Working the Jeans: The History

The History of Jeans ....

Denim and jeans - where do the names come from?

The word jeans comes from a kind of material that was made in Europe. The material, called jean, was named after sailors from Genoa in Italy, because they wore clothes made from it. The word 'denim' probably came from the name of a French material, serge de Nimes: serge (a kind of material) from Nimes (a town in France).
At first, jean cloth was made from a mixture of things. However, in the eighteenth century as trade, slave labour, and cotton plantations increased, jean cloth was made completely from cotton. Workers wore it because the material was very strong and it did not wear out easily. It was usually dyed with indigo, a dye taken from plants in the Americas and India, which made jean cloth a dark blue color.

 Click the link read: http://www.denimblog.com/2010/02/the-history-of-the-wonderful-fabric-denim/

Deconstructed denim

• Denim twill is made with two yarns - one dyed indigo, the other undyed. Indigo yarn is most visible on the outside, undyed yarn on the inside
• Rivets reinforce the stitching
• Jeans are made from dark "raw" denim, but most are washed or treated before sale
• Over time, indigo dye rubs off

 More reading: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17101768  

The world's oldest surviving pair of jeans dates from around 1879

 More reading: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17101768  

Working the Jeans: Jeans Lingo 

WHAT IT SAYS: Low-rise
WHAT IT MEANS: The rise is the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. Low-rise styles come up only to about 3 inches below your belly button.
WHAT IT MEANS: The rise is the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. Low-rise styles come up only to about 3 inches below your belly button 

WHAT IT SAYS: Boot-cut
WHAT IT MEANS: These jeans are designed to fit over a pair of boots. They’re straight through the leg, with just a bit of flare at the bottom.
WHAT IT MEANS: These jeans are designed to fit over a pair of boots. They’re straight through the leg, with just a bit of flare at the bottom. 

WHAT IT SAYS: Flare
WHAT IT MEANS: Narrower in the knee than a boot-cut design, flares are also slightly wider at the bottom, for a more exaggerated shape.
WHAT IT MEANS: Narrower in the knee than a boot-cut design, flares are also slightly wider at the bottom, for a more exaggerated shape. 

WHAT IT SAYS: Skinny
WHAT IT MEANS: This trendy style is fitted in the leg all the way to the ankle. The fabric usually has quite a bit of stretch and needs to be washed more often to retain the shape.
WHAT IT MEANS: This trendy style is fitted in the leg all the way to the ankle. The fabric usually has quite a bit of stretch and needs to be washed more often to retain the shape. 

WHAT IT SAYS: Wash
WHAT IT MEANS: This term refers to the process of coloring the denim. Washes can be dark, medium or light. More stylized washes, such as “destroyed” denim, are also popular.
WHAT IT MEANS: This term refers to the process of coloring the denim. Washes can be dark, medium or light. More stylized washes, such as “destroyed” denim, are also popular.  

 http://www.allyou.com/style-for-less/fashion/choose-flattering-jeans

keep checking out my blog, I will be posting some more exciting things    

Next Post: Working the Jeans : The Fit

DIY: Dress To Skirt

Welcome to my DIY post I often do a lot of DTY project as a relaxation from my busy day of designing. i decided to document some of the things I make and share with you.

 ( Sorry about the Picture Quality)

Project 1: Dress To pencil Skirt

 I had a lovely printed Stretch dress that was short and sexy. that I was not wearing so I decided to cut it and make a pencil skirt with it instead. it came out awesome.

What u will need:

• Stretch Dress (short)
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Chalk for marking

• Tape line( I didn`t need it)
• Elastic for the waist

Step 1-

Place your dress flat on the table

 Step 2- fold dress in half

 Step 3- place your ruler from under the arm to the back, mark with the chalk

 Step 4-  cut on chalk line

 Step 5- sew on the elastic on what will  now be the waist of the skirt.

 

Wear it well.

• Thanks  you and enjoy

Fake it to Flatter it: Tip # 2

Hello once again, I do hope my blog is helping in some way.  Staying in line with the body shape, in this post, "Fake it and Flatter it: Tip #2" I will be giving you some tips and tricks you can use to fool the eyes into seeing you as perfectly shaped when you are wearing pants. 

Tip #2 

 Wearing pants that flatter your body shape.

There are many styles of pants on the market, but, did you know? there are pants which can make you look taller, acts like tummy trimmers and create the illusion of slimmer thighs, well there are, and many brand designer has done lots of research for the every day women (the none model) when it comes to getting us to look great in there clothes.

 Here are some tips I found on pants, on http://www.allyou.com/style-for-less/fashion/choose-flattering-jeans Tips that will allow you to fake it to flatter it. 

Best Leg Lengthener 

The front seam that extends from waist to ankle on this skinny pair helps create a long, slim line that adds inches to short gams. Petite Scuba Lean Trousers, Loft.com.

Photo Credit: Sergio Kurhajec/Woman's Day

Best Dressy

Slightly shiny fabric and a straight fit make for timeless after-dark elegance. MNG by Mango Pant, JCPenney.com.

Photo Credit: Sergio Kurhajec/Woman's Day

Best Tummy Trimmer

Talk about black magic. Slip into these slacks and the ultrawide (and slightly stretchy) waistband makes tummy pudge— poof! —disappear. Apt. 9 Maxwell Straight-Leg Pants, Kohls.com.

Photo Credit: Sergio Kurhajec/Woman's Day

Best Thigh Slimmer

A slight flare at the hem visually balances ample thighs, and the flat front keeps the hip area smooth and streamlined. Essential Wide-Leg Trousers, OldNavy.com.

Photo Credit: Sergio Kurhajec/Woman's Day

These pants tips worked well for me. Looking  pants that fit is never pleasant for me, so as a seamstress, I make my own. I have thick thighs and a little tummy, so I found my self designing around two of the styles, the Thigh Slimmer- which is straight on the legs, but not baggy to add bulk and the Tummy Trimmer- by eliminating the front darts on pant I was able to get an awesome fit which takes off a little of my tummy, awesome!! 
These tips will in some way have you shopping different for your pants.  

Pants to Suit Your Body Shape

Shopping for pants can be a daunting task for many of us. Especially when the market is flooded with pants that are in fashion and you would like to be a part of that trendy look. When we do get one that fits and flatter our unique body shape, our confidence level is boosted and we feel emotionally satisfied. The hurdle of knowing your body shape is one less issue to worry about. According to http://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/style/tips-advice/guide-to-finding-pants-that-fit.htm click on link to read more..

There are a couple of factors that go into finding the right pants for your body shape. The cut of the leg has a huge influence on the final outcome, and so does rise, which is the measurement between the crotch and the top of the waistband. The combination of these two things can make or break your ensemble because what flatters one body style may look all wrong on another. And then, of course, there's a matter of finding the right size -- one that doesn't gap in the waist or fit too snugly in the hips.
The problem lies in the fact that sizes often vary among different brands. So while you may be a comfortable size 10 in one label, a size 12 may strain at the thighs in another. The lesson we can learn from this? Try not to get obsessed with the number in the waistband. The goal is to find a pair of pants that fit well -- and that's what will make you feel the best.

 


http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2011/07/the-best-jeans-for-your-shape/1

http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/1012255/how-to-dress-a-pear-shaped-body 

http://www.gorgeautiful.com/how-to-wear-flare-pants-best-for-your-body-type//


When choosing pants ensure you get the fit and comfort you are looking for. Choosing trendy over comfort and fit not always flattering for all body types. Your mirror is your best friend use it.

We will be working those Jeans next ladies.