When I spotted this khaki stretch cotton in Textile Traders last week I knew exactly what I was going to make. Grungy, biker-style jeans, that's what. My inspiration was these jeans by Balmain, recently selling for US$695 at The Store. I bought 1.5m of fabric for $18 and a zip for $3. That's more like it!
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Pierre Balmain Military Green Coated Biker Jeans: Source |
So, while my fabric was sloshing away in the washing machine, getting all nice and faded, I drew up the pattern pieces I needed. I found a strip that I had cut off a summer-weight bed quilt ages ago and cut the pieces for quilting from that. Two lower pockets and two parallelograms for the front.
I used the outer quilt fabric to keep the wadding in place.
Here are my quilted front pieces. The one on the right has been trimmed down ready to turn the long edges under and topstitch on to the side front jeans piece.
This is how the fabric looked after one wash - just how I wanted it.
Once the quilting was done and sewn in place, these were straightforward to make. I've made this pattern a few times now and it is my very favourite jeans pattern. I just made some minor fitting adjustments and added some extra leg length at the cutting-out stage. The fit isn't perfect with a few wrinkles at the back, but I'm happy.
My finishing touch was this rectangle of leather that I stamped with my life's philosophy!
Phew! Done in a day and a half, ready for a last-minute entry in the Pattern Review Jeans Contest.
$695 jeans for $20? Don't mind if I do!
The tank is self-drafted and made from bits and pieces from my stash. The front is a lovely soft print remnant from Potter's Textiles.
I'm rather pleased that the direction of the quilting lines match on the pockets and front panel. Completely intentional of course ;)
Overall thoughts: love, love, love these!
45 comments:
Wow! These look amazing! How did you get your denim to fade? Do you just use a little bleach?
Fantastic - these look so "designer", and the stamped leather patch is inspired. Best of luck in the competition!
Thank you! I just washed the fabric with a normal load of clothes, then left it in the machine for about an hour to get the fading on the wrinkles. This type of fabric fades well. I've been caught out using it in the past for something I didn't want to fade!
Thank you so much! A bit of leather hammering was just what I needed at the end of this project. Lots of fun!
These are fabulous...and an absolute bargain. Good luck with the competition!
These are fabulous...and an absolute bargain. Good luck with the competition!
Ahhh, I was wondering how you got the faded wrinkles! These jeans are outstanding. I entered the contest too, but I tip my hat to you with these--they are a definite winner!
You killed this! You interpretation of the pattern is fantastic!
These are fantastic! They look just like the original! I love what you did with the tee as well. I need to get more inspirational with me remnants.
These are awesome! I love the quilted details.
Tried to vote but voting doesn't open unit the 18th! Please post again on facebook when we can vote for you. Great job.
Outstanding work, Megs. I'll be sure to stuff the ballot box in your favor!
These are awesome. I love all the details. The fabric looks edgy. I love your tank as well. You've got my vote for sure.
These are seriously amazing! I love all those details, and the fit is perfect!
Brilliant jeans and what a bargain. You'll get my vote in the contest.
Awesome jeans, that quilting part is such a nice detail, well done for finishing them in such a short time and good luck with the contest.
Its official. You are a jeanius! Fantastic detailing and that leather swatch ...perfection.
Its official. You are a jeanius! Fantastic detailing and that leather swatch ...perfection.
You are so creative Megan. The quilting details and faded fabric have certainly lifted these jeans to "designer" status. Your top stitching is impeccable. Great work.
Fabulous - and I did have to chuckle, my machine (eats) distresses linen & denim just like that if I don't forget to dial down the spin cycle ;)
They look fantastic! I love the leather touch. Balmain is always high on my inspiration list for jeans--they always have such cool details, and you did a great job incorporating some of those details into this pair. You've got my vote!
Such great details! The fit is perfect too. I want a pair!
LOVE the quilted accents & the colour & the fit &, &, & :)
I've looked at your two lovely pairs and you've got me a bit worried!!
Gotta love making something yourself and getting a bargain. Thank you!
Woot! Thank you.
I've had a big fabric sort-out and have found lots of lovely scraps I can't bear to throw away. What's a girl to do?
Thanks so much :)
I'll try to remember. Cheers!
Thanks gorgeous x
Thank you for the lovely comment.
Wow, thanks!
Speed sewing at its speediest. Thank you!
Ha ha. Thank you!
Thank you. I had fun with these and I'm glad they passed your close inspection!
Oh no! I wish I'd known, I'd have popped round to borrow it!
Yes, I love Balmain. Thanks so much x
Wow, thanks! You are certainly skilled enough to make some yourself. Go for it!
Awesome. Thanks! xx
Oh my goodness, these are incredible!! I might have to copy you someday. Your Jamies are always so inspiring! =)
Oh my GOSH, I'm smitten!!! Absolutely amazing workmanship!!!!!
Love, love, love your jeans. They're better than Balmain!
I saw these on Pattern Review. You may have just convinced me to dive in to making jeans! These are SO COOL!!! Those details (including the tag) are just what they needed to really stand out. I think I saw some jeans at Nordstrom that were kind of similar. I loved them, but seeing yours makes me think I could actually make them. Thanks for the inspiration!!!!
I just mentioned these in my "Recommendations" section at the end of my most recent blog post: https://patternandbranch.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/i-made-pants-unselfishly-even/ Still really loving them.
Well, it took me forever, but I finally made my own version of these inspired by you! https://patternandbranch.wordpress.com/2016/11/11/ginger-jeans-hack-inspired-by-meggipeg/ Thanks for the inspiration--I hope you take it as a compliment. I love your style!
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