It can be a little intimidating and even challenging to sew your own pair of jeans but with the right tools and supplies, it will be much easier to tackle. These are tools that are kind of unique to sewing with denim and most them you won’t need to use for an ordinary top or skirt. But, they are nothing to be afraid of. With these tools in hand, the jeans making process will be a much better experience. Click through to watch the video, where I show you all the special tools and supplies that you’ll need to sew a pair of jeans, with tips on how to use them and ways to make the process of sewing jeans a bit easier.
VIDEO Take a peek inside my scrap box
Today, I’m giving you a sneak peek inside my scrap box, well boxes. Over the years, I’ve collected and even inherited a lot of scraps but I’ve managed to mostly get them into a state of organization that does not freak me out. And trust me, my scrap stash has made me feel overwhelmed and freaked out in the past. Watch the video to see my scraps, how I organize them and how I plan to use them.
I hope you enjoyed that peek inside my scrap bins. If you are looking for ways to use your scraps, make sure to check out this week’s other blog post, 101 Ideas for using fabric scraps. And, if you’re interested in learning more about using your scraps to make improvisational quilts, I have a new e-course called Improvisational Quilting for Garment Sewists. This is a self-paced and comprehensive course that teaches you everything you need to know to learn how to turn your fabric scraps into useful and unique improvisational quilts. You can learn more about it here. Happy sewing!
VIDEO January 2020 sewing vlog
Hello sew-friends! Today, on YouTube, I’m sharing my very first, official vlog! I’ll be giving you all the updates on what I’ve been sewing, new fabrics, new patterns and more. My plan is to do one vlog a month, posting on the last Thursday of every month. I hope you enjoy it!
What I made in January
This month, I finished piecing the top and back for a gray scrap quilt. Woohoo! It feels like a big accomplishment to get those scraps pieced. I’ve been playing around with them for almost a year now. Btw, next week on YouTube, I’ll be sharing a peek inside my scrap boxes, including how I organize those scraps for future quilt projects.
My first project from my Make 9 list is done! The Ginger jeans by Closet Case Patterns. I made a size 10 with about 2.5” added to the length of the rise and 1” added to the length of the legs. I then took .5 inch out of the center back seam at the waist. I also took out a significant amount around the back thighs because it was so loose. Next time I make stretch jeans, I want to use the Ash Jeans pattern by Megan Nielsen. I made the Dawn Jeans a while back and was really pleased with both the fit and instructions. I think the Ash Jeans would fit me better and be a more enjoyable sewing process. Megan’s instructions are just really good and that makes sewing more fun and less stressful. The Ash Jeans also come in a curve size range, so it’s a more inclusive choice.
My next project is the Falda Jacket by Pattern Fantastique. I have it all cut out - denim with a flannel lining. Next, I need to figure out interfacing and find an appropriate zipper.
By the way, if you haven’t watched it yet, make sure to check out my 2020 sewing plans.
January blog posts
Unboxing
It’s what all the YouTubers do, right? Stay tuned in March, because I’ll be doing a giveaway from I See Fabric. The fabrics I received are this silky rayon and this 11oz french terry.
I’m thinking that the silky rayon could make a really nice Darling Ranges dress by Megan Nielsen. I’ve made it once before and have been wanting to make it again. For the knit, I’m thinking the patterns from this months Seamwork would work really well, the Mel joggers in particular. And if I have enough leftover, maybe I could make a sweatshirt.
Personal
As I mentioned in the video, I’ve been trying to do more yoga and walking this month. I’m a big fan of Yoga with Adriene on YouTube and have been slowly doing her 30 days of yoga challenge. It will probably take me more like 60 days at this rate. 😃
The tracker I’m using is by Elise Joy and you can find out more about it here. It’s a daily goal tracker. I’m using the undated version because there’s not a 2020 version. I wrote in the numbers for all the days of the year (1 to 366 this year), alternating colors for each month. Then for each day, I color in when I’ve exercised. I like that it’s a visual record.
I hope that you enjoyed this vlog. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel right here. Happy sewing!