Tape, Tape, Tape

Years ago, when the ASG Conference was held in Dallas, I was able to attend.  One of the classes I took was "Rip It Off with Tape" presented by Jean Haas.  Her method used masking tape to copy a garment without taking the garment apart.  It was a fun class, and I have used this method a few times since I took her class.

I purchased a pair of Lee brand pull on stretch jeans during my Christmas shopping.  (It's true, I have become my Mother - preferring elastic waistbands now so I can breathe and be comfortable.).  The only real alteration needed for me was to cut 2 - 2.5" from the length.  Easy enough.

BUT...........I also sew for my Sister.  She is shorter than me and bit bit rounder at the tummy area.  Over the last few years, she has lost weight and now is closer in size to me.  So, I thought, these jeans might work for her too.  I had her try them on and with a bit of increase in the tummy area, I think these will produce a well fitting pair of jeans for her.  The jeans she is now wearing are really too large, but she hates to shop for jeans and when she gets a pair comfy in the waist/tummy areas, they swallow her in the legs and under the tush.

I first thought about using Kenneth King's method used in his Craftsy Jean-ius class (which I do recommend).  Then, I deciding taping would be faster and would work just as well.

Relying on my memory of the class, Jean had us use narrow masking tape to "outline" the pattern piece, butting the tape edge to the seamline.  I happen to have blue painter's tape in the narrower width.  I had a bit of the wider tape she recommended for "filling" in the larger areas, but had to buy more on my next trip to the store.

Then, carefully pull the tape "pattern" from the jean leg (this is showing the back leg) and place it on tracing/pattern paper.  I use the pattern ease I get at J's with a coupon.  I usually buy it a bolt at a time if they have a full bolt.  I need to watch for another bolt as I'm getting low now.

Trace around the pattern and add seam allowances.  Sorry that the lines on the pattern aren't showing well.  While tracing the pattern, I added the amounts at seamline from hip to waist to accommodate my sister's measurements.

What the taped "pattern" looked like before placing on pattern paper.

What it looked like before pulling from the jean.

Do this same procedure for each pattern piece needed (in this case the front leg, back yoke and front/back waistbands).

I had some stretch denim in the stash that had been through the washer/dryer 3 or 4 times and was ready for cutting.  Due to fabric limitations I had to cut each piece separately (very carefully) to get the jeans out of this piece of fabric, but I managed.

They are ready for sewing..............maybe a start later today.