Sewing the Ginger Jeans

Ginger Jeans! I made a pair and love them. These were fun to sew and I learned a few things along the way.

Living in comfy clothes seems to be the new norm. Cozy pants especially. Fleece-lined leggings, flowy lounge pants, soft cotton harem pants, and PJ's of course. Gimme all the couch surfing pants.
Jeans don't really fit into the cozy pants category but, I'm going to talk about them anyway. Jeans are something I rarely reach for when I get dressed in the morning (afternoon?). If I do wear jeans, I reach for my Calvin Klein high-waisted skinny jeans. They fit my body like a leather glove. So, when my friend told me about the January Jeans sew-along, I jumped on board! 

The Jeans Fitting Journey

This post is a little different than my usual pattern posts. Hundreds, if not more, Ginger Jeans tutorials already exist. So, I wanted to do something different. I'm taking you through my jeans-fitting journey. Beware though, it's gonna get ugly before it gets pretty.

The January Jeans sew along was hosted by some lovely ladies in the UK, on Instagram. They set up a Slack app group for all of us to post and share photos to. We had live Zoom calls every Monday and then we were put into smaller Zoom groups. It was a whole jeans journey. We helped each other with fit issues and got feedback on our own jeans.

If you've ever wanted to dabble in jeans sewing, you really need to get the fit correct. Here we go!

Materials Needed

• First, you need a pattern. I chose Closet Core's Ginger Jeans pattern in View B. It's a skinny leg, high waist pattern. My favorite style of jeans. But, you might want a low rise, wide-leg style. Scour the interwebs for a pattern that fits your specific taste. 

• 2-3 yards of Denim (check what % of stretch you'll need too)

• Cotton fabric for pocket linings

• Interfacing

• A jeans zipper (*it needs to be a metal jeans zipper so the pull will lay flat against the pants/ your body)

• Denim thread, regular thread, topstitch thread (optional)

• Jeans needles

• Fabric for a muslin (preferably denim)

• Jeans button

• Rivets (optional) 

• Awl and hammer for inserting buttons and rivets

• Rulers, a chalk marker, scissors or rotary cutter, etc.

• Sewing machine

• Patience and time

• Serger for finished seams (optional)

Make a Muslin

Jeans sewing is an easy process. I've made a few pairs of “jeans” from Gertie's book, Gertie Sews Vintage Casual. However, this was my first time making a zipper fly and I was a little bit intimidated. Sewing your muslin fabric is a great way to practice a new skill or technique. It wasn't hard at all! 

I really do recommend sewing a muslin first. It's a trial run. You can rip out seams, cut fabric to make space for your hips and legs, and practice topstitching. Use it as your "scratch piece of paper." Through my first muslin (that I made with 0% stretch fabric), I found that the so-called high waist wasn't high enough for me. My first adjustment would be to add length to the rise. 
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The first muslin fit, almost. I cut out a straight size 12. I like to cut one size that is the closest to my measurements and go from there. 

The jeans were snug around my bum and tummy area. An easy adjustment would be to grade up to a size 14 or 16 in the waist area. However, I knew I was going to add height to the tummy area. 

Here’s what I did:
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1. Added 1.5" to the length of the rise, to create an authentic high-waist pair of jeans. 

2. Full tummy adjustment. This adds room for those of us with mom bellies or bloaty bellies -that's a very technical term. ;) 

3. Took out length in the legs but, not more than an inch. I'm short but, I have long legs. Thanks to weird genetics!

4. Low bum adjustment. Although, I didn't end up needing this in the end. 

Second Muslin

Yes, if your first muslin was a total bust, do a second one. You could easily unpick seams and go from there. However, I was changing the pattern, so I needed a second muslin. The second would be a wearable muslin pair of jeans. I grabbed some clearance denim, made my adjustments to the pattern paper, cut the new fabric, then sewed the second pair with the adjustments.

And WOW! What a difference from the first muslin. I loved the waist height. I loved what the full tummy adjustment did for me. I did not love the low bum adjustment because it added excess fabric in my rear and in the back of my thighs. You can see all the bulk in the photos below. This pair was cut in a size 12 just like my first muslin. You can see how my pattern adjustments really changed the fit. 

Leg Twist Hack

I had a serious leg twist issue with one leg. I followed the cutting directions to a T, too. I cut on the single layer and alternated each leg just like the pattern recommended. Ugh! 
I unpicked the inseam and side seams and sewed them back up. No more annoying twisty leg. So, if you do have this issue, I recommend unpicking the seams. Sew the inseam by starting at the cuff of one leg and go up. Backstitch at the crotch seam. Then, sew the other leg by starting at the cuff and sew up to the crotch. This may or may not be the correct way but, it fixed my issue. 

Photos below are of my wearable muslin pair of Ginger Jeans. I've worn these around a few times and they fit well enough. The denim only has 1% stretch while the pattern calls for a 2%. They are a little stiffer than I'd like but, no seams have popped open when I bend over. Yet! LOL

I actually like the fit of these better than my final pair. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.

One back pocket is lower than the other but it didn't bother me enough to re-do it. Shhh, it'll be our little secret. ;-)

There is extra fabric and bagginess on the back thighs because of the low bum adjustment. It wasn't needed. I guess I have a high bum. Who knew? Hahaha!! And again, it didn't bother me enough to rip open the seams and fix it. This pair was supposed to fall into the "good enough" category. And they do just that.

Red cotton fabric was used for the pockets, you can see it peaking out a bit. I also did red bar tacks in place of rivets.

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Whew, I hope you're still with me. Now, it's time for the final pair! 

Final Pair of Ginger Jeans

I chose dark grey denim for my final pair of Ginger jeans. I love a red accent too so, I used red topstitching in place of rivets and made red pockets again.

Red pockets. Red zipper.

Embroidered back pocket designs.

Bar tacks instead of rivets.

For the final pair, I did the adjustments that seemed to work best for my body.

• Full tummy adjustment

• Added 1.5" to the rise to create an authentic high waist

• Shortened my leg length by 1 inch

• Placed the pockets higher to accommodate the rise adjustment

I love the fit so much! My bottom half isn't very curvy due to my apple-shaped figure. Therefore, these jeans fit so much better than any RTW pair I've ever owned. They fit my legs and waist perfectly. I'm truly happy with the fit.

I’m pretty excited about my new jeans!!

Pastel Denim

This pastel peachy denim will make a perfect pair of Spring jeans. I might even roll the hem up and wear them with flats. A flowy white top and large straw hat too, yes, please! 

I love the 3D stitching on this denim. It's not something I've ever seen. I'm not sure if I'll do a white or pastel yellow contrasting thead. 

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Now that you followed me through my fitting fun, are you going to make your own jeans? I really do encourage you to make a pair. I've made pants before but they didn't have all the stitching detail. These taught me more about fitting your own body and how perfecting the fit really does make all the difference. 

If you're still on the fence about jeans making, maybe these trousers are more your speed. They're wide-legged and flattering on everyone. 

Or, would you rather stick to an easier project? Sew up a little something here, here, or here. 
Either way, go sew something! You deserve it! :D

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Happy jean sewing,
Annette

Egg Gathering Apron

Got eggs? If you have a hobby farm or small homestead, you probably have hens. And, if you have hens, you have eggs. So. Many. Eggs.
Well, you need something to gather all those eggs with. A bucket works, a basket is cute, and in a pinch, you can use your hands and coat pockets. We've all been there. ;)

But, wouldn't it be fun and albeit easier to use an egg apron? Yes! You can live out your farm life dreams with a sweet egg-gathering apron. 

So, it's decided. You're going to make an apron for collecting those little breakfast nuggets. Besides, buckets are only made for livestock grain and treats anyway. 

Supplies

• Swoon Patterns Egg Gathering Apron pattern. This is free on their website. Grab it here.

• Sewing machine, thread, and notions

• 1/2 yard medium weight fabric

• 1 1/4 yards contrasting fabric (I didn't use a contrasting fabric)

• 1 1/4 yards lightweight fusible interfacing

• Chalk pen or erasable pen

• Ruler

• Clips and pins.

I chose to use the Swoon Patterns egg gathering apron. This was the coolest egg-collecting pattern I found while scouring the internet. I collect about a dozen eggs every morning and wanted an apron to hold eggs and keep them safe. It also needed to be comfortable for me to wear. 

Many patterns had pockets that were sewn in a way that didn't seem secure. If you were to bend over (to pet the cat or clean out the coop) the eggs would fall out. Swoon Patterns created an egg apron that is pure genius! It involves a little extra sewing but, is well worth it in the end.
​I promise!

Let's Make an Apron

Grab the FREE pattern, print it out, and tape it all together. Decide on the size(s) you're going to make. Simply fold over the pattern for the different adult sizes. You don't have to trace off a new pattern, and it'll work perfectly. For this tutorial, I made the child size. 

Let’s Get Sewing

• First, apply your interfacing to the pieces following the pattern instructions. I used canvas as interlining because I was short on interfacing. I skipped using it on the main pieces. Secret lazy sewist tip. You're welcome. 

• After the pieces are cut and interfaced. You're going to make the pocket portions. Sew the long pocket panel RST (right sides together) along the long edge to form a tube. Turn out and press. Repeat with the other pocket panel.

Sewing the apron

My littlest sewing buddy making her own egg gathering apron.

Mark the fold lines.

• Next, grab your chalk or erasable pen, and ruler. Mark the heck out of the pocket tubes. Per the instructions, use your ruler to measure the distance from the edges and between the pockets. It helped to make the vertical lines a few inches long. You'll then take these tubes to the iron and press them. 

The pocket should look like this.

Not like this.

• Once the pockets are pressed, grab clips and pins to pin and clip the panel in place. I used pins to keep the pocket tubes attached to the apron. Clips kept the pocket folds together. I used a tape measure and the pattern to place the pocket panels in the exact places.

• Topstitch the bottom edge of the pocket panel to the apron, removing pins as you go. I took this part very slowly. No pedal to the metal here. 

Use pins to hold the bottom edges down. Clips keep the pockets folded together.

Go slow when sewing the pocket on.

Bottom of pocket edge.

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The Egg Shaped Pocket

• Now it's time for the fun part. Grab the pocket stitching guide piece. Choose chalk or erasable pen to trace.

• Line the top and bottom fold with the pattern piece. Trace the shape to create the egg pockets. You'll make 8 for the child size and 10 for an adult-sized apron. I found that clipping the piece helped to keep it in place while I traced. 

This part is where the Swoon Pattern really shines! The egg shape cradles the egg like a cup, inside the apron. Unless you're hanging upside down, they can't move around. 

Continue tracing the pattern shape onto the apron for both pocket panels.

• Starting on one side, sew around each egg shape pocket. Go slowly, this is a lot of circular sewing. I hand cranked the wheel a few times around the edges. 

• After the pockets are finished, it's time to sew the apron back and front pieces together, RST. Sew the sides and bottom only. Clip your curves. Trim seam allowances.

Trim seam allowance.

Turn out.

Poke edges and corners out, carefully.

Yes, I made this apron while wearing jammies. Aren't they considered fashionable apparel these days? Haha

• Turn the apron right sides out. Grab your chopstick or other turning tool to push out the corners

Waist Strap

Sew the waist tie like you would with any other piece of bias binding. 

Make the waist strip following the instructions. Match the raw edge of one side to the top edge of the apron. Sew in the folded  area where I'm pointing.

*You can see my chalk marks on the egg pockets still. They'll go away when I brush the fabric with my hand and spritz some water on the area

Fold the other side over. Use clips to hold in place.

Clip the entire strap together.

Blurry photo, but turn end under and sew from one end to the next.

Your apron is finished! Hooray!!! Now, go gather some eggs and don't forget to take treats with you. The girls work hard for their eggs.

Notes on the Pattern

• I didn't really change anything. This pattern was great. In the instructions, they tell you to baste the raw top pieces together. I skipped that because it seemed unnecessary. If a child or beginner is making this, then maybe that step shouldn't be skipped. 

• I prefer a narrower waist tie than what was called for. But, that's a personal preference.

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After making the first apron, I was commissioned to make a few more as gifts. I sewed them the same as well. There wasn't anything I wish the pattern had or didn't have. It's a wonderful pattern and I'm thinking of making a few to add to my shop. I think every chicken mama and papa needs one of these aprons!

I took close-up photos with another one I made. The light-colored fabric makes it easier to see all the details.

This apron is the best egg-collecting apron in my opinion. I can usually put 2 small eggs in each pocket. It keeps the eggs safely inside the pocket while I change bedding, change water buckets, and refill the feed buckets.

This is the child sized apron. It holds 8 eggs. I am in love with how this turned out. I love the lace detail, it’s so sweet.

Now that you've made an apron for the eggs, I am curious...

What do you make when you have oodles and oodles of eggs? We usually opt for a frittata or an angel food cake. Those seem to disappear pretty quickly in our house.

I hope you make one of these aprons. It's such a useful farmer’s tool. And a cute tool at that!

Happy gathering!
Annette

Shop Handmade This Season

We're all home more than usual this year so, lets make the most of it! Shop from the couch in your PJ's, while supporting small businesses. 

I've compiled a list of handmade shops for you, to shop from this season. Whether you need a hostess gift or a holiday gift, there's something for everyone. Jewelry for mom, a toy for little Johnny, holiday party supplies, or a new mask. There are so many choices! The holiday season is here, let's get shopping.


The shops below are listed in no specific order. I share the shop name, where you can find them, and what they have to offer, along with a little info about the owner. Happy reading and happier shopping!

Celebrate + Smile

Christina makes sparkly paper party goodies for any occasion. She's had her Etsy shop shop since 2015 but, has enjoyed crafting since she was a little girl. Her shop is a side hustle but, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t pour lots of time, love, and energy into it!

Christina makes personalized/custom confetti, cake toppers, party straws, drink stirrers and banners. She can make just about any decoration to fit your event needs. Just send her a message to start your custom order. :)

Find her Etsy shop here. 
Follow Christina on FB and Instagram @Celebrateandsmile 

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Zamavi

Zainab is a hand letter artist and printable designer. She creates feminine wall art with her designs. She hopes to turn your home into your very own happy place. 

Zainab offers funny and punny quotes, love notes, and simple, calming designs. 

Find her Etsy shop here. 
Follow her on Instagram @Zamaviprints

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Emily Gutman Quilt Shop

Emily has been sewing since she was a little kid. Although she focuses mostly on making garments, quilting offers a space for her to play with colour and form. She loves anything and everything rainbow, which feeds her quilting obsession perfectly!

Emily offers quilts mostly but, also has face masks and occasional sewing patterns/kits.

Find her shop here. 
Follow her on Instagram @Emilygutman

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SunRae Doll Vintage

Alisa enjoys sewing clothes from vintage patterns. She often ends up with smaller pieces of fabric that she has no idea what to do with so, she opened an Etsy shop! 

Alisa sells face masks with matching scrunchies, aprons, and plus-size dresses. She also has vintage patterns, jewelry, and housewares. 

Find her Etsy shop here. Her Poshmark shop here.
Follow her on Instagram @Sunraedolls

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Motley Toucan

The Motley Toucan is a shop that specializes in adorable plush animals with bright colors and patterns. Each item is handmade with love by Carianne. She creates in her spare time outside her full-time job and graduate classes. She started sewing in 2019 and loves to share her progress on each project, on Instagram. Her goal is to one day be able to offer, design, and build custom plushies!

Carianne sells plushies mostly. She also sells decorative pillows, bags, pouches, and clothing/ accessories. 

Find her shop here. 
Follow her on Instagram @Motleytoucan

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Pierced Leather

Pierced Leather is a rustic earring boutique. Handcrafted genuine leather earrings with brass, copper, and wood accents. 

Karen is just a "boy mom" whose boys are now men. She wanted something creative to pass the time and supplement their income. She loves creating statement pieces that are lightweight! The bigger and lighter, the better. 

​Find her shop here. 

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Stralixa

Lula is based in the ancient city of Athens, the capital of Greece. Her love for vintage clothing and vintage items in general has always been there. She loves watching films, listening to music (she's also a DJ) and a fanatic coffee drinker. She has a husband and two young children that she doesn't match at all! LOL

Stralixa vintage shop is an e-shop that Lula  runs along with two colleagues. The shop opened in August 2017 and since then, the vintage collection has grown tremendously. All the items are handpicked, one by one. Their ability to distinguish which garment should get a second chance and which shouldn't, is well known between the three of them. They all love what they do so much, and do it with passion and devotion.

Find her shop here.
Follow her on Instagram @stralixa_vintage

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Sewing to the Moon

Sewing to the Moon opened on Etsy at the very end of 2016. It offers bright color items and quirky patterned fabrics. Annette adores the 1940s and 1950s and makes her items with a nod to those eras. 

​Annette offers top knot headbands, make-up bags, keychains, fabric buckets, and funny embroidered tea towels. She also makes custom tea towels if you have something in mind. The fabrics that are used come from various shops and corners of the internet. She aims to provide quirky with a pinch of nostalgia. 

Find her Etsy shop here. Or click on the shop tab above. 
Follow her on Instagram @Sewingtothemoon

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I really hope you find some gifts for loved ones in these shops. Remember, when you support handmade, they do a happy dance. We all need a little more happiness in our lives right now.

Thanks for supporting Handmade! Happy Holidays!!

XO,

Annette