It was time to turn a pair of hand-me-down straight-legged jeans into flares, and get rid of the bulky pockets at the back which made it look like I was growing two carbuncles on my backside.
I started with this tutorial and changed bits of it as I went along.
The inserts were cut from an old pair of jeans that had seen better days in certain areas, and were obviously never going to get mended while in my possession.
I zigzagged the inside seams because that wasn’t in the tutorial, and I also topstitched after ironing flat. Then I added a few random stitches in perle embroidery cotton. Different on each side. Because why not? I suppose I should have machined-stitched the hem in a light colour to match the original hem, but I was getting close to the end of the project and needed to finish it before running out of steam.
The horrible back pockets got ripped off and replaced with new ones from a pile of denim samples someone once gave me. I’ve been hoarding those samples for far too long and it’s time to use them up. I see now that I didn’t align the pockets when sewing – but finished is finished and it’s good enough for me.
I enjoyed doing this when I finally got around to it, especially when it came to putting a big tick next to “flare jeans” on the to-do list.
It’s only Kate’s ScrapHappy initiative that inspires me to write a blog post these days; I’m hoping to get some more creative energy flowing again soon. In the meantime, here’s a list of crafty people who also participate in ScrapHappy once a month:
Kate, Gun, Eva, Sue,Lynda,
Birthe,Turid,Susan,Cathy, Tracy,
Jill, Jan, Moira,Sandra, Chris, Alys,
Claire, Jean, Jon, Dawn, Jule, Gwen,
Sunny,Kjerstin, Sue L, Vera,
Nanette, Ann, Dawn 2, Carol,
Preeti, Debbierose, Nóilin and Viv
Nice piece of work 
Stunningly well done, Jill. As always you are a creative super star.
Nah, just followed the instructions! (I’m the same with recipes….)
Brave of you to tackle denim. I always find it had on the sewing machine, or do you have a super duper one since you do that sort of thing. Still they look very good on you and I can see what you meant about those pockets with their chunky zips.
Those zips definitely had to go! I do have an industrial machine but I actually used the domestic one for these, worked just fine. If you’re going to work with denim or similar, maybe just change the needle first.
A lovely make – over
and not too painful, either. I have my eye on another pair of jeans, these ones bought at a thrift shop and they really don’t suit me as they are. Watch this space…
Gorgeous salvage, and may I say how super-slinky you’re looking these days? I especially like the red stitching. I used to add flares to straight jeans in exactly the same way back in the 1970s, and clearly, the process still works perfectly. Completely agree about those dreadful pockets, too, but I’m wondering if you found an alternative use for them?
I’ve always preferred flares. Don’t know why I didn’t try this before. Next pair of jeans is already unpicked down the sides and will have more patchwork-y inserts.
Those crappy pockets are haunting me. I want to chuck them in the bin but the ScrapHappy part of my brain is telling me to find a use for them. They’ll probably end up on a patchwork bag.
PS. Thanks for the compliment but, at nearly 61, I should be exercising regularly as well – I’m ashamed of myself for avoiding it for so long. I keep telling myself that the lease I can do is stretch to 15 minutes of pilates a day (pun unintended).
I’ve heard that a bit of brisk walking and plenty of weight training is the best thing after the age of 50. I get the walking done with Mouse, and am horrible at doing any weight training, so I hear you!
Brisk walking? No thank you very much! I’ll drag out the yoga mat instead and throw myself around on the floor for a bit
I love what you did with these jeans! You have been an inspiration and I’m eventually going to try and change just some shirt pockets. So many of my pants have tiny pockets that won’t hold my phone and I’ve been afraid to try a remake. The scrap happy group is good for giving inspiration to each other. It’s what I love about blogging. So much creativity on those jeans.
Thanks Marlene :)
Tiny pockets are just stupid. Give it a go, you’ll probably be delighted with the result. I tell myself that, if I stuff something up, no-one will know but me! Plus it will still do for gardening or just general slouching around…
Those pocket look like they’d be great as inside pockets within a handbag. I’m so impressed with this. I love the embroidery being different, to give a subtle emphasis
And now I have a pair of jeans that I actually like!
they are brilliant. It’s just as well we don’t live close to each other, coz I’d be constantly asking you to adjust my stuff!
Ha ha ha!!! I take my own clothes to a fabulous alteration lady in Salt River (eg. replacing broken zips, reducing in size, etc, because life is too short…) but I’d be more than happy to flare up your jeans for you, if that’s what you wanted :)
Great project! I wouldn’t have noticed the pocket alignment if you hadn’t mentioned it, so how bad can it be?
Yes, nothing wrong with a bit of imperfection, and I don’t think anyone’s going to be staring too hard at my bum anyway!
Like the embroidery – Japanese style. Well done
Didn’t hold my interest for as long as it should have, though!!!
Loving the jeans transformation and reliving my youth with the flares. I do however have two tone flower pot envy!
hahaha! That is a particularly old pot and I think there’s a crack or two in it somewhere…
yes, those pockets had to go. I would save the zippers, they are difficult to find in short lengths and the lower half of the pockets can be used, add a couple inches to the top if you want them deeper. The flare inserts look great with the extra stitching.
Thanks for the zip tip :)
Stitching like that is often the best therapy for me – no pattern to follow, doesn’t matter what the back looks like, brain can just switch off, etc.
Good save on those jeans – at least you can sit down unlumpily! I am also feeling dull…Thank goodness for “homework” from Kate and Gun!
Funny how that works, isn’t it? I have been making a few other things (mainly because I have to) but the usual pleasure and enthusiasm seem to be taking a holiday without me.
Looking great!!
Thanks :)
Everyone has said … I agree with all.
Maybe the torn off zippered pockets become coin purses with some added beads…
Now THAT’S a good idea!!! :)