Jacquard Thurlow Shorts

It has been a crazy busy time around here! If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that our family went on an amazing tour of the Southwest, visiting the Grand Canyon and Zion national parks among other things.  Then after a week at home I jetted off to California for the Craftcation conference. Every second of all of it was wonderful and worth it but I feel like I’m just screwing my head back on.  This homebody needs a little home time, you know?  I did snap a few photos of handmade clothing while we were basking in the stunning landscapes of the Southwest including these jacquard Thurlow shorts. I mean, how could I resist!? It is otherworldly out there. These photos were taken while on an overlook hike in Zion national park.

Utah, by the way, is mind-blowingly beautiful. I am smitten.

Also, the shorts have been officially hike-tested! These jacquard Thurlow shorts can handle a mile uphill hike in the desert. That’s like a full-on shorts certification process if you ask me.

Of course, I already knew that I loved Thurlow shorts because I have made these before, it’s just that my earlier versions were very much in the ‘basics’ category.  That is to say they are a little bit boring, which is wonderful for the purposes of a useful and wearable handmade wardrobe but the “finish” moment is not so exciting.  Like a salmon and broccoli dinner that leaves you craving ice cream.  My friends, these shorts are my ice cream! How great is this cool jacquard fabric?! I bought it from this beautiful shop on Etsy, Lost Property. I also made my cape in the same fabric but I promise not to wear them together. Unless something special comes up that requires a cape and shorts. No promises then.

P.S. we totally had salmon and broccoli last night and then after the kids went to bed I ate ice cream and watched Catastrophe. So good.

The thing that is so great about the Thurlow shorts pattern from Sewaholic is they are designed for people, like me, with substantial hips.  I’m always tempted by the look of the Maritime Shorts from Grainline but the reviews on the Thurlow shorts always come back to the fact that they are designed for wider hips. And, it’s true.  Added to that, the construction of these shorts assumes and accounts for last minute fitting so you can really get these suckers to fit well.  This is a big deal when it comes to shorts and is surely a big part of the reason they are comfortable on a hike.

In short, wearable and adorable.

 

I feel very accomplished about having made these shorts.  With a functioning zipper fly, back welt pockets, front inset pockets, a fitted waistband and a clean fit! You know I was thrilled!  Also, look at how well the pattern lined up. Ooh, feels so good.

I did tweak the pattern a little bit. I added a button closure on the front, replacing the hook and eye the pattern called for. I also didn’t cuff the shorts.  I included all flat-felled seams so I can wash them without worrying about fraying fabric.  For the most part, I almost always do French seams or flat-felled seams these days.  It’s so stinky to make something nice and then never wear it because you fear washing it. It’s worth the extra effort.

Speaking of accomplishments, I have been trying to play along with Project Sew It this year and challenge for the month of March was “bottoms”. I’m a bit behind but I am counting this as qualifying for March. Yay me!