used: PURPLE stretch denim purchased locally. Donated to DD because she loved it, after my (conservative) friends told me I'm too old to wear purple jeans. (Jury out on that, at least in my own mind.) For pockets and waist band/yoke facing: Cotton floral print, saved from a disastrous dress experiment, that DD chose over plain black.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Alterations: 1) Took in CB seam in the yoke, using 3/4 inch seam allowance. 2) Cut down the front waistband by 3/8 inch at center, tapering to nil at side seams. 3) Took 6/8 inch seam allowance from high hip to knee on outside seam, to remove some of the curve, for better fit.
Design changes: 1) respaced the belt loops, making one at each side back instead of at center back. 2) left off the button trim around the front pockets. 3) Did not use interfacing or lining for the back pocket. Used tear-away stabilizer to do the decorative stitching and then pressed under the seam allowances as usual. 4) I felt the recommended topstitching lines at 1/4 and 1/2 inch from the edge looked quite unprofessional, so I made more usual 1/8 and 1/4 inch lines. 5) Faced the waistband/yoke with the cotton print, rather than self-facing with denim.
Inside view
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would sew it again for DD if she wants, and remove a little more length from waist to hip across front. I expect there are better jeans patterns out there, so no I don't recommend it.
Conclusion: A good pair of jeans and a really happy DD! |
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Today's Fit patterns are sized for women with curves, I'm not surprised that they were big. I think V1204 would be better fit for your DD.
2/9/13 11:28 PM
P.S. the Jalie Jean pattern is also great(look at the number of reviews!)
2/9/13 11:35 PM
Your sewing is impeccable--the topstitching is lovely. This is an unusual jeans pattern with no real waistband in the back. It does have interesting pocket details, too. I have to agree with SB that cotton is a better choice for pocketing than silk as silk will wear out quickly, particularly if your daughter wants to carry lots of stuff. I would recommend placing the back pockets closer to the center back next time. If you want to try a different pattern, my favorite jeans pattern is the Jalie 2908. It has every size from little kids to adult women and the fit is fantastic.
2/10/13 11:15 AM
Jeans look cute on your daughter. My guess is that you are not too old to wear purple jeans. That demin is a nice color btw.
2/10/13 12:15 PM
Cute jeans...too old for purple jeans! NO WAY! I have this pattern, too, but never cut into since Jalie is so awesome. Thanks for the review.
2/10/13 5:40 PM