30 October 2016

McCalls 5142 denim work jeans

As promised last post, I have my new work jeans done (in fact, they're due for a wash after today) and now have pics as of this morning.  Keep in mind, I've worn these to town a couple days this week, and wore them last night for evening chores/milking.  I am VERY pleased with the fit and freedom of movement.
front view McCall's 5142 work jeans
in medium blue denim

back view M5142 jeans
with "heartbeat" wave on back pockets

side view of McCalls 5142
work jeans
These are just perfect through the hips, as I can squat down and reach for eggs the hens decide to lay in the far back corner of the tractors without the slightest tightness or binding.  I put belt loops on this pair, even though they don't need them right now as they sit comfortably at my waist without sliding down.

While hubby notices the lack of excess fabric at the bottom of the zipper, the thing Cindy at Tractor Supply was so enthusiastic about is the lack of gap in back.  I showed them off to her earlier this week, and she tugged at the center back belt loop while exclaiming, "No gap!  Wow, what brand are these?"  While she looked suitably impressed when I told her they are "my brand," she looked and sounded a bit disappointed she can't go buy a pair for herself.  Kem, the assistant manager, remarked they look store-bought (except they fit better).

Since I have the fit I want, the next step is to knock out about 3 or 4 more pair - I am already working on another pair in light blue denim, with hot pink topstitching and floral appliques for my going-to-town jeans.  I have white cotton twill with animal print on it for another pair of going-to-town pants, and I have a couple wild plans for embellishment.  I figured since I would making several pair of this pattern, why not enter in the Pattern Review "One Pattern, Many Looks" contest, which is running mid-October to November 15th.  If I have time before the deadline, I just got some nice light tan cotton twill in good bottomweight thickness for another pair of work pants, which would make for two pair of work pants and two going-to-town pants, which ought to hold me through winter.

After I finish up the pantspalooza, then it's on to knit tops and T-shirts for me, as I had to throw out three old T-shirts that are officially disintegrating - including one of my old PT shirts that is at least 15 years old and I could read through it.  I have patterns, and I now have jersey knits.  Fabric leftovers will be turned into panties, which are also on the must-sew-soon list.

27 October 2016

Simplicity 1605 raglan T shirt for hubby

I forgot to post this one up last week, but this is about as close to instant gratification in sewing as you can get: a basic raglan T shirt for the man.  Seriously, four pattern pieces and five seams plus hems and boom it's done.  I'll need to tweak the fit a little before hubby calls it perfect, but nothing drastic.  On a good day, I could probably have one cut out and sewn up in one day.
Simplicity 1605 men's raglan T shirt

basic raglan T shirt for hubby
Once I get pics, there will be a big update on the McCall's 5142 jeans project.

11 October 2016

McCalls 5142 jeans in denim

I did these with a 2 yard remnant of medium weight denim, so I had to fold six inches off the bottoms as it really does take 2-1/4 yard to 2-1/2 yards to do up full length jeans.  They still feel a bit loose even after taking 3/8 inch off the inseams both front and back, so I will probably take 3/8 inch off the outer seams in the front pieces only to start out, as that is where it feels the baggiest.  I feel like I am getting closer, though!
McCalls 5142 jeans front

McCalls 5142 jeans, capri-length in denim

side view, McCalls 5142 jeans

McCalls 5142 jeans, back view
All righty, folks - I want your comments, suggestions, constructive criticisms, and overall impression of this version.  I forgot to squat way down to show how these are the right size in my full hip area ... also they have enough room I don't feel any pulling right above the knees like usual - but these are a lot looser than what I am used to wearing.  So, let me know what y'all think.

01 October 2016

Cashmerette 2101 Harrison shirt

OK, so I finished this shirt up last night, but it was still way too muggy and humid and warm to wear it for pictures.  So, I finally stop sweating like a horse after morning chores (meanwhile, I took in just the inseam on my red jeans mockup #3, and BOOM it feels so much more right) and changed into the outfit, posed for hubby to take pics ... and hubby is 110% right about the colors being wrong for me.  Ouch.  I tried tweaking the colors in GIMP (free knock off of Photoshop) and there is just no fixing the color issue.
Cashmerette's Harrison shirt

back view of Cashmerette Harrison shirt
Either I am having a "fat day" today, or I messed up on the seam allowances (1/2 inch instead of the 5/8 inch the Big 4 use), or the sizing runs a smidge small.  Or maybe a combination of the three - I'll find out when I make it again, because I WILL make it again.  The measurement chart said I need a 16 E/F.  Honestly, it does feel a bit snug in the shoulders - I blame all those push-ups I had to do as a mouthy private in the army.  LOL

I had fun playing with the variations I did on the sleeves and collar, and I really wish it turned out better.  Can't blame the pattern for the fabric coloring.  The shirt looks great on the hanger - just not next to my face.  And it really does look like I should try the size 18.  I really do love the pattern, and I really love not needing to put a big honkin' FBA on it (and hope it turns out smoothly) right out of the envelope.

I'll let those thoughts simmer on a back burner while I get back to the jeans fitting.  I looked at the periwinkle blue cotton twill this morning, and it's too lightweight ... but I do have a third piece of denim.  It's only two yards, so I think I'll fold up six inches off the bottom for some capri length jeans.  I have hand knitted socks to show off anyways!