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those 70s high waisted flare jeans: Project Sewn

Yep, most accomplished feeling project to date.  Even though I love zippers – so much, there’s something about putting a zip fly in that seems intimidating.  Plus the fact that you want them to fit adds another layer of fun to the mix.

When I was first sketching my ideas for all the challenges, I drew a pair of high waisted flare jeans right away.  It seemed like something I just would have to make, for fun, you know?  I stumbled upon the Denim Trousers pattern at Burdastyle and went for it.  I can’t even tell you how many times I tried these on as I was making them.  Plus I made a muslin (just shorts), but even then it was interesting to try and figure out what to change and adjust.  I changed the legs quite a bit to get the fit and flare just right.  I also added back pockets.  Not sure about you, but I think pants without pockets on the back are just a little odd, or at least I feel odd wearing them!

This zip fly tutorial by Angela Kane on You Tube was really helpful.  I think the next time I do it, things will feel much more natural, I was in the ‘get it done’ mode so using the video really helped.  Alternately, there are quite a few awesome zip fly tutorials out there.  If you’re not into videos or if you just want to check out a variety here’s a short list:

Grainline | Inserting a Fly Front Zipper Tutorial
ColetterieSewing a Fly Front
Oliver + S | Zipper Fly Tutorial
Figgy’s | Conquering a Zip Fly

I used the Cotton Linen Denim from Robert Kaufman, purchased here.  It’s a great nice lightweight fabric, but still with that great denim look.  I wanted to add special touches to make sure they didn’t look like I bought them off a shelf.  So for the pocket bags and waistband facing I added some of my favorite fabrics.  Some Architextures and a lovely piece of Liberty of London bias tape.  I love how custom it looks, after all they’re made just for me, right?  So why not.

I will say that I already want to make more pants now!  Seriously need to go find a great apparel sewing shop, it’s seems quite tricky to buy pant fabric online, I just wanna feeeel  it!  Any recommendations in the Minneapolis area maybe?  I’m already wanting to go to SR Harris, it’s been a few years since I’ve been there.  I also feel like diving a little more into fitting, any good book recommendations or websites related to fitting that you know?  Just curious.  ♥

[Natalie made me do this.]

Today’s the last day for voting on Project Sewn this week.  And I’ve got a super fun project to share with you guys, I’m so excited about it! So excited!!!!

[couldn’t resist sharing this pic I took of my girls]

22 thoughts on “those 70s high waisted flare jeans: Project Sewn

  1. F. K. says:

    These are beautiful! I’m currently working on my third pair of jeans (not as nice as yours but I’m fairly new, haha) and I love making jeans!

  2. You’re so cute and I love following your creations. I can imagine Project Sewn is great for enforced boundary pushing! I’ve cast my vote…x

  3. mle says:

    Wow, I’m super impressed with your pants! Definitely an accomplishment.
    That’s a great picture of the girls too!

  4. Jenny says:

    they’re darling.

  5. Jeni says:

    The jeans are amazing, they fit you like a glove! And yes, can we please go to SR Harris?! Sara and I were just scheming when we could manage to go this past week! It looks crazy!!

  6. evie1203 says:

    Sweet:):) as always:):)

  7. Jeannie says:

    You did a bang up job on those and the details make it exceptional!
    A good book to learn fitting is Pants for Real Pople by Pati Palmer & Marta Alto. Good basic’s to start with.

  8. Susan says:

    Great looking pants — and what a terrific fit. I was wearing a similarly-styled pair for our engagement photo (back in 1980), and I actually had elephant leg pants (that became a tote bag).
    For fabric, have you looked at Treadle Yard Goods? While it’s not a huge place, what they do have a beautiful, well chosen collection.

    SR Harris. I go several times per year (I live in the NW suburbs), and it is worth the trip. Not for the claustrophobic, and not for someone in a hurry. And, you never know what you’ll find. Linen, wool and all of those, and where else are you going to find neon bandana fabric?

  9. Very nice – they look amazing! I really should give some pants a try… when I have some time… maybe I should make up a contest so I am forced to make them, everything happens when I have a deadline! 🙂

  10. Vicki Posten says:

    I am totally impressed with this pair of ‘jeans’! I have NEVER been able to get a pair of pants to fit right. These looks like a perfect fit! Congrats!!

  11. Jo H. says:

    I love everything about this post 🙂

    For fitting, I got The Perfect Fit, which is really good on how to analyse what’s good/bad with your fit and then how to adjust patterns accordingly. I use it all the time and am really happy with it. It’s on amazon here:
    http://www.amazon.com/The-Perfect-Fit-Altering-Patterns/dp/1589232275/ref=pd_sim_b_3

    I’m sure there are loads of other great resources though!

  12. love your jeans, although I don’t think I’d be able to pull them off as well as you do (wish I had longer legs).
    I recommend SRHarris for fashion fabric shopping… maybe we’ll bump into each other there some day 🙂

  13. Annie says:

    Have you been to Ginny’s Fine Fabrics in Rochester? UNBELIEVABLE fabrics. http://ginnysfinefabrics.com/

  14. Stacy Olson says:

    OMG you did not just sew your own jeans. You did! They look amazing! As well does the top. Love! Great, great job!

  15. Anonymous says:

    Treadle Yard Goods in Saint Paul has beautiful apparel fabric.

  16. Lauren says:

    Just LOVE this outfit! The print on the shirt is beautiful, and the pants are so flattering on you. Good job.

  17. Hi Anna, really nice job on the 70’s style jeans. Love the contrasting fabric used on the pockets and waistband. It’s those special touches that turns a good sewing project into a really nicely sewn special one. Good Job ; )

  18. Kelli says:

    They look so great on you! Great job.

  19. besiktning says:

    Interesting to see … thank you it’s well done 🙂

  20. Anonymous says:

    Hi. Great job on the pants! I’m no expert but my sister got me onto the ‘craftsy’ website & I often see them promoting their online classes to do with fittings. Once you register with them the course never expires so it might be a good option. Good luck.
    Marie.

  21. besiktning says:

    Awesome and Congratulations! amazing style as always 🙂

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