Chalk + Notch Isle Jeans
When I tell you I’ve been waiting for this pattern release for ages, it’s a slight exaggeration, sure. (Testing started in October last year.) But when I tell you that they will become your favorite jeans, it’s just fact.
Well, that is if you like high rise jeans. Because the Isle Jeans are truly a HIGH RISE fit. Much more so than any other jeans I’ve made that are marketed as such. (I’m looking at you, Ginger.)
My first pair are the flared silhouette using Cone Mills denim, made during the second phase of testing. (Chalk + Notch plans multiple phases of testing as part of their regular process of pattern perfection.)
This pair started as a size 8 (for body measurements 29” waist, 39/40” hips), with the waist graded to 6, then were cut down to a straight 6 after fitting.
Isle achieves her waist-shaping via darts; two in the front and four in the back. And there isn’t a classic waistband, but rather a facing. This changes the fly insertion and waist construction up quite a bit (but it’s fun to go on sewing adventures, eh?!).
Pardon the dog hair. My new phone’s camera has a macro mode.
I love the extra concealed button inside the waist. It takes a bit of strain off the main button.
These jeans are drafted for a height of 5’7”. I'm 5’5”, and I'm not particularly leggy. As such, I removed an inch of length both above and below the knee and still found I had enough length for a generous hem allowance.
I loved the first pair so much, I made another pair right way. This pair in made from a remanent of some rather stretchy chunky corduroy (initial project shared here), using the wide leg view with a cropped length.
Given the corduroy’s generous stretch (20-25%), I chose one size smaller (size 4).
I also made a third pair before release! (I told you I’ve waited AGES for this release.)
But I don't have modeled shots of this light-wash flared pair just yet. I’ve been wearing them frequently so I guess my excuse is that they are often in the laundry.
I added images of this flared pair after the initial publishing of this post. I’m sharing a few quick shots that the rain permitted.
Edited to add- This light wash denim is also sewn using a straight size 4. The denim has much less stretch than the corduroy (10% vs 25%) so they appear more fitted.
When I said Isle has a HIGH rise, this is what I mean! Compare an old pair of high rise Gingers (black, faded pair on top) to Isle. Lovely, right!?
You can check out the Isle Jeans on more bodies and in different fabrics here.
It’s always a pleasure testing for Gabriela and her team at Chalk + Notch. Their attention to detail is top-notch! (pun intended-ish) Congratulations, friends!
I received a final copy of the Isle Jeans PDF as well as my choice of another C+N pattern (as did all testers; I choose Max) for my participation in testing. My opinions about the pattern, the testing process, and associated images are shared freely and without obligation.
