“That’s the real trouble with the world. Too many people grow up.” – Walt Disney
Every year on November 18, the world of Disney celebrates the birthday of Mickey Mouse with parties, special episodes of Mickey’s Clubhouse, and many other ways that are befitting such a celebrity. I am Mickey’s birthday buddy. Ever since I was a small girl, my mother would make a big deal about the fact that I share the same birthday with Mickey Mouse! It has resulted in an adult obsession with all things Mickey.
It’s been said that there is a “hidden Mickey” in every Disney movie. I haven’t found all of them, but I did notice one in Frozen–when Anna visits Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, there is a little Mickey on the shelf with the merchandise. If you have some time, here is a fun reference from Disney showing some of the hidden Mickeys in their films:
Spot the Hidden Mickeys in Disney Films
Since my first pair of jeans was going to be a “happy birthday to me,” I decided it might be fun to add in my own references to my birthday buddy. In this post, I have included a free PDF for my pocket topstitching design.
Pattern
My goal is to have a tried and true pattern for blue jeans that fit perfectly. After reading many reviews, I chose the Ginger Jeans pattern from Closet Case for my first endeavor into making my own blue jeans. Since I am a short person, I prefer a skinny jean silhouette. The Ginger pattern has two views—a high rise with skinny legs and a lower rise with stovepipe legs. Since I am not a fan of “muffin top” and usually do not tuck shirts in, I chose the high-waisted view.
The pattern has clear directions, and there is a sew-along available that I did refer to a few times. There are modifications available for mid-rise and flared versions.
Fabric Choice
I chose nice hefty denim that I found at the American Sewing Expo. Denim comes in many weights. If you want classic blue jeans, 10-12 oz. will give you the heft you need. Also, the denim I chose was 2% Lycra, which is probably about the minimum of stretch you would want to use with this pattern.
Here are some similar fabrics:
Construction
The thing about making jeans is to focus on the task at hand, because it can be daunting to think about the entire construction. Going purposefully at a slower pace helps as well. The fly front seems difficult, but if you follow their directions, you will be done before you know it. Once you get past the fly, the rest is just pant construction.
If I were smart, I would have made a muslin of this pattern, but I am impatient. Once I had the front and back constructed, I basted the leg and side seams to check the fit. I ended up taking quite a bit out at the back for my sway back. Otherwise, the fit was true to size.
It is worthy to note that if you do a sway back adjustment, you also need to do that same adjustment to the curve of the waistband in the center back. I ended up not remembering to do that, and had to re-do my waistband.
I used a double needle with 6mm spacing for the topstitching, which worked well. It is very helpful to use two sewing machines for this project—one threaded with sewing thread, and the other with topstitching thread.
I spent about two evenings getting to the point where I was ready to do the waistband. Then, a spill down the stairs left me with a torn quadriceps tendon. It was two weeks before I could even get upstairs to my sewing room. Finishing the waistband and belt loops took me another two evenings, but normally wouldn’t. I needed my husband’s assistance to try them on each time, and hobbling around the sewing room in a leg brace has slowed me down considerably. My photos include my leg brace, so please note that is not poor-fitting bunched fabric on my leg (LOL), it’s a brace.
Finishing Touches
I remember reading somewhere that when you line jeans pockets, you should just pick something you love because no one else will see it—hence, my “hidden Mickey” in my project. The mouse ears-shaped topstitching on the pockets is not so hidden. I designed them in Photoshop and sized them after measuring the pocket pattern piece. I printed the file, traced it onto Stitch ‘n Tear, then pinned it in place over the pocket piece. Note – because of the curve of the design, it is better to use a single needle for this rather than the double needle.
You can download the free PDF pocket design below. Since my blog is new, if you would share it with a friend, I would be very thankful.
Final Thoughts
“I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity – all I hope for in my clothes.” -Yves Saint Laurent
For me, wearing jeans gives the same feeling as coming home, curling up on the couch with a good book, a good cup of coffee, a Buckeyes football win on a crisp Autumn Saturday… you get the idea. Jeans are not just garments. They have become a part of our culture. No matter that they are blue, in most cases they are can be treated like a neutral among your wardrobe pieces. They can be dressed up or dressed down. When they fit just right, even better—and when they feature my favorite birthday buddy…
If you’ve got ears, say CHEERS!
