My daughter has a pair of skinny jeans that she really likes. I bought them from Old Navy. They are both the tall and slim version of her size. The adjustable waistband elastic is pulled as tight as it can go and then they stay up. She hasn't really liked jeans up until this pair, so I'd been surprised by how much she wears them.
When I asked her about it, she told me that she really likes them because they make her feel tall. She said something like this: "You know how if you have a square and a rectangle that are the same height, the rectangle will look taller? I think it's kind of like that. I know I'm not actually taller, but it kind of seems like it more with these than my other jeans." Very insightful, kiddo.
I was very unimpressed with the quality of those Old Navy jeans. The denim looked very worn after just a few washes and they had a hole in the knee after a couple of months so I wasn't eager to go buy another pair. I had flagged an Ottobre pattern for trying to make a pair of skinny jeans, but knew it would take a fair bit of modifications to make it work. Then I remembered this Jalie pattern and got right to work on it.
When I asked her about it, she told me that she really likes them because they make her feel tall. She said something like this: "You know how if you have a square and a rectangle that are the same height, the rectangle will look taller? I think it's kind of like that. I know I'm not actually taller, but it kind of seems like it more with these than my other jeans." Very insightful, kiddo.
I was very unimpressed with the quality of those Old Navy jeans. The denim looked very worn after just a few washes and they had a hole in the knee after a couple of months so I wasn't eager to go buy another pair. I had flagged an Ottobre pattern for trying to make a pair of skinny jeans, but knew it would take a fair bit of modifications to make it work. Then I remembered this Jalie pattern and got right to work on it.
I started with size I, tapered the legs so they're skinny jeans, and added 6" of length. The only part of this pattern that I didn't like was the waistband. The instructions would have you cut it out on the bias, but I was skeptical about that so I cut it on the straight grain. I also think it is a little too wide, but it might just look different to me because I omitted belt loops.
While I was making these, I was expecting them to be too small (the pieces all just looked so skinny!) so I took some shortcuts. I mentioned the lack of belt loops, but there are also no rivets, and minimal back pocket detailing and less topstitching than is typical for jeans.
I did add buttonhole elastic in the waistband because I thought the waistband might gape (and it does). The elastic does help with that.
Here are the modeled shots:
Doesn't she look tall? ;) I'm curious to see how this denim holds up after a few wears and washes. I'm sure I'll be making more of these.
Fantastic jeans! She does look tall. I agree that that waistband looks a bit wide proportionally.
ReplyDeleteShe looks good! The slightly wide waist band looks fine to me.
ReplyDeleteI've quit buying jeans for my youngest daughter and I - this pattern fits us each nicely - and is easily turning into skinny or straight leg jeans! I find that the better quality denim I buy lasts much longer than the stuff from the stores...no matter the store...
ReplyDeletethey look beautiful! I often leave off the belt loops for ours too, and use button elastic as well!
You nailed it, Renee!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I agree that the waistband does look a tad wide in proportion to the jeans. I like cutting the waistband--particularly the back waistband--on the bias so I can create a tiny bit of give without elastic. As an adult, I have a tiny waist in proportion to my hips--a royal pain!
The only other thing that looks a bit odd to me--and I'm not a fan of jeans in general, so it's probably just me!--is the back pockets sit far too low. They look like they should be a tad smaller and be placed a bit higher. As I said, not a fan of jeans, so my viewpoint probably is skewed!
Taja
You just made every dream come true for all the tall and skinny little girls out there! Very nice :)
ReplyDeleteYour daughter has the same build as my daughter. The elastic in the waste was a lifesaver when she was little. Nice work on the jeans!
ReplyDeleteAwesome looks. you are a done a great clothing work.
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