You probably all sat there thinking “c’mawn…where’s the sewing?!” lately didn’t you?
Well, I have indeed been Sewing for Vegas as I promised a few weeks back, it’s just been terrible weather here and combined with Timothy working away, and out of town visits to friends and family, I haven’t been able to get some photos until now.
So where did I start? 4 metres of stretch slub denim going for a song on ebay. Perfect, I thought, this will be a good foundation for my day wear when I’m pounding the pavement and looking at the wonders the strip has to offer.
So I got out my Gertie capri pattern and cut out the pieces (in a bigger size than my test pattern a few months ago) and got to sewing. I found the tips over at Handmade Jane’s blog on denim sewing tips a great help and before you knew it (and in a day) I had a pair of denim capris.
Following this I decided to make up another pair for shorts, because it’s an easily to chop some length off a pattern, and the day after voila! A pair of high waisted denim shorts to be roaming about in.
Then I got all cocky with myself and made the decision to adapt the pattern and make a skirt.
Now, this might not seem like a lot of bother for some readers of this blog but I have never attempted anything like this.
I made the adjustment to the front parts of the pattern, ensuring I took the seam allowance off the centre as this would be placed on the fold.
I made a few other adjustments to the back side of the legs to taper in more and made a toile with some stretch cotton, before using that toile to cut the pieces of denim for the final skirt.
I have to say I’m so happy with how it all turned out and now I have my day wear for Vegas.
I just have to find something for my top half as however liberal Vegas may be I’m sure they don’t want me flouncing about topless in the streets.
So what’s next? Well, I’ve been joining in on Gertie’s slip sew along as I have never sewn any undercrackers or used that type of slinky material.
I am also starting my Gerties Sew Retro Bombshell Dress class on Craftsy to make my birthday dress for Vegas. So much to do and only 30 days to go!
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wow, all three of your version are great! did you make any fit modifications on the pants?
not on the pants no, the pattern was a perfect fit!
I love those! You did such a great job they look fantastic.
I love how all three of your versions turned out, they all look fantastic! I’ve had a khaki colored denim picked out for a pair of these Gertie capris for a while, but I’ve been dragging my feet. Your pants have definitely inspired me to finally get to work!
great stuff, cant wait to see them!
I made these and the crotch laid too low on my body. Have to figure out how to fit it 🙂 Yours look great.
I think I must just be lucky with the fit. ..I did make them up a size smaller due to the ease factor though as I was using stretch denim
Great jeans, they remind me of the fifties, Perfect fit, just don’t get that with ready to wear.
You may be surprised by the clothing worn in Vegas. I thought it was going to be like this massively dressy place but in reality most people just seem to wear sweats and t shirts (day and night). I got some very odd looks when I wore my VOH down the strip after we came out of Lee & Naomi’s wedding – also got some lovely compliments though.
The capri’s and shorts will be perfect for day wear just don’t worry too much about what to put on the top half, a simple vest, halterneck or sleeveless tube top will be ok.
I’ve heard similar! In the guide book “going for an evening meal in sweat pants and baseball caps isn’t unheard of”. What the actual, maybe it;s just too hot for people to bother!