Sunday, February 24, 2013

Burda 7863---My First "Homemade" Denim Capris!

It's day 24 of the Fearless February Challenge and I've cranked out garment #2--- a pair of denim capris. I'm delighted to admit that this is my first time sewing a pair of denim capris. I've avoided sewing any denim jean due to pure laziness (not a fan of all that topstitching) and of course my initial struggles with fitting pants. I'm pretty pleased with my first attempt. And to be quite honest all that topstitching wasn't bothersome at all---actually alot of fun. I'm definitely happy I decided to take on this project. Here's my review......

(Front view)

Burda 7863


Time to Sew: About 6 hours or so. 

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):
Not difficult at all. I'd give it about a 5 since itt involves alot of topstitching---Since my other sewing machine was down I had to keep switching between my stitching and topstitching threads.

Pattern Description:
Slim 3/4 length jeans.

Pattern Sizing:
I cut and sewed the size 14
(Side view)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
YES!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Pretty much!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the simple style of the pattern. It's very well drafted and it's very fitted which is how I like my capris.

(Back views---I created my pocket design and sewed it on my machine)

Fabric Used:
Dark Indigo Denim with some stretch that I've had in my stash for a while.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
-Warning---the front crotch depth is long. You can tell from the pattern envelope model pics. I removed a little over 1" of depth but it still was a bit long.
-I omitted the pocket flaps and belt loops.
-Created a design on the pattern
-Didn't do the side seam topstitching. I was nervous the white topstiching on the dark indigo would be too much.
-Cut the front pockets down in size and made them mock. The pockets extended to the fly front and were just too big for my taste.
-Added 2 darts to the yoke---removing 6/8 in. each.
-Had slight gaposis in the waistband so I removed it by adding dart to back waistband seam.
-I cuffed the hem.

What would you do differently next time?:
-Add a bit more ease. I overestimated my denim's stretch and made my jeans a bit tight thinking they'd relax a bit. They do but it just takes a bit of stretching. Next time I'll add just a little more ease.
-I'd wash my denim with a can of coke as I hear is recommended to really get the denim fibers to soften up and relax.
-I'd also reduce the crotch length a bit more since there was some wrinkling.

(a little wrinkling in the crotch due to long crotch length)

( even after removing 1" crotch depth, it was still a little long for me)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This is a great pattern! I definitely recommend it!

Wardrobe Versatility:
They're denim capris---they practically go with everything.

Conclusion:
I love my capris!!! I practically live in them during the Summer and I'm delighted that I can make my own. I plan to make them in a rainbow of colors!!!!




31 comments:

  1. Cute capris and perfect with the yellow top.

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  2. Well done! The capris look great. I really like your white watch, too!

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    1. Thanks Renee! The sun was so bright it made it look white---it's actually swirls of blue, white, green, and oive with glitter on top. Yeah, the sun sure was bright LOL!

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  3. I like it, great job, you look great

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  4. YEAH Victoria! These are great! You should make more of them! Even with the little bit of a longer crotch than you'd like, you've still managed to create a great pair capris! Well done my dear!!!!

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  5. Wow, these are great capris. They look very comfortable.

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  6. These are super cute on you. You did a great job! I think they look really good with your yellow t shirt too.

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  7. Really cute - they look great on you!

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  8. These look very nice and really pretty on you. Great job!!

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  9. Great job! These will be so versatile in your wardrobe!

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  10. I think you did a great job Victoria!

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  11. Nice pants! You did a great job with these, they look terrific!

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  12. Wow.. You did a great job with those pants. Fit looks perfect on you!

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  13. I'm glad you finally made a pair of capri jeans, they look wonderful!!!!!

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  14. Well done Victoria, the pants suit you and fit you beautifully. It's not easy to work out how much ease to allow a stretch fabric. Enjoy the rainbow.

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  15. Great job, they look fantastic.

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  16. Hi Victoria, just a question and I'm not sure where to post it - are you continuing Fearless February into March? Or was this challenge only for February?

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  17. Hey SLSS---the Sew Along is just for February. Man I wish February was a little longer. It went by fast. More than likely I'll continue to finish up my planned garments even after the month is over. You are welcome to continue it as long as you like. I think next year I may run it longer. It's been fun:)

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  18. Oooooh those look so good. Great fit! I am feeling so inspired, I just might try making a pair myself. I have no experience making pants though, might be a good idea to take a class first.

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  19. Wow, love the capris! The fit is perfect. I definitely need this pattern in my stash.

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  20. Excellent capri pants. You look cute in them.

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  21. As usual you did great. Still amazed at the depth of skill. Good job.

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  22. Hi, I just made these too. I made them into skinny jeans. I agree the crotch length is WAY too long unless you want Mom jeans. I took 3 inches out of second pair. Having trouble with getting the waist to fit since my waist is small and I have hips. I will definitely try again

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and for following me on my 10,000 Hour Sewing Challenge:)

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