Well, I never intended for quite such a long break from blogging, but here we are. I had a few rather stressful and tiring months helping a family member move house and relocate to our area. It all worked out ok in the end, but wow, it was exhausting! And of course it’s then so easy to get out of the habit of taking pictures and writing.
I have a few things in my blog queue, including one sweater made at the end of Winter that I think can wait until Autumn to post about. Anyway, first up are these wide-leg jeans by Smartpattern made in fabulous deadstock Italian denim from Croftmill. It’s about 11oz in weight and has a bit of stretch too; I love it and have more in my stash.
This is the second time that I’ve used a Smartpattern design. My first make from them was my brown barrel-leg jeans, and after being so pleased with that design, I was keen to try another from their range. What I absolutely love is that you can use the configuration option when buying the pattern, which lets you use your own measurements (including things like bottom shape and thigh circumference, etc.) and customise the design with the features that you want. It’s brilliant! These are the design parameters that I chose:
- Fit: regular
- Leg shape: straight
- Leg design: Flared Stripe insert
- Length: regular length
- Waistband height: medium
- Crotch depth: normal
- Front pockets: round
- Back yoke: O shape
- Back pockets: angular patched on
- Waistband width: 40 mm
- Waistband solution: shaped
- Fly: Zipper
Although I chose the straight leg shape option, I added in the flared side panel, which gives me the perfect amount of width at the hem. You can make the shape more flared if you want and change up the yoke shape, or front fastening, etc. There are lots of options.
I made a mock-up before cutting my precious denim fabric, and as with my barrel jeans, the fit was so good straight away. I did the same crotch shape adjustments that I always do, which are to scoop out a little more at the back and straighten the front curve. The custom measurements option really does pay off.
I decided to go even further with customising these jeans and, inspired by some Pinterest images, I added extra seaming across the side panels and had some fun on the back pockets too. Well, you know me… I just can’t leave things alone, can I? 🙂 My topstitching is two strands of Guttermann thread in two different shades. One is a grey and the other a mushroom shade. It’s just enough contrast to show up but not as much contrast as, say, cream, would be. I really like the effect.
For the pocket bags, I used a scrap of quilting cotton that I picked up off the swaps table at my monthly sewing social. So the inside looks nice too, if I do say so myself 😉
Oh, by the way, I should mention the instructions for the pattern. They’re very good, with lots of links to detailed articles on the Smartpattern website which go through each step with many photographs to accompany the writing. Impressive. Can you tell I’m a fan? And no, this isn’t a sponsored post. I just want to share how pleased I am with the pattern 🙂
I already wear all of the other wide-leg jeans in my wardrobe a lot, so I know these will be no exception. I also think this design will probably replace my beloved Simplicity pattern and be my go-to choice for future wide jeans. This fabric is lovely quality too, and for the other two lengths that I have in my stash, I think one will be some more barrel jeans and the other will be a skirt. My to-sew list grows ever longer!
Thanks for reading, and I’ll be back soon with another catch-up post.
See you soon!
