Over the weekend, I plowed ahead with my jean-ius trousers.
I decided to make a pair of white trousers as the test run since 1 - I have at least 2 or 3 other white bottom weight fabrics in my stash but have never made or owned white trousers, 2 - I seem to like sewing for the very tail end of a season rather than sewing ahead for the next season (sigh) and 3 - I am going on my annual cruise vacation with my sister Calliope and her two boys next week and have at least 3 things I'd love to wear with white trousers. So there you have it.
If you are thinking about making pants of any sort, Kenneth King's Craftsy class really is full of good information on construction - lots of little extra tips and tricks. One of the extra things I learned was how to shorten a zipper to a custom length. All it took was jewelry making pliers and some elbow grease. Since I'm tall, I usually need a longer-than-prescribed zipper which I've paid someone else to shorten for me if necessary. So, even if I don't always shorten my own, this is a good skill to at least dabble in.
Also, I've always struggled a bit with zipper flies and I haven't sewn one since December. So, I was very interested to see how KK tackles his zipper fly. Turns out it was the most clear and straight forward method and instructions I've ever used.
It wasn't too different from other instructions that I've used, but there were definitely a few little tweaks that really worked out well for me. It was one of those rare "aha" sewing moments where suddenly a task I found challenging or usually had to attempt a few times before succeeding suddenly seemed like no big deal. I think I've found my go-to zipper fly insertion method.
Seriously, this is my best zipper fly to date! The zipper went in easily on the first try. So, whether you are a beginner or just have always had to fiddle with your zipper fly insertion or have never been perfectly happy with the results, this is a great resource.
So, I have until Saturday morning to finish these trousers if I want to take them on vacation with me. I'm ready to sew and drop in the lining. After that, it will be just finishing details.
Stay tuned because I also have a knitting sweater reveal if I can motivate myself to block and photograph the sweater!
I decided to make a pair of white trousers as the test run since 1 - I have at least 2 or 3 other white bottom weight fabrics in my stash but have never made or owned white trousers, 2 - I seem to like sewing for the very tail end of a season rather than sewing ahead for the next season (sigh) and 3 - I am going on my annual cruise vacation with my sister Calliope and her two boys next week and have at least 3 things I'd love to wear with white trousers. So there you have it.
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| My custom length zipper and tools. |
If you are thinking about making pants of any sort, Kenneth King's Craftsy class really is full of good information on construction - lots of little extra tips and tricks. One of the extra things I learned was how to shorten a zipper to a custom length. All it took was jewelry making pliers and some elbow grease. Since I'm tall, I usually need a longer-than-prescribed zipper which I've paid someone else to shorten for me if necessary. So, even if I don't always shorten my own, this is a good skill to at least dabble in.
Also, I've always struggled a bit with zipper flies and I haven't sewn one since December. So, I was very interested to see how KK tackles his zipper fly. Turns out it was the most clear and straight forward method and instructions I've ever used.
It wasn't too different from other instructions that I've used, but there were definitely a few little tweaks that really worked out well for me. It was one of those rare "aha" sewing moments where suddenly a task I found challenging or usually had to attempt a few times before succeeding suddenly seemed like no big deal. I think I've found my go-to zipper fly insertion method.
Seriously, this is my best zipper fly to date! The zipper went in easily on the first try. So, whether you are a beginner or just have always had to fiddle with your zipper fly insertion or have never been perfectly happy with the results, this is a great resource.
So, I have until Saturday morning to finish these trousers if I want to take them on vacation with me. I'm ready to sew and drop in the lining. After that, it will be just finishing details.
Stay tuned because I also have a knitting sweater reveal if I can motivate myself to block and photograph the sweater!
Gorgeous fly!!! Can't wait to see your pants. Good luck finishing them in time!!!
ReplyDeleteyay!! good luck! and have fun on your vacation!
ReplyDeleteOooh, that fly does look nice. Can't wait to see your finished trousers (and sweater). Apparently I like to do end-of-season sewing as well... Better late than never?
ReplyDeleteVery nice zipper job!
ReplyDeleteBrava! I used to pay for all my zipper alterations, too, until I ran into a pinch and thought, "Maybe I could try this!" and managed just fine (although it took a bit longer than the guy who did it for me). And I do end-of-season sewing, too, for some reason. I should be thinking about fall trousers and jackets, but I'm looking at my summer sewing list and am quite disappointed at how little I got done.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I'm not the only one who gets excited about zippers! LOL
ReplyDeleteBrava! I used to pay for all my zipper alterations, too, until I ran into a pinch and thought, "Maybe I could try this!" and managed just fine (although it took a bit longer than the guy who did it for me). And I do end-of-season sewing, too, for some reason. I should be thinking about fall trousers and jackets, but I'm looking at my summer sewing list and am quite disappointed at how little I got done.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I'm not the only one who gets excited about zippers! LOL
ReplyDelete