This is my third attempt at the Named Clothing Jamie Jeans, and they are the best fitting, although between the extra stretchy denim and some weight loss, difficulties were had!
This image may be familiar to some of you, but I am reusing it as I have found it difficult to find photographs of the front of these jeans.
For this pair, I went back to first principles and took them off to my patternmaking class to get a lesson on how to apply my block to a pattern that’s got different style lines from the usual run-of-the-mill jeans.
I thought the following photos might prove instructive. The Jamie Jeans pattern is on the left, and my block is on the right. Instantly we can see a difference in the shape and length of the front crotch curve.
This image shows the difference in the width and shape of the thigh part of the legs.
The back crotch curve is also quite different
and with version 2 it was noted that the back pockets were too low. My block is on top and this illustrates quite well that the back pockets were indeed too low.
and finally the yoke – massive difference here.
There were so many changes that we took my block and copied the Jamie Jeans style lines on to it, but instead of making them skinny we gave them straight legs, which suits me much better, I think. I made the jeans at home and took them back to the class. They were pretty good, but I still had excess fabric at the back due to the aforementioned weight loss (just a note: I think I’ve put most of it back on during this trip!).
I had to unpick the back seam (which was flat felled and topstitched – aargh!) and the inside legs, and took a large wedge out of the top of the back leg where it meets the crotch curve. This photo illustrates the procedure.
I spent a great deal of time looking at the back of jeans everywhere, but especially on Pinterest. I had a bit of a rear end fetish there for a while! It became evident to me that people with really well fitting jeans are rather better endowed than I am and Sarah and I had to laugh when I suggested that I make some padded underwear (I’ve seen this for sale, so why not, I thought?) No-one turns a hair at a padded bra, so why did I feel a bit weirded out at this prospect? You’ll all be relieved to know that I didn’t indulge myself.
I just want to show the insides of the pockets. Sarah had this awesome ticking that she recovered from an old bag and it gives me so much pleasure every time I catch sight of it.
My new jeans have been popping up in various blog posts and instagram so I’m glad to get them blogged finally. Some of these photos will seem rather familiar, but they do highlight the fact that I’ve worn them to death already.
Apart from the better fit, we had a play with the back pockets.
Instead of having a straight horizontal split, they have a curved split with a piece of the other side of the fabric as a flat binding, to emulate the front pockets.
I have worn these jeans pretty constantly for the last five weeks, here I am wearing them walking through a small park in New York teamed with a new Named Patterns Kanerva top made from t-shirt fabric.
and checking out the wares in Purl Soho 
The jeans need to be washed and shrunk a bit now as they’ve stretched out with all the sitting around, but they have really proven to be both comfortable and sturdy, and I can’t wait to make another pair.
Funny, I’ve always thought that people with flatter seats are the only ones that can get jeans to fit! I’ve always had a bit extra straight out in back, and it is quite difficult to get a flat piece of fabric to curve around it without creating massive wrinkles or looseness at the back of the leg.
I think it’s easier to fit a more curvy figure if the fabric is really stretchy. Maybe it’s not easy for anyone!
These Jamie jeans look so good on you Sue. You have a pattern for life now and all the time and effort you put in to get such a brilliant fit has been well worth it.
Thank you Marjorie, I might make one more tweak before I’m really satisfied!
You have achieved a great fit in these jeans, while retaining all the original design features. They look fabulous and have stood up well to the work out you haven them on your holiday.
I really have pounded them hard on this holiday! If I had realised how cold it was going to be all the time, I might have made a second pair!
You gave me quite a laugh with your idea of padded briefs! Your jeans are spot on and you don’t have to be padded there to look good 😉 what an interesting pocket feature! You have got a very well fitting pattern now which is great!
Thank you SaSa, I think I’m really close to being happy!
It’s amazing what a difference one pattern in “your” size can have from another! I love your padded pants comment. If you do go ahead with it – please don’t tell me or I’ll be wondering how! I find myself staring at butts all the time. Standing at cross walk lights, etc. thinking my sewing isn’t THAT bad, look how her RTW jeans fit her!
I agree, I also stare at the back of jeans all the time, trying to work out the fit works.
Your jeans fit you so well, and I admire all the work you have done to figure out how to figure out fitting issues.
Thank you Janie, I don’t think I’m finished with them yet though!
At Holt Renfrew, we were selling rear-sculpting tights and panties and they were very popular. However, I don’t think you need them. You really nailed it with these jeans. IMO, the angled contrasting piping on the rear pockets really improve the visual effect, if I may say so.
Thank you Hélène, these jeans have really paid for themselves on this trip, but I might make another pair from less stretchy denim to see if that makes a difference with fit.
Padded underwear would also have the advantage that they would be very comfortable for sitting down, I imagine! Maybe some one just have to start making those and every one else will follow 😉
The jeans look great! They fit very well and I like the grey details. I’m glad your finally happy with this pattern 🙂
Of course I’m now looking at other shiny jeans patterns!!
I’m always very envious of peachy curvy bottoms, and like you assumed they would be easier to fit than my flat butt. Your jeans are looking fine! Thanks for showing the comparison with your block pattern. Enjoy those jeans 😃
thanks Kim. The curse of the flat butt!