Ahhh – it’s that time of year y’all! The weather is starting to warm up more consistently and it is time to show off those clothes we have all been hiding under copious amounts of layers! If you are anything like me – your sewing time is precious, so you have to make the most of every make. Like, I’m talking maximum impact for the number of hours you spend making something. I think this make meets that bar – bringing my vision to light! Yellow DIY stretch jeans of my dreams – you are FINALLY all mine!
2018 Back to Basics Blog Tour
This year, Katie and I are hosting Back to Basics (DIY style) on our Sew Altered Style blog. It is a week that we dedicate to sewing up wardrobe staples in colors, fabrics and prints that expand your wardrobe. In previous years, we have formatted it as a sewalong, but this year we decided to use the week to share inspiration with you on rounding out your wardrobe – just in time for Me Made May! This means identifying your wardrobe holes, and filling them with smart makes. Heather wrote about it in her blog post for the tour this week. I have historically been that gal – with all the fabric and all the patterns and the (occasional chunk of) time to focus – and yet I ALWAYS got distracted and couldn’t keep to my plan. This year, I have been working hard to NOT do that – and between the sewing challenges (like Make Nine and our very own Mini Capsule 7×7) – I am feeling like this is an achievable goal.
Make sure you read down to the end to learn about the prize I’m giving away to blog readers and instagram followers! Seriously – it MAY or may not be fabric – *wink*
I always seem to tread that fine line between sewing as an art and sewing as a functional skill. I don’t know if you have struggled with this too, but I feel compelled to spend my limited sewing time making something that’s going to make me eager enough to tell every single person who glances my way “hell yes, I ABSOLUTELY made this! Let me show you ALL the details…” I think that as I begin to shed my “newbie seamstress” title and replace it with my well earned “intermediate” status, I think it becomes easier for me to sew the functional garments because they just don’t take that long anymore… Well, that is until you decide that you will make jeans. And then if you are anything like me – it will take you almost one year to purchase a real pattern, and then over another year to buy fabric and commit to sewing them up. That said – I present to you – my latest “hell yes” accomplishment: my yellow handmade Closet Case Files Ginger Jeans!
A pop of color CAN be your basic!
Never one to shy away from color – it was OBVIOUS to me that I eventually cut into this yellow fabric to make a basic wardrobe staple – a pair of jeans! Having recently completed a legit pair of stretch True Bias Landers (see link here on my joint blog Sew Altered Style), I felt it was FINALLY time to tackle the jeans that were 2 years in the making.
How to Make Bold Color Neutral
Since we are prepping for Me-Made May, I thought I might include three tips on how to incorporate a bold statement pair of pants like this into your wardrobe. These are some ideas and concepts that work for me – but I would love to hear some of your suggestions (or questions) in the comments below!
1. Don’t compete with the statement piece.
Not that there isn’t a place for me to pair this with a hot pink polka dotted sweater (hmmm,… that might be adorable) – it could feel like your clothes are duking it out — and you don’t want to be an innocent bystander lurking in the depths of a fashion fall out.
2. Pick a solid color!
This will allow you the chance to mix up your neutral tops as a complement. I could easily see these pants paired with some fun variegated monochromed sweaters and tops. Grey is my favorite netural – in all the shades and textures – and I already have a couple handmade tops/cardigans that would pair really nicely (for example this Blackwood Cardigan or this Mandy Boat Tee)
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3. Pick a more neutral top
This could mean a nice chambray or denim top. Right now, I am loving the idea of a gingham or vertical striped blue top? What do you all think? Honestly, its almost silly that I broke my 2018 Ready To Wear Fast just to buy this shirt – but then I look at the fact that it’s opaque, it’s unique, and it’s going to go with all things high waisted (my current pants rise of choice after bearing children), so why wouldn’t I have pulled the trigger? Remember – you don’t have to make ALL the things to make responsible choices. This shirt will get worn over and over again – so it is well worth it.
Images above are all from Verilymag.com
Prizes – who doesn’t love prizes?
Well, I purchased this yellow jeans fabric from Fabric Outlet, the brick and mortar store for the online site, Cali Fabrics. It’s no longer available, but they are offering a prize to one of my lucky followers/blog readers for a $25 credit!!! The fabric selection is lovely – I guarantee you will find something that catches your eye.
So, rules – I have just one credit, and it will go to one instagram or blog comment poster (leave a link below). Super simple – I will leave the giveaway open until this Sunday and select a winner at random.
And by the way – I am just one of 5 fabulous bloggers/fabric shops contributing to this tour – make sure that you stop by each of our accounts if you want a chance to win the giveaway each blogger has secured! Man – you could win up to 5 times!!!
April 23 | Creative Counselor
April 24 | Heather Handmade
April 25 | Handmade Frenzy
April 26 | Harper + Lu
April 27 | Sewing by Ti
Final Questions
Ok – so lay it on me — what are your favorite bright neutral garment pairings? Should I have tried something different (like my denim button up? Or maybe the black and white gingham top that Katie sent to me shown here). Also, I chose to do a blog post on styling the jeans versus sewing them, just because the pattern has been around for a while, and it feels like everything that needs to be said – has been said (seriously – it’s a WORKHORSE). BUT, let me know if you are interested in my experience sewing them, using the “Sew Your Dream Jeans” workshop, the decision to use bigger pockets, or anything else. I could completely do a follow up post – most likely on Sew Altered Style in combination with Katie!
Either way, don’t forget to leave a comment below and/or on my instagram page (it only takes a second to leave a note 🙂 – it would be nice to see you there!
Harper + Lu 
I love your bold yellow color. And your jeans fit beautifully. This is definitely a well made project.
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Thank you! I am incredibly happy with the fit — I am assuming I should be pushing the benefits of making a muslin first!!
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Oh WOW~ I love those yellow jeans on you! Fabulous post as always! I enjoy reading your adventures in sewing.
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Yay – thanks for stopping by Cathie – I love sharing my adventures!
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Love these! My favorite brights tend to be either fuchsia or or grass green (hmm, I think I have some twill in those colors!). But I own a pair of shoes in this exact shade of yellow and they go with EVERYTHING!
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Absolutely! I have the same shade of sandals as these pants – maybe I will break them out this summer!!
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These turned out great! I’m not much of a bold clothing person but you’re rocking these!!
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The yellow is great!! I’d totally pair it with chambray!!
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I love hot pink or red for colour, but those yellow gingers are awesome!
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I just love these jeans. Since your first post about them (Instagram maybe?), I’ve been dreaming of yellow jeans too! And you clearly nailed the back pocket location. Awesome job – they look fabulous!!
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Girl… these yellow jeans are FIRE!!!! I can so see these with a light gray pinstripe button down or the chambray shirt… oh the possibilities!
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Just yesterday I asked myself, “Where’s Mac? Have I unfollowed her?” I am so happy to this post today, and such a cheerful color, too!
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Oh my gosh Mac! I love those pants! And that even “Basics” are so fun when you make them ❤ I am making bold print tees for my basics this week, I tend to wear solid RTW slacks and trousers and save the print love for my Me makes…but I am a spiller, dropper and where did they stain come from kind of girl so bold print tees save me from myself and are an everyday wear basic for me.
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Wow! I love all your makes and reads but this one has to be my fav so far!! I think it’s the bright colors everywhere, those gorgeous sunshine ☀️ yellow Gingers, and the happiness that you exude while wearing them 😁 They look fabulous on you, the fit is perfect and I love the advice on making your bold color your neutral. And to answer a couple of your questions…I love the subtle white top and I like the vertical gingham as well to go with the yellow and soooo many other you made items. I know, that probably didn’t help much but they’re two different looks. BTW-I just purchased a gorgeous woven gingham vertical fabric just like the one in the photo from So Sew English. So there’s a suggestion so you could stick to your RTW Fast. Also, I like the fact that you wrote on styling vs sewing this time. It’s a perfect change with the perfect pant and beautiful background! Great work 👍🏻 Thank you 😊 (Ok..off to IG 💃🏻)
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Omg I need these pants in my life! Of course I’ll now be on the lookout for yellow stretch twill! Thank you for your styling tips! I tend to buy patterned fabric but then only wear solids 😂. I’m trying to work on that!
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I’m so jealous! Yellow is a tricky color for me, but now I may have to make a pair of green jeans. You did an amazing job!
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I ADORE this yellow!!! It’s perfect with your white blouse, but it would be totoally adorable with a denim top or jacket!
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Thank you – I like the idea of the denim!
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Love the yellow jeans!
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Love the jeans! I’ve been gearing up to make a pair of Ginger jeans myself. Maybe one of these days it will actually happen 😉
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Hot pink is my neutral. I have one kiddo with a red neutral and one with an orange.
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I have learned for me that I wear solid basic colors. So I try to make a lot of those, knowing I will pick them first in my closet. I like solid basic colors with texture or design details. So for me I can never have too many plain white shirts.
Jeans are the thing I am thinking I will sew this year. Fingers crossed they turn out as good as yours!
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Love these! I think gingham or stripes would be awesome. And of course the neutral tops, black, navy, white, grey… enjoy those fun pants. I made gingers out of a stretch black bottomweight with bright flowers and love them! 🙂 https://kopykatkidz.wordpress.com/2017/06/16/spring-summer-clothes/
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These are just gorgeous!!
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Your jeans look great! My bright color of choice is red. I’m not sure about solid red jeans, but I have a pair of red shorts and a red denim skirt that I love. I’d like to finish a pair of jeans at some point, but I’m in the midst of a trans-pacific move, and all of my sewing things are packed up :(.
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Ugh – that move sounds inconvenient! 😊 Red sounds lovely – I swear I’m going to sew myself a rainbow of bottoms!
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These are great! After having the Ginger pattern, online class and fabric for over a year, I think I’m finally ready to pull the trigger on making my first pair of jeans. They’re going to be bright white. Does that count as a bright neutral?
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Hahha – absolutely 😋
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The yellow jeans look awesome; I love them! I think they will look great with many colors and patterns of tops! I wouldn’t limit myself to just solids!
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So smart – I will keep playing with them!
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Yellow is not a good color on me but I could definitely wear it as pants! With navy! Gorgeous!
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Yes!!! Definitely any shade of blue would be so flattering!
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I’d love to see a more detailed discussion about your sewing experience with Ginger!
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Awesome! I will work on one – at least I will have one reader! 😂
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Charcoal and red 🙂
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Ooooh – I love anything red! And I don’t have a pair of red pants! They would be so nice for the holidays!
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i LOVE these!!! do you feel the rise on the high-rise gingers is a true high-rise? how does it compare to the lander pants? i’m so wanting to make both, as i have come to accept that i really DO need super high-waisted pants, though i worry about how that aspect of my much-needed fashion choice will pair with my busty, short, NOT long-legged self. hmmm….
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I think the benefit of high waisted pants (slimming on the body) far outweigh the drawbacks for those of us with shorter torsos (I’m in that club)… I think then it really starts to depend on what you pair with it! Try a handmade cropped top! I made one to go with my Landers – I blogged about it on sewalteredstyle.com/blog
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I LOVE your yellow jeans! Yellow pants have been on my list for a while, I’m thinking of maybe using the Lander pant pattern for it. I’d have to say my favorite bold pairing is a bright pink bottom with a black and white striped top. It’s so playful yet looks very intentional and put together.
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I love that! I have a pair of hot pink pants that I like to pair with black and white too! Great minds, my friend!
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Your yellow jeans are just lovely and fit like a glove! I’d probably end up pairing them with grey since that’s my favorite neutral color.
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A gray is so lovely – and it allows the jeans to stand out on their own!
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Ahh, I was so hoping to know where you got this fabric so I could go buy some because I need yellow Gingers in my life! They’re great! The search continues.
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I wish Cali Fabrics still had it in stock! I’ve got to start using my fabric sooner! 😊
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Those jeans are frikken amazing. Yellow is my color forever and ever. My bridesmaids wore them when I got married 9 years ago and I had almost 3000 yellow daffodils. I just made a yellow Kelly anorak. Check it out at cman.sews on Instagram.
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