Saturday, October 22, 2016

My Jeans are Bootylicious! [Sew What? Series with Simplicity 8222 & 8217]


I don't think ya'll ready for this Jelly but these jeans are Bootylicious! I tried  a new jean pattern to see if it was up to the Booty challenge. I used Simplicity's Mimi G Pattern 8222 and it's hugging the Booty proper. I used this stretch denim as a wearable muslin because I wanted to see how the pattern fits without making any changes.

There are a few areas that I will make changes on the next pair. I went up a size when making these jeans just in case but it was not necessary. I may make another muslin pair because if I make the correct size it may work out the crotch area that was a little long. I did have to taper off two inches on the center of the back yoke because it was gaping. [this is a usual issue for the jeans I make for Mori] I was hoping it would not be an issue on this new pattern but it was. 

Oh snap, let me tell you about that zipper! Now if you watch the video Mimi makes the zipper install look simple. I'm thinking that probably took several takes because the install per the pattern instructions was all kinds of crazy! You're a boss if you get that install with their instructions on the first try. I sat and looked at the instructions and her video, sewed it up and my ish was not overlapping at ALL! I left those jeans on the machine for a day cause it was wearing me out. I came back and victory was mines but that will be the last time I use their instructions. I wanted to be able to provide honest feedback so that is why I stuck it out with the instructions. But you best believe there are easier ways to install zippers on jeans. By far Baste & Gather's method on the Birkin flare jeans was the EASIEST that I have come across yet.

(1/24/17**Zipper update. I am not sure what was going on that day I sewed the zipper in these jeans but I knew I had to be able to follow the instructions and make it work. So I made two more pair of these jeans and I figured it out......so now I am at peace with this zipper install and it is not the end of the world...carry on!)

The coat that I made to pair with these jeans using Simplicity 8217 is a super cute pattern and an easy sewing project. This is a lined coat but I nixed the lining for this project. I did add width to the bottom of the sleeves. I chose a medium weight knit fabric, which after it was all said and done was not the best choice for this coat. The biggest issue I had with the knit was the pockets. They do not lay flat on the side of her hips, they keep bunching up and it ain't cute. I did remove the pockets after these pictures were taken. I am definitely going to make another coat with a heavier knit with more structure or a woven fabric. I had a little extra knit so I made this elastic waist pencil skirt.

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35 comments

  1. I was starting to wonder where you were! The jeans fit Mori perfectly and I love the cardi/skirt combination! Fantastic job as usual.

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    1. Thanks Carolyn, I took a little break now time to get back on my grind!

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  2. I must give you props when comes to sewing & how u think very much outside the box...I love seeing your designs..

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  3. Fantastic wearable muslin. Mori looks beautiful .

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  4. Oh my goodness!!! Those jeans!!! What a great fit!!!!!! I have been on the fence with picking a jeans pattern for several years because of the adjustments I'd need with my full rear & thighs.... Yes!! This looks like the pattern I Must have. Nice topstitching & details you've added. The sweater and skirt are super cute too!!! I want those patterns now, too.

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    1. Thanks Kathy and I really do like the pattern. The zipper install was way more trouble than it was worth so I will use Baste & Gather's method for my next pair but other than that I love it. I am going to make myself a pair and put it through the full figure test.

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  5. Michelle, these look so good, even with the crotch situation. This is the beat pair I've seen made. I love making jeans, they're just fun to make. I think I'll pick up this pattern.

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    1. Thanks Erica, I too love making jeans....and anything else with denim. If you give it a try and use their instructions let me know what you think about that zipper. I went back and added a paragraph to my post about that zipper install.

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  6. I have made the jeans also, I had the same problem gaping in the back, also the front fly flap wouldn't close, the whole zipper is exposed. Yours look great minus the fit issues.

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    1. The zipper install for this pattern was the worst!!! I stuck with it they way they wanted it just to be able to provide an honest review but I will not install my zipper this way again. Mimi makes it look easy but it was way too much trouble. Copy this link [http://www.basteandgather.com/jeans-sewalong/jeans-sew-along-part-4-front-zip-fly] and checkout how Baste & Gather makes the zipper for her jeans, this is the BEST jean zipper install EVER!!! This is how I will install the zipper on my next pair of these jeans.

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    2. Thank you, Im definitely going to make another pair but I have to master this fly front.

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  7. ♡♡♡♡♡♡ the jeans ....great job!! And that shot with the cardigan blowing ♡♡♡♡!!!! Lovec that cardigan, too!

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  8. Making the muslin without any changes for this pattern, impressive almost perfect that really look amazing on Mori. The whole ensemble is really gorgeous.

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  9. These photos are SO gorgeous. Your daughter is lovely. I'm coveting that knit jacket!!
    I tried making jeans with my mom (!) over the summer. I did ok until the waistband and then tanked. I'm still working up the courage to try again. Thanks for the link to the fly tutorial. I needed a lot of help with mine the first time and I know I'll need extra help walking through it again.

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    1. Hey Suze! I'm sorry to hear that you had trouble with the waistband. What was the issue was it sewing through all the denim, top-stitching? I know I had issues with that on my brother sewing machine but my BERNINA is a beast. DON'T GIVE UP ON THE JEANS!!!

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  10. I LOVE these jeans and cardigan, I am going to get up enough nerve to try to make myself some jeans REALLY soon!

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  11. Fabulous work as always Michelle!!!! Thanks for sharing the zipper instructions too and I just pulled out that pattern for the cardigan (next up on my cutting table) last night. Thanks gurl!!

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    1. Thanks Jennifer and anything I can do to help make it easy for everybody, I'm down with sharing! Oh and do share when you make the cardigan/coat

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  12. I had the same issues gaping in the back....I cut a Size 14 for the front and size 18 curvy for the back, tapered them at the sides and still had gaping...That fly front is a beast OMG!!! I agree with you Miss Morris, Mimi makes it look so easy but I have taken a look at the B&G method it looks and seems a whole lot easier. If I do decide to make these again, I will try the B&G way for the fly front.

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    1. Aliec you have to take away from that yoke and or the back of the jean to get rid of the gaping back there. Check out this link for fitting issues: http://closetcasefiles.com/14-common-jeans-pants-fitting-adjustments/

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  13. love those jeans!!! I need those in Maternity!!

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  14. Do the dawg gone thing looking good my sista!!!

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  15. You did it again Ms. Michelle...all three pieces are outstanding! The jeans...I was just about out the door to purchase this jeans pattern until you mentioned that darn zipper, LOL! Now I have to think about it, because if you struggled, I would be totally lost! The coat...OMG that is so elegant and it one of those pieces you can wear casual or dressed up. Paired with the skirt, it's a knock out stylish look for anything! Great work lady!

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  16. Thank you for using this pattern. I bought the Mimi G pattern myself and it's good to read a review before trying it myself. I will look out for the bootylicious-causing gaping issues that may come for me as well and also focus on the the zipper installation. Really helpful!

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  17. Michelle,

    I'm finishing up my first pair of these babies and I can't wait to post on my blog about it.
    As always you do/did and outstanding job. I didn't have a big of an issue with the zipper like you. I will say I believe it was just luck on my side this time. You'll see once I post pics.

    Thanks
    Dee with BWHAT!
    Bust Waist Hips and Thighs
    www.bwhat.org

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    1. Dee I'm beginning to think that zipper was just me! It wasn't the simplest way to install but everyone else is not having any issues with it. Can't wait to see yours!

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  18. Great looking jeans! Thanks for reference to Baste & Gather for zipper tutorial. I like the coat with the jeans as well as the skirt!

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  19. As always...you have made a great creation. You have inspired me to try my hand at jeans.

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    1. Do it it's easier than you think, the only problem may be he thickness of the denim.

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