Alright, let’s talk about this little project I tackled recently. It all started when I was rummaging through some old boxes in the attic. You know how it is, looking for one thing and then you get sidetracked by a wave of nostalgia. Found a bunch of old photos, and in quite a few of them, there I was, rocking denim capris. Seriously, they were everywhere back then!
It got me thinking. I haven’t owned a pair in ages. But with the weather getting a bit warmer, but not quite shorts weather yet, the idea started to brew. Why not? They were practical, comfy as I remembered. So, the hunt began. First, I casually browsed online. Wow. Some of the prices! And the styles… some were just not what I had in mind. Too ripped, too skinny, too… well, too much for me.
Getting Down to Business
Then I remembered this one pair of jeans. Decent quality denim, but I hadn’t worn them in years. The cut was just a bit off for me now, a bit too flared at the bottom, you know? They were just sitting there, taking up space. Aha! Lightbulb moment. I could try to make my own. What did I have to lose, right? Worst case, I’d just be out an old pair of jeans I wasn’t wearing anyway.
So, I pulled them out. Laid them flat on the kitchen table – my makeshift workshop. Grabbed my fabric scissors, the good sharp ones. Then came the measuring part. I didn’t get too scientific about it, to be honest. I sort of held them up against my leg, eyeballed where I wanted them to hit – that classic mid-calf spot. Made a little chalk mark.
- First, I measured one leg and made the cut.
- Then, I used that cut piece as a template for the other leg to make sure they were somewhat even. Mostly even, let’s say.
The initial cut was a bit raw, obviously. Now, some people love that super frayed look. And it’s cool, but I wanted something a tiny bit neater for these. I decided to go for a simple folded hem. So, I folded the raw edge up once, then again, to hide it. Pressed it with the iron to make it stay put. My old sewing machine, bless its heart, is still chugging along. I threaded it up with some sturdy thread – something close to the denim color – and just ran a straight stitch around the hem of each leg. Took my time, didn’t want to make a mess of it.
The Try-On and Styling Thoughts
And then, the moment of truth. I tried them on. Stood in front of the mirror. Turned this way, that way. You know, they actually looked pretty good! The fit was comfortable, not too tight, not too loose. The length felt right. Success, I thought!
Next up was figuring out what to wear with them. This is always the fun part, or sometimes the frustrating part. I pulled out a few tops.
- A loose, flowy blouse? Hmm, not quite right. Made me look a bit shapeless with the capris.
- A basic, well-fitting t-shirt? Yes! Much better. Simple, clean.
- Then shoes. Trainers? A bit too casual for the look I was vaguely aiming for. Sandals? Perfect. Some simple flat ones.
I wore them out the next day, just running errands. Felt totally comfortable. It was nice to have something different to wear that wasn’t full-length jeans or shorts. It’s funny, isn’t it? Sometimes the simplest solutions are right there in your closet, just needing a little tweak.
So, that was my little denim capri revival. Didn’t cost me a penny, just a bit of time and an old pair of jeans. And I’ve got to say, I’m pretty pleased with how they turned out. Might even make another pair if I find some other suitable jeans lurking about. It’s always satisfying to make something yourself, even if it’s just a simple chop and sew job.
