MPB Jeans Sew-Along -- Save the date!

Guys, it's official: the MPB Jeans Sew-Along is scheduled to begin Monday, May 2, 2011.  It's for both men and women and I hope you'll participate.

I know for some of you May seems too far away to even think about, for others too soon, but I'm counting on there being enough Goldilocks for whom this sounds just right.  You?

Part of the challenge for the men is finding an in-print jeans pattern.  My staff informs me that there is one -- yes, one in-print men's jeans pattern, Kwik Sew 3504.   Is this correct?

Kwik Sew 3504 is currently for sale at Fabric.com where, when last I checked, they had 4 in stock.  They've told me they will reorder when they're down to 2, and that it takes 3-4 weeks for them to receive another shipment.

Friends, does that seem like a long time in these days of overnight delivery and online downloads?

The jeans pattern I've used most recently, no longer in print, is Kwik Sew 2123 which, admittedly, has a somewhat Eighties look to it. 



I've also used Simplicity 5048, a vintage pattern from 1972 that includes a Western shirt and vest.  While it does show up often on sites like Etsy, and eBay, I don't think it's practical for a group sew-along to use a 40-year-old pattern.  It's also not multi-sized, nor does it include back pockets.



Believe me that the difference between a Seventies jeans pattern, an Eighties jeans pattern, and a 2011 jeans pattern is so slight, and the adjustments needed so minor, that I'm tempted to just say go out and get whatever jeans pattern you can find.

If you want to, you can pick up Kwik Sew 3504 from Fabric.com now.  That might force them to re-stock before May.  If you can find it elsewhere, that's fine too.

As for the ladies, as usual you have many more pattern options.  I'd love to know what your favorite jeans pattern is and what makes it so special to you.  I've heard good things about Canadian pattern company Jalie.  Ever made their jeans?

I know a few of us have experience drafting our own jeans.  For men, who generally have fewer curves below the waist, this is not particularly difficult, though it helps to have a commercial pattern on hand just for comparison. 

If you have any questions or comments about the Sew-Along, please ask.  We'll do it the same way as the Men's Shirt Sew-Along, with a separate Flickr group for posting and group discussion.

I'm also excited to announce that I have a piece up about sewing menswear on the BurdaStyle site, so if you'd like to take a look and/or leave a comment, that would be great.

Also, if you haven't thrown your hat in for the groovy vintage Seventies pattern I'm giving away, you still have till midnight tonight.

I'll be talking more about the Jeans Sew-Along in the weeks ahead, naturally.  I'm excited!

Any mens and/or womens jeans pattern recommendations out there? 

Have a great day, everybody!

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