I set out to make the Birkin Flares from Baste & Gather, having been inspired by several people but I kept seeing them on The Compulsive Seamstress and was so impressed with the fit and cut, so I got myself a pattern. Then began the head scratching. You see, I laid my jeans block over the Birkin pattern and the shape of the top was completely different. I took it all off to my pattern making class at Workspace-FADS and it was a revelation!
All Sarah did was take the top of my block and attach it to the legs of the Birkin Flares. Talk about grafting! The Birkin Flares are drafted for 2% stretch so I had to hunt through my stash for something appropriate. I had this rather unusual denim looking fabric from Knitwit, but liked the inside better than the outside, so went with the inside as the outside.
It goes so well with a 1970s style flare!
I had already identified a jeans sized hole in my Sew a Seasonal Wardrobe challenge, so I set about making another pair, but this time the fabric I used had 7% stretch. Back to Workspace-FADS and we redrafted the pattern so I now have a pattern for minimal stretch and a pattern for lots of stretch. Result!
These jeans are made from a gorgeous rust corduroy I bought at Textile Traders.
Whilst I was in the pattern making class we created my own pocket design, which is quite simple, but which I can replicate on all new jeans. It’s a bit hard to see but, unsurprisingly, it’s an “S” shape – I feel a bit like Zorro!
The instructions also call for an optional piece of leather on the waistband, so I found a small piece of a gorgeous khaki colour in Sarah’s stash and sewed it on. Unfortunately, it gets hidden under my belt.
I’ve worn both jeans quite a bit and they are hands down the most comfortable and best fitting jeans in my wardrobe. These rust ones go with all my other seasonal wardrobe makes and they will be fabulous over the winter months
Details:
Blue jeans are worn with a gray t-shirt made from my self-drafted pattern and my Hitofude cardigan. Rust jeans are worn with black ruched top and striped Oslo cardigan.
Such a great fit on these – what was your original pattern?
The top part is from a pattern that was drafted as my jeans block in a pattern making class. It has taken several iterations to get the fill right.
Thanks – I’m yet to start on a jeans block
The pants look like great fun to wear and the bottom flare takes me back to
the bell-bottom era. You achieved another great fit.
Oh yes, I’ve been taken straight back to that time myself!
Flares are so popular right now among bloggers, but I’m lagging behind the trend. Boot-cut jeans were the “flarest” style I’ve sported. I love both on you, especially the rust ones worn with your Oslo cardigan. So perfectly autumnal!
Yes, perfect for our winter as well. It doesn’t get too cold so they will be great.
They look great. I am looking up the pattern straightaway.
Thank you Norma, I’ve seen some wonderful versions out there. Perhaps I’ll see yours?
I’ve never made jeans so I know I’ll spend a long time thinking first
Haha, Norma, the first pair’s the hardest and then there will be no stopping you.
You look fab in them Sue. I used to thread my belt through the leather patch but you might have to give it a bit more ease to allow that.
Yes I tried to thread the belt through but didn’t make the tab big enough. Next time!
They look magnificent – I particularly like the rust colour. Jeans shaped hole now very well filled!
Thanks Kim, the rust ones are really warm for winter.
Those flares look great! Do you think I can get a pair of flares made in time for them to still be in fashion when I finish? (I’m so slow on my sewing right now!). I love your S design. And that tie die look. The corduroy must be soft and comfortable!
I’m sure you can knock out a pair before they go out of fashion as they are only just in fashion! I didn’t like the tie die fabric at all really but it was cheap so I bought it. Now I’m quite smitten!
I think the tie dye fits in perfectly with the style! 👍
Great pieces and ell made. a
All the combinaties are beautiful.
Thank you Sonja!
Wow, you’re on a jean-making roll!! I especially love the rust coloured ones; mmmm, yummy colour and they must be gorgeously warm. I wonder if I can justify buying some more fabric for myself? 😉
of course you can justify it!!!
Nailed it! Those corduroy ones are perfect.
Very well fitted jeans Sue. You must be so pleased with these. They look fantastic.
Thanks Jean, I am really happy with them.
Two great pairs of jeans for winter. The rust ones are especially nice.
Thank you, they’re my favourites too.
You look amazing Sue; both iterations are amazing. I used the Birkin pattern and found it very good for me, but then I have big hips/small waist. I liked the high waist and the comfortable but slim fit around the body with a (modified) flare. Very nice.
Thanks Kate. I have “crotch oddities” so no trousers fit me OOP! 😁
Oh err Mrs.
Gerat looking jeans and I have never heard of the pattern before. Love the rust ones of course. Wish I had a workroom to get my pants to fit as good as yours.
Great looking jeans and I have never heard of the pattern before. Love the rust ones of course. Wish I had a workroom to get my pants to fit as good as yours.
Yes, it’s so hard to get a good fit, but I always think that your clothes fit brilliantly