I am so excited to have completed my first pair of made-me jeans! I named it Retro Dots Bella but I would most probably be the only one to see those dots when I am wearing this pair of jeans. Made from burdastyle’s bella sewing pattern, I used an indigo denim for the jeans and a retro dots fabric from my princess’ stash for the lining at the waist and front pockets. Here are some photos of the Retro Dots for your eyes only 🙂
I also did some stitching on the back pockets to make them more interesting before top stitching onto the back of the jeans.
Perhaps denim is thicker so I had to go over the lines twice for them to be this obvious. I love the fit and I must say it looks really flattering from the side and back. I usually wear low waisted bootcut jeans so when I told my husband I was making a high-waisted jeans, he laughed as he thought that it would look nerdy. But, nerdy the bella wasn’t. I think if anything, it is a little flirty. I showed it to my husband last evening after sewing on the buttons and he gave his nod of approval, which made me a happy gal 🙂
The jeans wasn’t difficult to make as I have already done a pair of shorts based on the same pattern but this time I used the size 34 patterns instead of 38 and it fitted really well. I think I have lost a little weight and also I realised and was also informed by some of you (thank you so much!) that the bella loosen at the waist with wear. Here’s a closer view of the buttons and stitching (sorry about the blue glare from my camera!) The toughest part for me was the buttonholes as this denim was rather difficult to cut/ rip so they took longer than normal to finish. At certain point, I was pulling my hair to get it done.
I finished the hem at floor level as I read in a fashion article that high-waisted pants which finishes there gives the illusion of longer legs. Sure hope that’s true!
This pair of jeans was part of my holiday wardrobe project and after this I have two more tops to create before my trip to Shanghai from 15 to 23 October.
For the two tops I have identified previously, I have a little change of mind. I will still sew a piece from the Twinkle Sews book but for the second piece I will be sewing this top from a new Japanese sewing book I acquired called ‘Drape drape’ by Hisako Sato. It has a cape like structure and I think it is great for layering. Definitely something I will wear on normal days too 🙂
Have an amazing week my sewing comrades!
The Sew Convert 
Gorgeous. I think it doesn’t look nerdy at all, like you said, it’s feminine and flirty. Very nice!
I think high-waisted trousers are very feminine. It is important what you wear for a top and you got it just right, in my opinion. Great job!
The bellas look lovely! I am still not convinced this style would work for my body-type, but I do get a little pitter-patter every time I see a new pair.
Also, I am envious of your acquisition of Drape Drape. The more pieces I see made from these books, the more I want them. grr. 😉
Those look fantastic! I love the dots print facing and the buttons that you used. I hope to make these myself very soon!
Cute jeans!! I love yours and Cupcake Goddess’ versions… I should give this pattern a trye, too!
Thanks for the reassurance!
@Angela and Miss Dandy: Love to see your versions, go for it!
@Tanit-Isis: I think it would look great on your small waist! You might wanna try the shorts version first. If you like that on you, the pants should work out fine 🙂
Hehe! I am flattered you think I have a “small waist”. I guess it means my photographic tricks have worked ;). My waist is about 2-3 pattern sizes larger than the rest of my measurements (except for Collette patterns where it’s 4 sizes larger!) 😉
those pants are amazing! i so want a pair but would they look good on a person with a rather large booty (think j.lo) and small waist?? i wonder. plus the thought of making pants terrifies me.
and that shirt looks awesome. there are such great designs in that book.
They look awesome on people like this! There’s a version on Burdastyle.com that is absolutely delicious. It may take some more tweaking the fit, though.
They are wonderful! what a fantastic fit xx
Thanks Brittschmiesing! I agree with Tanit-Isis. think this design looks BEST on a person with small waist and large booty cos those are the curves it showcase best. Wow! You are so blessed with J.Lo proportions! You might need to choose a smaller size waistband from the pattern though.
Huh! You are kidding right? I wouldn’t have guessed! Your waist looks tiny! You MUST share the photographic tricks! I need a ‘smaller’ waist!
those look amazing on you!!! ok now i really need to make a pair on my own. i love the topstitching on the pockets and the lining. lucky lady, a great pair of pants and the DH’s approval!
Hee! Nothing fancy—lots of 3/4 profiles, twist the hips a little more than the upper body, stuff like that. Confession: I actually have a really hard time posting useable fitting pictures, because I hate how I look photographed dead on. >_<
You really look amazing in this jeans !
And congratulations for your purchase, it’s a great book.
Looking georgeous! I like 🙂
The jeans look wonderful. I do love the buttons. ANd the fancy stitching on the pockets makes it loo like an expensive better finished off product. In my size I don’t dare show off waist bands, buttons there or fancy pockets, always making sure my top covers my very curvy hips.
This pattern is also great because with this type of lining there are no thick waist bands and pocket seams which can be so hot in the tropics.
The new top is soooo lovely.
Thank you Peggy. I have to thank you again because I did that etsy search after you mentioned the book and finally found it! Merci beaucoup!
Thank you Irene & Ina 🙂 Yes, I think it is great for the weather here too 😛
The “merci beaucoup” touch me a lot. Thank you.
The jeans look and fit great!
These jeans are gorgeous ! They look wonderful on you,beautiful work
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