Guys! I made shorts! I made them for the summer sew along Shorts On The Line hosted by small + friendly and imagine gnats. I’m so glad I agreed to participate because I’ve been pretty intimidated by all the fitting and fussing when it comes to dressier shorts and pants and this was just the kick in the *shorts* I needed. Ha, get it?! So punn-y.
Plus, look at some of these details. Cute buttons! A Waistband! Trim! Pockets! The fabric is a chevron weave chambray from Robert Kaufman. I got it from my favorite fabric boutique of all time Rock Paper Scissors (which is also where I teach my classes fyi). I love all of the woven chambrays coming out right now. It’s such a wearable, everyday look but still interesting. On top of that, the quality is fantastic and the weight of the fabric is not too light but not super heavy. It’s exactly the type of fabric that a girl like me longs for. Thanks Robert Kaufman people, if you are listening.
I also added a little something fun, just for me. The other day at Goodwill I found this mysterious men’s shirt in a typical blue chambray but covered with a fox in dapper clothing and smoking a pipe. For real. I used just a little of this shirt to line my pockets. Now, before you protest that I’m not giving the pipe-smoking fox the proper venue in which to truly shine, rest assured, I will give the fox his day. Possibly in some boy’s back to school wear.
For now, he is hanging with me. Even if I’m the only one who knows.
The shorts pattern is from Dixie DIY and is called Movie In The Park Shorts. I made the medium in this fabric after making a large for my muslin. Despite my measurements landing me in the Large category (once again, my darn hips mess up all sizing ever), the fit is much better with a medium. The instructions on this pattern are really clear and surprisingly simple for fitted shorts. Everything came together really quickly until I reached a screeching HALT at the point when I needed to make 12 buttonholes. 12. Phew. Of course, after getting all dramatic about ALL THE WORK, it didn’t actually take that long. I have an automatic buttonhole maker on my machine with a special foot and everything. I’m much better at that particular machine function now. It was good practice.
The top three buttons on both sides are the only functional ones so the shorts are well held-together. I hand-stitched the buttons on and the look is truly adorable. Buttons make everything better.
The fit is pretty good on these shorts. The waist is a little low but the fit is great in the waist to hip area, which is the hardest part to fit on my shape. If I make these shorts again I want to figure out how to make them longer because they are pretty short for everyday mom-wear. I’d love this sailor-esque look in capris. Have you made shorts? Joining the sew along? Got a good capri pattern? I need intel because I think there will be more pants-making in my future.
This post is part of the Shorts on the Line sewalong. Shorts on the Line 2014 is sponsored by: Britex Fabrics, Hawthorne Threads, miss matatabi, and Soak Wash. Hosted by imagine gnats, small + friendly, and Kollabora.
I was given this pattern and asked to participate in the sew along. My opinions are my own, of course.
rachael {imagine gnats} says
these are SOOOOO great! xo
Melissa Q. says
Thanks Rachael!
Carla // small + friendly says
These came out so awesome! You look adorable, the fit is fantastic! Thanks so much for sewing along!
Melissa Q. says
Thanks cupcake! Thanks for having me!
smallfriendly says
I love these so much! You look fantastic, the fit is fab! Thanks so much for sewing with us!
meagangracie says
I’m making shorts out of this fabric right now too!
Melissa Q. says
Ah! It’s the best, isn’t it?!!
kristin says
oooh they look really great on you! this pattern is so interesting-looking but does look pretty simple, especially since you can skip the fly. nicely done!
Melissa Q. says
Yes! I promise to one day tackle the fly and zipper. But, for now…
Ros says
Love the buttons! And the fox – hidden details are always so fun 🙂 The shorts look lovely on you!
Melissa Q. says
Thank you so much! I do love my fox. 🙂
beachmomof4 says
I love those buttons on the side! Such a neat detail!
Melissa Q. says
Thank you!
Daniela D says
These are fantastic and they look great! I love the button detail and of course, the pipe-smoking fox!