Me Made Monday: Ginger Jeans and Ebony Tee + Sew Your Dream Jeans Review

As a Ginger Jeans fan, I was so excited when Heather announced the Sew Your Dream Jeans online class and that it would include a mid-rise version of the amazing Ginger Jeans pattern. I’ve made two of the low rise Ginger Jeans and LOVE them, but a someone who isn’t a huge fan of high rise jeans on myself, a mid-rise was a nice compromise between the very low rise jeans to a higher rise pair of jeans.

The class going live + a rare Friday off with nothing else to do led to a day of jeans sewing! Couple that with this month’s #WardrobeBuilder theme of Jeans and T-Shirts it was a perfect fit for Gingers + an Ebony tee.

 

This is my third Ebony Tee and I can’t say enough good things about it (you can read about my first two here). This, like the other two, is the set in sleeve version with a scoop neck. I opted for a more tunic length top – the set in sleeve version comes as a crop top or a dress, so I had to do some pattern adjusting to get to this length, but it’s the perfect length for me.

This version was made entirely on the serger with the exception of top stitching the neckband – which I didn’t do on my last two versions. I think it really helps keep the neckband flat and nice throughout the day. The Ebony tee is the perfect quick sewing project that is a definite wardrobe staple.

 

I made this Ebony out of a knit jersey from Stitch Sew Shop that I fell in love with on Instagram. It sold out once but they just got more in and it made the perfect Ebony Tee.

Now all about those jeans…

I ordered two of Closet Case Pattern’s kits of Cone Mills denim, but they didn’t come in in time for my Jeans sewing Friday, so I opted for a Ralph Lauren Denim from Mood. I love this denim because it has some already built in texture to it and it was very easy to sew with. Also, it didn’t seem to bleed blue forever unlike some other Indigo denim.

I followed along with the online class, Sew Your Dream Jeans which was released in February. Heather gives you so many tips and tricks that aren’t included in the standard instructions that were invaluable. As this was my third pair, I wanted to really focus on some of the harder parts – top stitching, the fly and the waistband – that always seem to give me trouble.

I would highly recommend the online class if you’re looking to sew your first pair of jeans or even your third or fourth. Heather is a jeans wizard and seeing her in action was really motivating and helpful in tackling all the pieces and parts to jeans sewing.

The only part of the class I didn’t totally love was the switching back and forth between the Morgan and Ginger Jeans pattern – I know it was necessary to cater to both patterns, but it was confusing at time which step applied to which jeans pattern. Not a big deal, but she does switch back and forth between the two.

I used a gold top stitching thread from a kit I bought from Stone Mountain Fabrics. In the past I’ve been afraid to use gold top stitching thread and opted for a more tone on tone look but I’m so glad I tried to gold top stitching thread. I love the way it turned out!

I use a twin needle to do my top stitching – which was included in the kit that I purchased. It helps keep the top stitching consistent and makes the top stitching process go quicker as well.

For the waistband, I used a rayon for the waistband facing and interfaced the facing to make a more sturdy waistband. The pattern gives you a couple options depending on the waistband you would like but overall, I’m glad I interfaced mine.

My favorite part of the pattern in on the inside – the pocket stays! The low rise versions I’ve made before have just included standard pocket bags. The mid rise and high rise version of the Ginger Jeans has a very slimming pocket stay that is extremely comfortable and keeps the front of the jeans nice and flat when wearing them.

For some reason I didn’t shorten the pattern prior to cutting which I think threw a little bit of the proportions off on the bottom of the jeans. I ended up taking close to 5 inches off the pattern – short girls beware! It wasn’t a big deal in the end, but next time, I will be taking some length off the pattern prior to cutting.

I am so happy with how my jeans turned out and now it’s time to get sewing on the two kits I ordered from Closet Case Patterns!

I’m linking up with The Petite Passions for her #WardrobeBuilder this month. Make sure to check out all the amazing jeans and t-shirt combos over there!