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Member since 1/10/13
Posts: 19
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Posted on: 7/9/14 12:16 PM ET
Hello! Since so many people have made beautiful versions of the Jamie Jeans by Named Patterns, I decided to go ahead and purchase the pattern. But now that I have it, there are a few questions about which size to pick out. So, if you've made them, will you please take a moment and answer a couple of questions?

1. How much stretch should I look for in the fabric? It looks like this pattern has a lot of negative ease. How much of the content of the fabric should be stretchy material - 5%, 10%? I have no idea! The pattern instructions just say to use an elastic denim or other elastic material.

2. Where does the waist sit on this pattern? The instructions say it's a "regular waist," so I assumed that meant it's supposed to sit at the natural waist. But judging from some of the photos I've seen of finished products, it looks like it might sit a bit below the natural waist.

Thanks!

  
Member since 3/27/05
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Posted on: 7/9/14 12:28 PM ET
Yes, I made them! I'm about ~9months behind on posting my reviews on here though (bad Melissa!).

To answer your questions:
1. A lot of stretch. I found these to be very form fitting, and the first time around, I stupidly cut them not realising my fabric had lengthwise stretch (and zero stretch across the grain), and I couldn't get them over my calves.

2. I found them to be a lot lower-rise than I'm used to. It's pretty much the only change I'll make on my next pair, raising the waistband a few inches. Other than that, I love mine!
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Member since 6/18/04
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Posted on: 8/28/14 9:15 AM ET
In reply to jenniferisnice
I've made them and found not that much stretch is necessary. I used a cotton twill with probably 3% Lycra and a denim with maybe 5%. The main difference there is the higher Lycra fabric sort of grabs my legs at all times while the lower just has the necessary give for easy movement. I also made them from a 100% cotton denim and that worked but is not as comfortable if I'm doing a lot of moving around a lot. While the denim with 5% feels almost like a legging and I can do anything in them. Perhaps ease varies a bit by size, I made a 36 and that matches my measurements accurately. I also added some width to the calf after my first pair. It wasn't uncomfortable, but I have larger calves and I felt that when the pants are even a little tight there, the fabric is being stressed more at the knee so I was worried they'd wear out quickly. The first pair is almost a year old now and has held up fine so maybe that didn't matter.

The rise on me is what I would call regular, top of the waistband just at the navel. The rise in the back has very good coverage. However I am short, 5'1" but my tummy must have eaten up some of the rise. I've seen taller women call the rise a little high for their taste, but I think either they have a much flatter stomach or my rise is actually a little long for my height. But regardless I really like the waist placement and I have made other jeans that were lower than I like.
  
Member since 8/4/13
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Posted on: 8/28/14 11:54 AM ET
Can I chime in with a question on these? Does the seam down the front of the leg dig in if you kneel down?
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Posted on: 8/28/14 12:52 PM ET
In reply to detroy
Quote: detroy
Can I chime in with a question on these? Does the seam down the front of the leg dig in if you kneel down?

It doesn't dig in. But I admit it took a while to get use to. It was a wierd sensation at first but by no means uncomfortable.

The denim I used had 2% spandex which worked great for me. Melissa is a marathon runner so perhaps that's why she used a stretchy denim. For myself, there are no muscles to constrict the fit.
  
Member since 12/23/13
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Posted on: 8/28/14 1:08 PM ET
I've made them twice, the first time I didn't take my usual wedge out of the front crotch length and should have, for me the rise was right at my natural waist so a bit higher than I usually like to wear. I cut my size according to my measurements which I believe was a 34, but should have made the hips and waist a little more snug because they have a little trouble staying up. That and they definitely look a bit too much like "mom jeans"
The second pair fits much better, but I screwed up the construction and offset the wrong side of the crotch seam so it feels like the crotch is crooked (not comfy at all) and I tried twill tape inside the waistband to keep it from stretching and it was a disaster, I'm not sure if I'll ever get the patience to fix them or if they are fixable.

It's a good pattern, I was hoping that because it is and indie pattern there would be a proper amount of ease by cutting my size as my measurements tend fall very close to the reccomended size's measurements but maybe I just like my close to fit a lot closer than most people. also the calves on this pattern are quite tight, so unless you have really skinny calves I would probably widen them just a bit.

After the first two pairs I moved on to the Burda Anita jeans since I wanted a more classic jeans look. These weren't a perfect fit either, and I had to re-draft the front pockets because they are a trouser-style and not a jeans style. But for $6 it's a great pattern.
  
Member since 6/18/04
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Posted on: 8/28/14 5:46 PM ET
I am aware of the front seam but I wouldn't call it uncomfortable. Perhaps when the knee is fully bent it's the most noticeable. Although the split is really straight down the middle, when worn, it tends to pull around the hip a little and draw a really flattering line, IMO. I've traced an alternate front without the seam, just because I've made three pairs and I think the style is a little distinctive to make a forth time. I'll probably make those at some point but at the moment I'm thinking an alternate silhouette would be nice to.
  
Member since 12/23/13
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Posted on: 8/28/14 7:57 PM ET
If you like your jeans fairly snug, you should make your pocket lining from a stretchy fabric since it's sewn to the center and side seams and restricts movement a bit.
  
Member since 6/18/04
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Posted on: 8/28/14 8:24 PM ET
In reply to Liamsmama
You know, for no particular reason I went ahead and finished the pocket bags separate from the center seams. I was just thinking it might make them more functional if they were free but I guess it could make the pants fit better, too.
  
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