This week temptation got the better of me as I made kwik Sew's Short pattern.
Amy from Sewing Through the Motions got me thinking, as I felt challenged after reading her posts about shorts. It was time to take a new look at making and wearing them again. Thanks Amy! I am glad to hear I am not the only gal out there that struggles with wearing shorts. Honestly, I need shorts in my wardrobe, as we have two active boys and we find ourselves at
King's Island Amusement Park often in the summer. Some of the rides aren't skirt/dress friendly. And then there is fossil hunting, boating, camping, and fishing all summer long. Yes, I wear skirts doing these activities, but sometimes a pair of shorts are handy. This style has a button closer which I love, no zippers to sew! Here is a picture of my muslin. I really like how they are fitting, they just need to be a little longer for some more coverage. Even though this is a newer pattern, it seems to have a vintage flair. This project was pretty easy, a beginner could do it. The fit is relaxed and comfortable. I did need to take the waist in a bit, but that was about it.
Pattern: Kwik Sew 3854
Make again: Yes! I want to make them up in many different colors!
Alterations: Adding about 6 inches to the pattern's length and adjusted waist to fit snugger.
Materials: 100% cotton for the muslin. I'll be trying them in linen next.
I think shorts can work if they are the right length and for me, also if they aren't too tight around my legs. I am also toying with the idea of a play suit by adding the bodice from this pattern.
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| This 70's pattern is so faded I hope you can see the details, I was thinking about making the blouse last summer, but time ran out. This maybe one of those garments I wear just around our house during those 90 degree days! |
It would cover my upper arms, but gives some sun around the middle. Although I would lengthen the top some. How do you feel about shorts? Can you wear them or are you shy about them?
Have a wonderful vintage day!
Gina
Beautiful shorts :)
ReplyDeleteHey Gina, these look really lovely! I bought this pattern last year but have yet to make it up. You've inspired me to have a go. I'm currently making (well, muslin-ing) a 70's shorts play suit. Simplicity 6904 from 1975. I too have automatically added 3 inches to the length even though I'm only 5 feet 2"! I tend to only wear shorts in my garden or at our allotment (don't know if you have allotments in the USA?).
ReplyDeleteKathy, these are easy and they look so clean on the inside. I hope you make them. Never heard of allotments, not sure what that is. a Play suit would be fun for sure!
DeleteThese are looking great Gina! I've gone through phases with shorts, I used to wear knee length,cargo pocket shorts (they looked like "guy" shorts). Now, I wear short-shorts at the cabin because everyone in my hubby's family (from his mom to his uncles to his cousins) wears them. It's more about being funny, but they don't judge at all, so it makes it easy to not be body conscious with this group.
ReplyDeleteFunny, how sweet, that's the way it should be for sure! What a wonderful family you have. I am like you, I love knee length walking shorts. They suit me, I have't worn Daisy dukes since high school.
DeleteOh Gina these are so pretty and you've got the fit just right! I agree they do have a retro feel and will go perfectly with so much of your wardrobe - just the thing for chasing your children round the camp! Look forward to seeing lots of fiished pairs. Personally I don't really wear shorts, except for gardening. I'm getting varicose veins in my old age :( The Horror! xxx
ReplyDeleteThe horror indeed! I hate to hear that. You are such a pretty lady, I've heard it's in the genes, not too sure about that, anyway you are a pretty lady! Thanks for your sweet comment. I am hoping to get some copies done soon! xxx
DeleteGina, These shorts are fabulous!! I love the buttons on the side - very retro and the pockets lay so nicely. I love shorts for the spring and summer, but they have to be the right length. I'm only 5 feet tall, so ones with a 6 inch inseam are a little too long for me. The 4 inch ones work just fine. What color are you going to make first? They look awesome!! Congratulations on tackling that pattern!
ReplyDeleteJenny
Seamingly Smitten
Jenny, Thanks! Well, I am not sure about the color yet, I want red shorts! I nice blueish, red deep color would be my first choice. I am still looking for the fabric, as I don't have any in my stash yet.
DeleteThose shorts are fantastic! I can't believe your muslin looks that good. I am going to have to look for that pattern because I love the sailor touches.
ReplyDeleteThank you Amy, I really enjoyed your posts on shorts and even though I am not in my 20's, I still like the idea of wearing shorts in 90 degree weather. I think the next pair will have a vintage/sailor flair for sure.
DeleteOh my goodness! Those shorts are awesome! I have been eying this pattern for a while, but I can't seem to get past the price of Kwik Sew patterns.
ReplyDeleteI have made shorts before from a vintage pattern, but I have not worm them past taking pictures for my blog. I seem to have serious crotch depth issues that I need to learn how to adjust for before tackling another pair of shorts.
I understand! I did see a pattern for shorts with three different crotch depths to them. It was a vintage pattern. I do like this pattern and feel it's pretty comfy, the price was a bit much, I agree. I hope you find a good pattern for shorts, good luck!
Deletevery cute! i personally don;t have any trouble wearing shorts but they must be at least 3 inches long... that is the shortest i would comfortably go. and i do not like them baggy in the leg. they dont have to be tight to my skin but when they are too baggy i feel i may as well have worn a skirt
ReplyDeleteThanks! You must of measure your favorite pair to know the inches and such. I think it's a good idea to know the perfect length, makes it easier to sew and shop for them.
DeleteI like these shorts, very nice look on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nan!
DeleteThose shorts are adorable on you!! Make many pairs and enjoy them. I used to wear shorts until last summer when I caught sight of the varicose veins on the back of my right calf!!! Gag. Where did those come from?? So now I wear mostly capri pants (which really don't cover them that well either) and shorts when I'm at home and no one will see me.
ReplyDeleteYou're a great seamstress-keep it up!!
Kristy
Thank you! I am not sure where those varicose veins come from, that's too bad. Maybe science will come up with a good, inexpensive way to get rid of them. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI'm definitely purchasing this pattern. Your version is one of the prettiest pair of shorts I've seen in some time. I can wear shorts, but it's not always a pretty picture as all the RTW seam to be waaaaay too short, too low cut, or just plain don't fit properly. I really love the flat front on these.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam! These shorts hit me just above the belly button. I adjusted the waist by making them smaller so that it sits higher on me. I did have to add length, which is no big deal. They have a good generous rise to them. The buttons also make them adjustable. Good luck making them.
DeleteGina, these are so cute.. I bet the sailor flare ones will be soooo cute.. Cant wait to see what all you make.. Happy sewing.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, those are seriously cute! I love the little button closures and the green colour is very pretty!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a bit shy about shorts. My legs are a bit short, and I have the feeling that shorts make them look even shorter and stumpier. I bought my first pair in ages on a trip to Australia two years ago, so my legs wouldn't look pasty when I got back home. I added a pair in black linen last year, because it was such a hot summer. I think I'm getting around to wearing them!
cute shorts....
ReplyDeletei love to wear shorts on colder days with tights... being in my mid 30s i don't like to show my legs in short shorts ... but i would like to wear my beloved shorts in summertime too. we will see... short or no short. ;)
Those are really cute shorts! Love the color!
ReplyDeleteThese look absolutely fab Gina! When I saw your picture I initially thought it was the new Colette pattern! I'd love to be able to wear shorts, but shop-bought don't fit me, so I think making my own would be the only way.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your playsuite idea, go for it!
I think they look great hon! Well done! Sam xox
ReplyDeleteThat is such a wonderful shade of green! And I really like the buttons :)
ReplyDeleteI am a new convert to shorts. At 47 and 3/4 I have just realised that my legs are OK after all. In fact I am wearing a pair right now, with thick tights and ankle boots because this is northern Scotland in April!
I have made two pairs of Pattern Runway's Sweet Scalloped Shorts - they are really flattering and kinda vintage-looking.
I like the longer length walking shorts, but not the shorter length ones, as I don't want to be showing too much of my skin. Yet now that I have gained weight, I'm not sure if I want to wear shorts at all right now, ha, ha!
ReplyDeleteWell, the shorts on this pattern you have chosen are real cute, but like you, if I could make something like this, I would need to give them a longer length.
You are so right about needing to have some play clothes as a mom of young boys. They won't be around forever, and some things are more of a challenge to do in a skirt. I wore walking length shorts before my legs started looking like road maps!
ReplyDeleteThese shorts are a very nice nautical theme with your other sailor outfits. They would probably go more places if they were longer, as you say
Those shorts look fantastic--I'm especially loving the green color! (I've been a bit green-crazy lately and am trying to add more into my wardrobe. ;) I too have a bit of a hard time wearing shorts; I've been very self-conscious since about age 11/12 that my upper legs are larger and "softer" than the current ideal. It's been a struggle for me, but after living in FL for three summers I learned what shorts styles worked best for my figure and began to get more comfortable wearing them. I actually need to make one or two more for this summer, since some of my old favorites have seen better days. ;)
ReplyDeleteThese are really cute and look really flattering as well! I love the green color that you picked, even if it is just for a muslin of them! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat looing shorts! Love the colour on you.
ReplyDeleteGreat shorts! I wear shorts the better part of the year, Texas is to dang hot for jeans for more than couple months. I don't own a dress LOL, though I have some material to make one!
ReplyDeleteThose are ADORABLE, I would wear those anywhere.
ReplyDeleteMarie @
Lemondrop ViNtAge
OMG -- have you made the top yet? That is PERFECT for those shorts. Very cute and I hope you make it a set.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking best shorts click Cotton boxer shorts
ReplyDelete