I'd love to make my own, but not sure I'm up to that, plus no sewing machine. I have a little Singer hand stitch thing that I am trying to use to make a sarong, and thought about trying to take up some pants, but would not work on jeans. The lady at Walmart told me that L.E.I. makes some jeans that aren't such low riders, but you have to order online. I love the way L.E.I. feels, except they expose just a little to much on the back side. I have no behind, so snug fitting jeans in the butt and thigh help maximize what little I have!
If I would take up the rise, I would rather do it from the crotch seems than taking off the waist. Any thoughts or ideas on that for a newbie? Might try it on a pair of pants.