We researched this, crafted this piece and actually followed the directions and lo, and behold, it actually worked. We used it to Euro-hem a pair of Bella Elemento jeans, as well as a pair of Pine IV. They'd both been hemmed professionally and (we blame ourselves) were just too long. We only have a couple of pairs of shoes that we could actually wear and walk in with them. We realized that since we've adjusted our day job, we are much more casual and more often wear lower heels. So, we're quite proud of this accomplishment and, since we don't have access to our sewing machine (o.k., we can't find it) we sewed it by hand.
Since this article wasn't used for the intended purpose, its purpose has now been altered to edify BeansTalk readers. So check it out and use this for reference. Feel free to pass the info (if it's useful to you) onto others.
A Euro or European hem is also be called an original or a tricky hem and will give the appearance of the original factory hem. The other option is to hem the pants by simply folding and sewing -- and the result will be a hem that looks like you sewed it in junior-high sewing class.
Those of us who can't boast a 34" inseam (the standard for more jeans) and want a stylish jean, can either give up the $15 to $25 it costs to have a tailor use the original hem on your jeans or you can do it yourself.
Hemming pants to the right length, and with the original hem can be a challenge, but if you don't rush through this project, you'll be pleased with the results and get better at the Euro hem the more you practice.
Step 1:
Wash and dry jeans, at least once, before hemming.
Step 2:
Measure the original length and figure out exactly the length you want.
Step 3:
Divide the number of inches or centimeters you need cut off in half.
Step 4:
Cuff pant leg. Take the above number (half of what you actually want) from the original hem line. Pin the cuff where you want it. (In calculating, don’t include the hem to the end of the jean.)
Step 5:
Pin around the cuff, and measure with each pin.
Step 6:
Take care around the side seams while pinning. The seam stitching must line up on either side.
Step 8:
Cut the excess off. Leave approximately a half-inch for fraying,Be sure to finish the seams with serging or a zig-zag stitch or buy some Fray-check at your local fabric shop. (If you don't finish the edges, bear in mind they'll further fray with washing; this isn't the time to cut corners.).
Step 9:
Turn the leg right side out and iron the new seam flat, revealing the old hem.
Who Doesn't Like a Good Foot Rub?
Even if you're ticklish, a good therapist can perform little luxuries on your feet. We recently discovered a foot-massage place in West L.A. ($28 an hour) and found out that there are a bunch of them in the San Gabriel Valley. Someday we'll go there with BeansTalk's CFO (who works there) and do a foot-massage tour.
For now, here's an article we wrote about Reflexology and how to give one, which we think of as purposeful massage. Father's Day is coming up and this might be a fun gift to offer your hublet, make a nice card and include a "gift certificate" for your services.
Reflexology, a non-invasive Holistic treatment, works to stimulate areas on the feet that correspond to different parts of the anatomy. In Reflexology, nerve endings on the feet correspond to organs and glands within the body. When pressure is applied to these nerve endings on the foot, it provides therapy to the areas of the body specific to the foot nerve endings.
Reflexology has a documented history going back 5,000 years. But the actual term “reflexology” was coined in the early 20th century in the U.S.
And reflexology feels great, even if while receiving the treatment, you’ may not be aware of which area of your body is benefiting from the therapist’s touch. It’s a great gift to give, once you learn just how to do it. Start by getting a professional reflexology treatment so you can experience it and look closely at a reflexology foot chart (a sample of one is shown in an image here). Then, you’ll no doubt find a willing subject.
Ideally, the person being massaged should be seated in a recliner or an arm chair with an ottoman. The reflexologist (in this case, you) can sit on a small stool in from of their feet.
Step 1:
Get a basin (professional therapists often use wood basins with a large plastic bag as a liner) and fill it with water as hot as your “client” can stand it. Some places put in a tea bag, others use fresh flowers, or bath salts. Have the person soak their feet for about five to 10 mins. Cover their legs with a bath towel.
Step 2:
Step 3:
Place a feet on your thigh, work on the feet on the ottoman or hold the foot up.
Step 4:
Step 5:
Start just below the balls of the feet, which corresponds with the solar plexus.
Step 6:
Step 7:
Proceed slowly and patiently, experimenting to find a comfortable pressure. Ask if the pressure is ok. Painful places may indicate an imbalance or ailment in the related organ or body system. (For example, rub under the little toe at the “root,” if the client experiences a sharp pain, that directly correlates to their left shoulder.
Step 8:
Concentrate on tender areas and trouble spots, building pressure as you go along.
Step 9:
Spend five to 10 minutes on each foot, initially, building to more time as you become more familiar with the areas of the feet that are corresponding to various parts of the body (this will come from a greater understanding of the foot reflexology chart).
Step 10:
Tell clients to wear comfortable shoes, drink water or decaffeinated drinks and to avoid alcohol. Experts say this promotes the detoxification process and help the body to eliminate the toxins that have been released.
