I decided to join in on the jeans sew along at patternreview.com. I ordered the new Jalie jeans pattern and just about got through my test fit pair - the sewing wasn't as bad as I thought but the fitting is a problem. Now I remember why I rarely sew for myself - nothing fits. It is hard enough to find ready to wear that fits so I don't know what I was thinking in expecting a pattern to fit. By the time I get through all the adjustments I'll be wondering if I should have drafted my own off the few RTW pairs that fit. I'm new to patternreview though and hoping the sewers there can help me through it.
I've also got my boys cheering me on and telling me not to give up every time they hear a grunt or moan coming from my little sewing corner. It has been good for them to see me challenged but it will be even better if they see me not give up. I used what scraps I had left from Henry's coat so I'll need to find some more denim for my final pair.
Aside from sewing I also committed to run the Wasatch Back relay a 170 mile relay from Logan to Park City with a few of my siblings. There's 12 to a team and each team member will run 3 different legs over the course of 24 hours. I use to run a lot but that was several years and six babies ago. I have until June 19 to train and I'm going to take it slow. My first run was at the track and it took me 20 min to run 2 miles - I've got a ways to go. But 11 years ago I finished a marathon under 4 hours so I know with proper training I'll be capable of participating in this race. I don't have a lot of time but I've got a super supportive husband and a bunch of little kids counting laps and sit-ups, cheering me on, and watching me step out of my comfort zone.
Speaking of comfort zones, I'm still hoping to find a nice comfortable fit on these jeans I'm sewing.
Al--its out of my comfort zone too! I need to get training also.
ReplyDelete"Go, Alison, go!" That was for the run.
ReplyDeleteAs for the jeans, I think they looks great. I am sure once you find the right fit for you, and I am sure you will, you will be able to sew up a bunch.
So, my question is, is it worth sewing them for the kids?
I wish my siblings would join me in a run (and I also wish I could find a great pair of jeans!). I'm jealous that you are taking on both challenges, Al. I need motivation (and a little more time!).
ReplyDeleteEmily - I think you are ahead of me in training - you haven't let go of running for years like I have
ReplyDeleteMarie'- Actually I was pleased with how the pockets and all the top stitching turned out. I used a dark gray thread on the dark denim. I honestly don't think it is that time consuming - as soon as I perfect the fit I'll be able to whip them out - I just need some more fly zipper practice though. Now I'm on to a demin hunt.
Caryn - I think time will be the biggest challenge here! It was easy to train for the marathon when I had hours free to train. Also it has been very fun to live so close to my siblings. There are 4 of us on the team and one in law so it should be memorable. Too bad you don't live closer otherwise we would have recruited you for our team.
Making jeans!? Now that is a challenge!
ReplyDeleteAnd the relay, that sounds amazing!
Al, I'm always impressed with your energy, ambition and commitment.
ReplyDeleteWhen you find the right kind of denim, buy a bunch for me, too. I will need to make a lot for Asha and Jerome in the fall.
ReplyDeleteYour sewing talent keeps amazing me and I am sure you will find a way to have the BEST jeans around. Also, much kudos to you for starting to run again.I am trying to get myself motivated to do the same. On another note, just got back from Korea and though to myself several times how much you would have LOVED all the fabric markets and sewing things. It was incredible!
ReplyDelete