Friday, January 11, 2013

Vogue 8774: Denim Shorts



At the risk of disagreeing with everyone in the sewing world I have to admit I like this pattern so much more than Jalie 2908 *cowers*. I just think on me its more flattering and I had to do a lot less adjustments to it (in fact the crotch curves were nearly identical and the rise was only slightly off compared to my pants block) and no fisheye dart! I did stuff the front pockets up though and next pair will have them about an inch higher.



The denim is a mystery one from the op-shop. It has a bit of stretch and is nice and thick unfortunately I only had enough for shorts not jeans. Facings are a cotton from Spotlight.


I'm still on a mission for the ultimate waistband so this idea is stolen completely from my son's jeans! I added in extra seams when piecing the waistband facing and then threaded through elastic that I put buttonholes in. I like this so far, its adjustable, stable and is very easy to take out if I don't like it and slip stich up the openings. I actually saw a pair of high end RTW jeans while op-shopping that had a similar set up and a friend just bought a new skirt that had wide elastic as the actual facing which I found quite interesting. (a quick update - I have been wearing these around for a couple of days now and can report that the adjustable waistband is working a treat!)


Topstitching is done with upholstery thread which my machine likes a lot better than actual topstitching thread. Next version might have the yoke wider too.


I did faux felled seams and used bias tape around the hem as I cut the shorts too short!


The photos were taken down at Robe, SA at the Obelisk on a day out at the beach, it was beautiful down there!


BREAKING NEWS!! If you haven't yet seen BeaJay's blog head over and check out the Plus size pattern pyramid. A way for everyone to join in the pattern pyramid fun even if you don't fit in the smaller sizes!
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16 comments:

  1. JudithJanuary 11, 2013 at 9:53 AM

    Just love the back pocket stitching, and naturally love the facing!!! Looks great on you. Only a day at the beach - think you need to spend the whole month there the way the temps are down your way...J

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    1. SuzyJanuary 11, 2013 at 2:22 PM

      Its been hot! My Mum's a volunteer CFS and just got back from the big fires over in the Victoria area, thank goodness they are settling down a bit in Vic but I feel for the Tasmanian and NSW people.

      Delete
    2. House of PinheiroJanuary 12, 2013 at 6:50 AM

      I agree, the back and facing is fun and the fit is great . On the beach photos I'm totally jealous as we my have snow soon

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  2. BeaJayJanuary 11, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    Great shorts Suzy - I must make myself some shorts for summer but I will stick with the elastic waist for the moment - still to tackle flys etc - but LOVE your idea of the adjustable waistband. Maybe the next pair you make you can take pics at each step (hint hint - well more than a hint actually - a plea!!!)

    Thanks for the shout out for the pyramid.

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    1. SuzyJanuary 11, 2013 at 2:22 PM

      Thanks Beajay, I'll take pics next time and put up a mini tutorial :)

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  3. poppykettleJanuary 11, 2013 at 11:58 AM

    I rather like Vogue 8774 too! Although I haven't tried Jalie, so I can't really weigh in there. I'm pretty impressed with your adjustable waistband idea - even more so because you wouldn't even know it's there!
    Your topstitching looks marvelous - I too use upholstery thread for this, but my machine isn't a fan of it. I just have to sew slowly, which suit me really because means I can focus on controlling where its going!
    Yay for awesome shorts :)

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    1. SuzyJanuary 11, 2013 at 2:23 PM

      I loved your version, especially the back pockets! My machine hates top stitching thread too, doesn't really like the upholstery thread either but at least it will sew it and do bar tacks!

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  4. KatJanuary 11, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    I love Robe, such a nice town. I like the shorts, they look very RTW and comfty :) Its's nice to see you are getting through the stash! :)

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    1. SuzyJanuary 11, 2013 at 2:25 PM

      Robe's gorgeous isn't it, we're hoping to spend a couple days down there later in the year (it has a brilliant little quilt shop too with a lovely owner, not that I went in there and got anything......)

      Slowly getting through the stash, need to make some room before the Melbourne shopping weekend!!

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  5. Steph AJanuary 11, 2013 at 1:42 PM

    The shorts look fabulous on you (and I'm envious of you being on a beach...in warm weather! LOL, we're in snow up here!!)

    I've made one pair of Jalie 2908, and had to do a lot of adjustments. I might just make another pair to see if I can get it to work. I also used the upholstery thread for topstitching and found the machine sewed much better, smoother, and to use the thicker thread in the needle only - for years I'd hemmed jeans with topstitching thread in the bobbin, and my machine hates that!

    I love your idea of the adjustable waistband, I've been looking for methods on how to create it or modify patterns.

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    1. SuzyJanuary 11, 2013 at 2:27 PM

      Its so strange to me the idea of snow at the moment! I'm sitting in the office with the airconditioner turned up!
      The adjustable waistband is working great, I'm actually wearing the shorts at the moment and even though the legs have bagged out the waist is still fitting nicely and no-one can tell its elastic in there either!

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  6. HeatherJanuary 11, 2013 at 4:53 PM

    You've just been banging out the great pieces lately, eh? Nice job!

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    1. SuzyJanuary 13, 2013 at 10:43 PM

      I've been on holidays, lots of time to sew! Back to work this week though....

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  7. kbencoJanuary 11, 2013 at 7:22 PM

    Excellent shorts. Your inner finishing looks fantastic, I love the print. Having adjustment built in is brilliant!

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  8. Chris LucasJanuary 13, 2013 at 12:10 AM

    I LOVE your shorts... what a great job you did making these... well done!

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