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Nov 3, 2015

Revisiting Metallics: Silver Denim Jeans!



So I was thinking...

If I'm going to wear a coat made out of this neoprene (which, btw, smells a little like Goodyear tires):



Over a sweater most likely made of this novelty wool knit blend:



Why not complete the ensemble with jeans made out of this?



I found this metallic silver cotton denim (Ralph Lauren, go figure) last week while fabric shopping.  It was a bolt end so I got a bit more for my money.  I think they'll make amazing jeans.  If not now, when?

Maison Margiela makes a pair (pictured up top and below) that sell for more than $400; mine wouldn't cost a tenth of that, so the investment is low.  At this time of year, with the holidays just ahead, couldn't we all use a pair of party pants?  I know I could.



My denim is lightweight and has some lycra in it, but I can live with a bit of stretch; I mean, I'll have to.  I did some stitch tests with my Grasshopper and there were no unpleasant surprises.  I happened to have off-white thread in the machine and it doesn't look bad.  I was thinking of using gray thread, though I guess I could find something metallic too.



In researching today's post, I realized I'd covered the topic of metallic men's garments a few years ago.  People were surprisingly open to the idea, though I ended up not purchasing the metallic fabric I was considering at the time.  Now I already have my silver denim and am ready to get started!



In other fabric news, MPB reader Michael C. has gifted me some lovely shirting.  Thank you, Michael!

I love this classic black and white print -- very elegant.



And this black/gray graffiti print is great fun.



My Michael and I are going to have to fight over this double-faced cotton gauze (below): plaid on one side, gingham on the other.  Isn't it lovely?  I say, let the summer sewing begin!  OK, maybe not till, say, March.



And that's it!

Evidently this month is going to be about sewing garments that are a little off the wall.  Fortunately, there's nothing I enjoy more than a challenge.

Would you wear metallic silver jeans?

Have a great day, everybody!

43 comments:

  1. FrankONovember 3, 2015 at 7:19 PM

    oh wow how i LOVE those silver pants! i can't wait to see what you create with that fabric...

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  2. TestosteroneNovember 3, 2015 at 7:57 PM

    The pants I LUV! You'll rock silver jeans all over NYC, and likely get featured in a Bill Cunningham piece (mark my words!!).

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  3. MouseNovember 3, 2015 at 8:12 PM

    You and Michael C. find the most interesting fabrics. Very nice of him indeed.

    Your prospective party pants have made the interesting factor in the current outfit increase exponentially. Godspeed!

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  4. K.LineNovember 3, 2015 at 8:40 PM

    I might wear metallic denim. I'm pretty sure it's going to look fantastic on you - but I'm reserving judgement about pairing it with the neoprene and novelty knit.

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  5. AnonymousNovember 3, 2015 at 8:57 PM

    I have that exact double cotton gauze....it is verging on being "too special to use" so I HAVE to find the right pattern for it soon. Maybe what you choose will inspire....

    Ceci

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  6. LindsayNovember 3, 2015 at 9:11 PM

    I always regret donating my silver pleather pants from high school! What was I thinking! :) Have fun with your party pants, I know I always did!

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  7. MuscatoNovember 3, 2015 at 9:24 PM

    That is going to be one hell of an outfit. I'm deeply envious.

    Having lost a lot of weight, I'm looking around for interesting trousers, and it's amazing to me how little I'm finding. I'd like to find something flattering to go with the bright shirts I'm buying for things like going out to dinner, but aside from black jeans, there doesn't seem to be much. I'm not quite sure I'm ready to go silver, but I wouldn't mind something with a little flair...

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  8. craftspacecontinuumNovember 3, 2015 at 10:34 PM

    All these fabrics are going to make a mix and match party season festive. This is way better than t.v. I'd wear silver pants. Especially under a strobe light : ). Now you got me wanting to go look for some.

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  9. DeniseNovember 3, 2015 at 11:38 PM

    I'm sorely tempted to use some red micro-suede I have laying around as a pair of jeans... Maybe I'll see your silver ones and say what the heck :)

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  10. BrendaNovember 3, 2015 at 11:39 PM

    In the photos, it looks like the denim goes well with the black and white print. I am really looking to seeing the jeans!

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    Replies
    1. Dre in PANovember 4, 2015 at 11:06 AM

      My thought too.
      I would like to see a sample of the denim stitched with black thread.

      Delete
  11. books793November 3, 2015 at 11:40 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  12. AnonymousNovember 4, 2015 at 2:39 AM

    I hope there is an event somewhere, so you can ARRIVE in this outfit. Bystanders eyes will POP, even without any fringe on top.

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  13. BaMaNovember 4, 2015 at 2:49 AM

    Considering your new outfit of neoprene, metallic denim, and 3-D wool print, Michael should have the plaid/gingham. The fabric would look very nice on him. :)

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  14. AnonymousNovember 4, 2015 at 5:33 AM

    Ooooh you MUST wear them on new year's eve.

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  15. MainelydadNovember 4, 2015 at 6:52 AM

    This project is just getting better all the time! I've seen those double woven cottons several places and I'm always attracted to them. I just can't figure out how to use them in a way that would really show off the special nature of the cloth. You'll be my guide!

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  16. marcy harriell | oonaballoonaNovember 4, 2015 at 8:25 AM

    i'm going to shout now.

    I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS ENSEMBLE!

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  17. Gene BlackNovember 4, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    I would wear the silver jeans for special events. They are a bit fashion forward for daily wear in Alabama.

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  18. AnonymousNovember 4, 2015 at 8:46 AM

    I have made a shirt and a jacket from those metallic shiny fabrics and have one do-it-or-die suggestion: PRESS CLOTH! That stuff melts right off on the iron.

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  19. Amanda L. WoadeNovember 4, 2015 at 8:59 AM

    I am so excited to see this whole outfit - it should be fabulous!

    My only suggestion is staying away from metallic thread - I just don't ever feel like it's strong, and tends to break on me (though I'm probably using the wrong thread tension). I think it looks perfectly fine with a regular thread, maybe just metallic thread for any crazy topstitching?

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousNovember 4, 2015 at 9:53 AM

      I agree - metallic thread is tricky - you HAVE to use metallic needles and loosen the tension or it will just shred. I know many people who just can't get their machine to use it (usually Berninas) no matter what. Seams, no. But maybe some top stitching.

      Can't wait to see how those jeans turn out!

      -Ellie

      Delete
  20. Connie TurnerNovember 4, 2015 at 9:51 AM

    I want to be in attendance when you sashay down the street in the metalic jeans and the crazy sweater with scuba jacket. I would pay money to see the people's reactions.

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  21. Andrea L. CookNovember 4, 2015 at 10:24 AM

    I LOVE that silver fabric!!!! You would look awesome in them! You said that it's by Ralph Lauren, I wonder how much of it is available? It would be a good choice for costuming as well, being more breathable than most metallic fabrics.

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  22. mimi jacksonNovember 4, 2015 at 10:42 AM

    If I had that denim, I would feel compelled to add the words, "Party Ova Here!" to the garment somewhere...

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  23. The Knitting NerdNovember 4, 2015 at 10:47 AM

    I'd go for a matte thread for the seams. Using a metallic thread just seems a little bit cheap, also most commercial blue jeans do have their seams done in a contrasting colour, which makes them a part of the design.

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  24. ErzulimojoNovember 4, 2015 at 11:32 AM

    I am very excited about this avant garde ensemble! I just bought some rose gold metallic oxfords. They go with everything. I think your metallic jeans will be just as versatile. I'm casting a spell that Bill Cunningham is in the vicinity when you take it for its first spin.

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  25. AnnNovember 4, 2015 at 12:20 PM

    All I can think is I hope you have an outdoor party to attend; this seems like a recipe to trap body heat.

    I do love the denim.

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  26. MIchaelCNovember 4, 2015 at 12:48 PM

    Love the silver pants.. They are going to be an amazing lappinalooza!! You photograph fabric amazingly well.

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  27. MonicaNovember 4, 2015 at 1:38 PM

    You are one of a kind. I love your work!

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  28. UnknownNovember 4, 2015 at 3:36 PM

    I love those pants in silver. About sewing on whiter. Wishing them.

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  29. UstabahippieNovember 4, 2015 at 6:25 PM

    I covet that fabric! I, at 71, would wear those jeans every day!!!

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  30. paintbrushNovember 4, 2015 at 6:34 PM

    Man, I would love a pair of silver jeans. Awesome.

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  31. BarbaraShowellNovember 5, 2015 at 3:34 AM

    Go on with your bad self! Waiting avidly.

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  32. SewgrannyNovember 5, 2015 at 11:17 AM

    I think silver jeans would be wonderful.......on you. No one would want to see my backside in silver reflective denim. Can we say flash blindness?

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  33. JohninKentNovember 5, 2015 at 2:56 PM

    Two comments: 1) I have always had trouble sewing with metallic thread, it seems to break easily when sewing. It would be a real pain using it while trying to sew through multiple layers of denim. If there is a technique I'm not using with metallic thread let me know. 2) Peter, you don't understand the desire to wear black clothing, but what about the use of neoprene? Really?Do we really want clothing made from essentially stretchy foam, a hot, synthetic, thick and bulky fabric (?) that even scarecrow models look ridiculous wearing? Just sayin' and thinking out loud. But really, high fashion clothing from stretchy foam?

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  34. RobertaNovember 5, 2015 at 3:10 PM

    I think that will be one awesome outfit and I:
    A-Can't wait to see it
    B-Am so freakin' jealous

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  35. uppereast74November 5, 2015 at 7:56 PM

    Words of caution: stay away from open flames.

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  36. Jason HNovember 9, 2015 at 7:54 AM

    Did someone say party pants? :)

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  37. Bill B.August 25, 2016 at 1:27 AM

    The silver jeans look like an outfit from the 60's T.V. series "Lost in Space"

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