Thursday, September 24, 2015

The Denim Shorts That Took Over My Life


     Hello Readers. Today's project wasn't even going to be a project. I just wanted to cut off some jeans and wear them as shorts. No big deal. That should take about 90 seconds. It should have taken 90 seconds but it took longer than I ever expected. It started with these high waist Levi's jeans. I thought they would make great shorts. The waist is high enough to keep the muffin top in hiding. That's always a good thing, right?


I started by spreading them out on the floor and K.C. the Wonder Dog decided they were a great place to nap. I moved him and cut off the legs. I didn't want "Hollywood style" short shorts. I wanted "43 year old mom" shorts. I wanted "match every shirt I own because they are jeans" shorts.


I tried them on and this happened. It looked like I gained about 20 lbs in the backside and hips. These were so bad looking. I hated them. They were very thick sturdy denim. You can't sew through that. Can you? What about the rivets on the  front pockets?


I was going to get rid of them. I thought it was hopeless. I got some motivation and decided to experiment. I had nothing to lose. I sewed down each side, starting just below the waistband. You can see I went right between the two metal rivets on this side. Would this even hold together?


It did! They fit well now and I feel like I conquered a mighty foe. And I learned something new. It took about a week of trying, giving up, and trying again. Thanks for reading, now go make something fabulous for yourself.


*** BONUS TRACK ***
That black leather belt has been a favorite of mine for a while. It is plain and the buckle is flat. It holds in the jelly-roll without sticking out against my shirt.


Hold on to your hats! It's isn't leather. I have been lied to! It is vinyl with a leather layer inside and that leather layer is coming loose. (Say that 5 times fast.) Can I fix it?


Can you hot glue leather? Will it hold for long with the vinyl? Well, so far it is doing great, The hot glue holds and didn't make the belt stiff or uncomfortable. It is still nice and flexible.

2 comments:

jenny_o said...

My cats always want to lie down on my projects. I am sorry to say it has made me think twice about doing any sewing. They are so persistent! I will have to be more persistent than they are, I guess.

Love pants or shorts that go with anything. These look great. You have a winner.

I Can Work With That said...

ha ha All pets are the same, I guess.