This is pair #4 I’ve made from this pattern – technically speaking. The black corduroy version never really saw the light of day, tho, so I’ll call it #3.
This time, however, I had to trace a new pattern, since I’ve lost something in the vicinity of 30 pounds since I made the first one, so those earlier iterations are a tad saggy now.
On the bright side, I already knew that the pattern fits me like a glove once I’ve hacked out an inch of the back yoke to accommodate my sway back.
As you can see, the fit is great. No sway back wrinkling – yay!
The back pockets turned out great, too:
Other things, however, didn’t go so well.
For some reason, the very first zip fly I did for this pattern came out great, as you can see here. All following are messed up, including this one:
I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong, but I do think I finally actually understood the construction of the fly, so I’m hopeful for the next one – oh yes, there will be a next one!
In the above picture, you can also see the biggest and most disheartening issue: The Hole.
When I put in the zip, I went horribly wrong and had to take it out again. And then it happened – I slipped with my scissors, and hacked a hole into the leg part of my jeans. About 3 inches away from my crotch. Where you can’t even put a patch or something without drawing a whole lot more attention to an area that really doesn’t need any extra attention. If you get my gist.
Here it is in all it’s horrid glory:
Ah well. I guess this will be a “fit for home wear” muslin, then …
On the bright side – I think the Jalie 2908 now has reached the truly TNT status for me. Yay!
The Very Best Jumper 
i love the fit on these and the top stitching on the back pockets is great! Especially like the extra purple detail! 😀 SUch a shame about that hole. it is not that big though. maybe it will stay that size or you could but a patch on it from the back?
Thanks! I’m pretty sure the hole will ravel, as the fabric has a tendency to fray … ah, well. Live and learn.
I sooooo want to make this pattern but I really can’t justify it with the number of jeans I have in my wardrobe. My denim fetish knows no bounds….
You jeans will eventually wear down, and then you can make a new pair (or three) 😀 Or you could just decide that one can never have enough denims?
I’m actually convinved there is no such thing as too much demin in a wardrobe!
Oh my, that hole is too annoying! They do fit well and they are indeed a good muslin. Those pockets look amazing!
Thank you, I am rather chuffed with how the pockets turned out. And I’ve now worn it around the house a bit, and the fit holds – yay!
You have inspired me. I’m not sure about jeans, but slacks, yes. I’ve also purchased knit and a pattern for a long sleeve jersey. Its been so long since I’ve sewn anything but quilts, curtains and project bags that i am somewhat intimidated. YES, i can do it!
Thank you – having inspired someone is the biggest compliment for me 😀 And I’m sure you can do it! Just go step by step – no reason to be intimidated. If you need help along the way, I’ll be happy to answer any questions as good as I can (you clearly read my blog and hence know about my limitations, lol). Also, there are a million helpful videos out there.
And maybe it helps to know that I’ve been toying with the idea of taking up quilting, but am totally scared of it … all those tiny pieces, and the EXACTNESS of it …
Do you know the interfacing patch trick?
You can use either black stretch or non-stretch fusuible interfacing (depends on your jean mix to whether you need it to stretch) and place it behind the hole, glue side up. Then try and close up the hole a little before melting the interfacing with your iron. It reduces fraying and makes the hole less obvious from the outside.
Think it is worth a try?
I did not know that, and I totally think it’s worth a try! Thank you so much!
They look awesome! You could just go with a ‘distressed look’? Kind of 90s throw back ripped jeans? Might look cool?
I can only imagine how heart broken you were when the scissors went through. 😦
Thank you! I have now followed Almond Rock’s suggestion and fused some seam tape and a tiny scrap from the inside behind the hole, and dabbed at it with a black edding pen, and it’s a lot less visible now. Maybe I can wear these babies in public, after all! \o/
Yaaaay!! Glad it helped 🙂
Brilliant! Good idea! No-one will notice they’ve been patched up. x
Sewing pants as got to be the most problematic of sewing things. I’ve just finished up a pair of slack/jean type pants and good Lord it’s taken a lot of time. Jeans I’m not ready for, I hear they are tougher because of the close fitting you have to do. Awesome job on yours. I’m taking notes.
I didn’t find the jeans a lot more complicated than other trousers, they’re just a tad more involved because of all the top stitching. The fitting I found actually easier, because you have the back yoke to play with, and my biggest fitting issue for lowers is my sway back. And the Jalie pattern comes with great instructions, too 🙂
I might have to try Jalie. I have back/butt issues. Getting the waistband to fit was probably the biggest problem for me too.
The hardest part was indeed the fitting of the back, as it was a bit gapey and wrinkley in the first attempt, but that’s really easy. I also always have to do swayback adjustments, so I do hear your pain!