Skinny jeans pattern solves ‘gapposis’ Vicki Farmer Ellis
Dear Vicki: I’m so tired of trying to make a pair of jeans that fit! I mean fit and look like expensive skinny jeans. Can you give me a pattern suggestion and any sewing tips for how to sew felled seams and, one of my big problems, waist “gapposis”? Thanks. Jeannine P.
Dear Jeannine: I am going to recommend the Ginger Skinny Jeans pattern from Closet Case Patterns. Independent designer Heather Lou has drafted a pattern with a modern and flattering cut. Ginger Jeans will become a staple in your wardrobe.
Choose from two views: a comfortable low rise with narrow stovepipe legs, or a high-waisted with skinny legs and a tummy-slimming pocket stay. These jeans feature subtly shaped back pockets, slimming side seams and a higher back rise to prevent what you refer to as “gapposis.” Choose a stretch denim for this pattern.
If you go to the website for Closet Case Patterns (closetcasepatterns.com), you will find a step-by-step Ginger Jeans Sewalong tutorial with lots of pictures and advice: how to take care of gapping waist, flat or full seats, the best way to sew a fly zip and so on. If you don’t have access to the internet, go to your local library or maybe even your local high school.
If you can’t find this pattern at a local shop, then send me a check for $18.95 and I will send it to you. It can also be purchased online at the Closet Case Patterns website. Dear Vicki: I just returned from a trip with several handblocked, hand-dyed cotton fabrics in exotic prints. Since these fabrics are cotton, I would like to be able to wash what I make, but I am afraid of the colors running. Is there any way to prevent the bleeding of colors? Please help. — Joyce C. Dear Joyce: Because of the natural dyes and hand-blocking, these fabrics often aren’t colorfast, especially a concern when they have sharp contrasting colors. There are home remedies to help set the colors: Mix salt in water and soak, also vinegar can accomplish this. I would cut some scraps and test. My best recommendation is to go to a quilt shop. They will have products that have been shown to be very effective. After you are sure of the color, don’t forget to test for shrinkage!
Each week I share a reader’s tip; this week I have two old but pretty good ones. Cay Colburg, of Albuquerque, writes:
“I make a hole with my soldering iron in plastic rulers and templates. Now I can hang them on my peg board.”
Rhonda Ardizzoni, from Douglasville, Ga., writes:
“To keep my shears from getting nicked and scratched, I went to my local hardware store and purchased plastic tubing in different sizes and slipped it over my scissor blades. It works like magic.” Send your tips and questions to Vicki Farmer Ellis, P.O. Box 220463, St. Louis, MO 63122, or email vickifarmerellis@ swbell.net.