New Ursa Sweater

Hi Everyone 

Surprise, surprise - I’ve ripped out my new sweater project. It’s not abandoned but the fabric was not right, so having knitted about half the sweater, it had to go ! I’ve gone back to the drawing board and decide to go down a few needle sizes. My first attempt of the cotton Ursa Sweater by Jacqueline Cieslak started with 6.5mm needles. When I first started, I loved the knitted fabric but quite quickly, I found knitting rather uncomfortable. I had thought, the light, almost lacy fabric would be great for a Summer sweater. However, I love a neat and even knit and the first attempt was anything but neat and even. I found, I was not picking up my knitting and looking for alternatives (I have a few projects on my needles, at all time). So, out it came - last night. 

            

I’m very happy with my new gauge. I’ve gone down to 5.5mm needles, using Rico creative cotton in a lovely French Navy colour. The sizing is a bit of a lottery. I’ve done some Maths and hopefully my figures will work out. I’m confident to give it a go. I’ll keep trying on the sweater as I knit. I’ll know if the sizing is good when I split for the arms, so not too much knitting for the initial fit. If the figures don’t work out, I’ll keep sizing up until they do. I’m in this for the long haul. The new plan feels good and I’m excited to knit on this project again.

I know the boxy, cotton sweater will be great for a Summer layering garment. This idea is motivating me to finish the sweater, soon.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday.

The Jeans Story continues....

Hi Everyone 

I’m almost there. My Morgan jeans by Closet Case are very close to being finished. You can read back each day this week for more on my jeans development. I have a few finishing touches to make, the waistband needs top stitching, I need to add the belt loops and the buttons/rivets need to be added.

         

The jeans are a good fit. I’ve tried them on several times and I especially like the shape of the legs, just as I’d imagined them. The construction of the waistband wasn’t without issue. I managed to attach the waistband, upside down ! I couldn’t quite understand why the top of the waistband was flaring - especially at the sides and finally worked out what I’d done. It was an easy thing to resolve but - at the time, it seemed a huge issue.

However, I’m thrilled with the way in which the jeans have worked out.

I’ll probably get the job done by the weekend and will aim to get some pictures of me wearing the jeans.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Jeans Story

Hi Everyone 

I have another Jeans Story update. Against all the odds, it seems I have a pair of recognisable jeans. The jeans need a waistband and some significant side seam top stitching but they are almost a pair of jeans. The most amazing thing is that they fit. I’m using these jeans as a wearable toile and there will be further alterations for my next pair but generally- they are OK and definitely wearable.

                

I can’t emphasise how good the pattern has turned out. This pattern - the Morgan Jeans by Closet Case has been a dream to use. I was slightly concerned, early in the Make, about the pattern. I managed to sew the wrong pocket lining to the wrong front leg ! Looking back, it was entirely down to my misreading. I was having some problem recognising the key - which denotes the particular fabric to be used as well as the front or back of each fabric. Having got over that initial hiccup, every little instruction has been straightforward and very clear. Both reassuring and inspiring.

I have adapted the fit on the waist and will probably need to make further waist changes next time. My only issue with fit, seems to be the grading between the hip and waist. I may need to adapt the stitching line on the back seat, further. The difference between my waist size and hip size is significant. I’m hoping to attach the waistband today. My plan is to line the waistband with the same pocket lining fabric. I love this lining fabric, it works so well with the denim.

When I started this project, my aim was to make a pair of jeans that could lend itself to be decorated with Sashiko embroidery, you can read about the initial idea here. I pieced lots of sections of denim together on the front legs, to add my Sashiko patterns. My plan is to do this over a period of time. I will wear the jeans and plan each Sashiko element, one section at a time. I like the idea of wearing my evolving piece.

Hopefully, I can spend some time today adding my waistband. I’ll share progress tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Jeans - further progress

Hi Everyone 

The jeans project is moving forward at a pace. You can read back for more background on this project here and here. I’ve reached the point where the pieces of fabric look almost like a pair of trousers.

                   

The construction detail of the back pockets and front button fly have gone well. I’m especially pleased with the button fly which is looking great. I haven’t added the buttons yet, but have them ready - along with some lovely rivets. My next job is to sew the front and back inner leg seam, at the moment - I have the legs pinned together. 

Each seam has a regular machine stitch, finished with an overlocker and an additional double row of top stitching - the seam is destined never to part !

My next job is to complete sewing the legs together, followed by the waistband. My only question mark is the fitting of the jeans. I’ve re cut both the front and back legs (from the original pattern pieces). I want a specific fit, loose legs but with an element of comfortable waist ease. I think, there are still adjustments to be made for the centre back. I’ve taken a wedge of fabric out of the centre back but I think, there is more to go. I have fitted the jeans prior to sewing but there will be another fitting today. Depending on the results of the fit, I could be on the last few making days of this project. I have an hour or so each day, so we will see how things turn out.

Thanks for calling in today. Come back tomorrow for another update.

Jeans - progress

Hi Everyone 

The jeans are coming together. Read back here for more about the jeans story. I’ve managed to re cut both legs and now have a much better (potential) fit. I have completed an initial fitting and the usual issue with a gaping back - on the waistband, needs to be fixed. However, the general shaping and fit could be OK ? I do want the jeans to be a loose fit. I have skinny jeans which are great but for these jeans I’d like a much more relaxed shape.  I’m using these jeans as a wearable toile and will be perfecting the cut for another pair. 

                

So far, I’ve added the front pockets to my jeans. I’ve used scraps from my latest Summer Top (check out the top here) for the pocket bags. I’m hoping, I can also line the waistband with the same fabric. The mustard yellow works really well with the denim.

I’ve also been practicing my button holes - these jeans (the Morgan jeans by Closet Case) have a button closure rather than a zip, so I have four button holes to perfect. Hopefully, I’ll get my Button placket completed today and then it’s attaching the legs together, followed by the waistband.

Once the jeans are cut to shape (my adapted shape) there’s not too much to go wrong ! - famous last words. It’s definitely the cut which will define the success of the jeans. 

Thanks for calling in today.