Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Dustbowl Jeans - HSF #5 (Peasants and Pioneers)

Last week I finished my entry for the Historical Sew Fortnightly #5 - I'm falling further and further behind! Whoops. I'm taking off for the next couple challenges, maybe I'll catch up then. Or not. ;) Either way, I'm still glad to be part of this group because it's helping me focus on certain projects that have been in the works for way too long!

This entry is inspired by the 1930's Dust Bowl, which seemed to be a popular theme for this task. I've been wanting some vintage-y jeans for a long time and did the pattern work for these last summer, and I plan on living in them until they're in tatters (which will make them even more "authentic" ;). For this outfit,  I paired them with a feedstack print top for a good 30's look.


The Challenge: #5 Peasants and Pioneers - As wonderful as making pretty, pretty princess dresses is, the vast majority of people have always been poor commoners, whether they were peasants working the land, servants in big houses, or (later), pioneers carving their own space in new lands. This fortnight let’s make something that celebrates the common man.

Fabric: Lightweight Denim

Pattern: Wearing History's Smooth Sailing Trousers - modified to be flat-front, and added patch pockets front and back

Year: mid-1930's

Notions: Thread (blue and contrast yellow), metal zipper

How Historically Accurate is it: More "inspired" than accurate - a few women wore trousers in the 30's, but jeans like this were really still menswear. The fit is altered to have a higher crotch (not period correct, but much better for movement.) And I used a metal zip instead of my standard invisible, but a button placket would be even better.

Hours to Complete: Maybe 3 for patterning, 10 for sewing & fitting, and 4 for redoing the back pockets several times. So at least 17, and that's a conservative estimate.

First Worn: Dancing at Atomic Ballroom last Friday

Total Cost: ~$20 for fabric, $5 for thread and zipper

7 comments:

  1. I love the idea of using that pattern to make jeans! I like the fit of the pattern but now that we're dancing at Glen Echo/Jam Cellar I'm realizing it's a bit more casual of a scene here than I'm used to and it made up with suiting doesn't really fit. This is a great alternative!

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  2. Those are fantastic! Great job!

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  3. totally in love with this whole outfit!! Just two days ago, I was thinking "I need to sew or buy some vintage jeans" That blouse print is to die for as well! Well done!!

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  4. Those look great, Beth!!! Your blouse is AMAZING~

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  5. Incredible, Beth! They look fantastic! I love the modifications you made to the pattern. So perfect with that blouse, too!

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  6. These are so, so marvelous (and look delightfully comfortable)! Wonderful choice of blouse to debut them with here, too.

    ♥ Jessica

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  7. yay for the outfit and yay for dancing in slacks! :)

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