Sunday, November 22, 2015

Birkin Flares from Baste + Gather!

I haven't had a great jeans pattern since I made my Jalie jeans over 6 years ago.  I've been on the skinny jeans bandwagon for a few years and those fit fine right out of the store.  So there was no need to sew my on.  Now, it seems that flared jeans (not bootcut, because they are TOTALLY different) have resurged.  Lauren of Baste + Gather has created an awesome flared jeans pattern -- Birkin Flares.  And I was given the opportunity to test out her brand new pattern.
I've never been a pattern tester before.  And I probably would never, ever volunteer to be one unless it was something that I felt I would absolutely love and I trusted the drafting abilities of the designer.  I'm a very low maintenance seamstress.  And I don't want to have to sew anything that will require a lot of muslin sewing and fit issues to work out.  So it's obvious where I stand on these.
Lauren created this pattern based on the Madewell Flea Market Flares drafting and sizing.  So, instead of making a muslin, I made life a lot easier on myself and just ran by the Madewell store and tried on a pair.
The Birkin Flares' sizing is pretty dead on.  I tried on the RTW size 31 and that's the size I cut in this pattern.
The Birkin Flares are drafted with a generous inseam of 34".  But since I would only wear flared jeans with heels, I added 3" to the length of the pattern.  
I love that they are high waist.  You can get a nice fitted jean with no muffin top and no butt crack!  There was a slight bit of gaping at the center back waist.  Nothing my belt couldn't work out.  But Lauren is working that out before the final draft.
My hardware:
My pocket fabric is broadcloth from my stash.  And I used French seams.  I sewed these using a Schmetz size 16 topstitching needle.
I love this pattern.  And I plan to make a pair in stretch cord with Lauren's revisions!

47 comments:

  1. I love me along flare jean and these a fabulous Darling!

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    1. I love a flare too! Thanks Michelle!

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  2. It will be a long time before I stop wearing skinny jeans but you are rockin' these jeans. Beautiful job. Impeccable workmanship as always. And I love how you have styled the whole ensemble. You look gorgeous (as usual)!!

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    1. My skinnies are going anywhere. I have to tuck those into boots! Thanks Tomasa!

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  3. I love them! I saved my high waist Seven flares from 10 years ago, but I would love to try this pattern. Glad flares are another fun sewing option!

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    1. I can't wait until she's finished with her final draft. I'm know they will be so much better! Thanks Justine!

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  4. So gorgeous! The fit's wonderful and I love how they can be dressed up or down! :) Lisa

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    1. I think they look pretty good considering this pattern is in the testing stage! Thanks Lisa!

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  5. They look great! I'll be waiting anxiously for this pattern to come out!

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    1. I am too! It'll be great! Thanks Twigletqueen!

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  6. stretch cord... you just blew my mind.

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  7. "SEW BEAUTIFUL" as usual, ERICA! You inspire me!

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  8. Those look great and that style is very flattering for a lot of people.

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  9. Fab as usual Erica!

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  10. What a great fit on you

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  11. These are great! Perfect fit and the top stiching is impeccable :)

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  12. these look great on you! you did a great job on the stitching!

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  13. You are rocking that ensemble. Great fit on those jeans.

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  14. Love it, and love the way you styled it! So chic!!!

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  15. Look great - I want that pattern!!
    Marciae

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  16. Great looking jeans!

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  17. They look terrific on you, Erica. I've never even heard of Madewell Flea Market Flares, so I would have to make a muslin, but that's okay. :) Thanks so much for sharing all the fabric and hardware details.

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    1. Thanks Pamela! I can't wait until the denim is good and broken in!

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  18. that topstitching is amazing! what kind of thread and needle did you use?

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    1. They're both mentioned and the thread is even linked. Thanks!

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  19. Beautiful, fit.
    I am too short for flare jeans
    they look great on you

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    1. Well that's why you sew! You can easily adjust the leg proportion to fit your height! Thanks Geannene!

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  20. Ok, I'm definitely going to make jeans! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  21. Ok, I'm definitely going to make jeans! Thanks for the inspiration!

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