While I was procrastinating on my dress, I made a pair of shorts. We have only been abroad once since we had the kids, and I hadn't done a beach style holiday in about 20 years so I was majorly stressing about what to pack. I only owned one pair of short which I have had for over 10 years so I thought a second pair wouldn't go amiss. There are a few shorts patterns I fancied trying but with the limitations of time, I decided to stick with something I knew would work - the Emerson by True Bias. Since I had made the cropped pants last year I knew they would work perfectly.
I used a Robert Kaufman railroad denim that I've had in the stash for a number of years, so it was good to finally find a use for it. Its a lightweight denim, so not too thick or heavy for hot weather.
The shorts came together with no issues whatsoever. It's a great pattern and a quick sew. At this point my overlocker was still working so the insides are overlocked in red, and I bound the inside waistband with Liberty bias binding. Because I can.
My only regrets with these shorts are that I used cheap elastic which isn't very stretchy, which makes them a bit difficult to get over my hips (especially on top of a wet swimsuit!) and which also makes the waistband a bit tighter than my others. In general they are slightly less comfortable than my cropped pants. I think I need to fiddle with the crotch curve a bit if I make another pair - I suspect the chambray of the cropped pants relaxes more than the denim and so is a bit more forgiving. They aren't in the pattern, but I also could have done with patch pockets on the back on these. However, they are still a great little workhorse of a pair of shorts. I wore them numerous times on holiday. They are comfy (just not as comfy as the others), and they go with pretty much everything. The length as drafted is perfect for me - not too long, not too short. I can imagine they will last me the next 10 years!
These look so good Helen! I love that railroad denim. I know what you mean about cheap elastic too, the last pair of toddler shorts I made don't stretch as much & in sure they're not as comfy so I've just bought better quality elastic for the next pair I make. Your holiday looks fantastic by the way!
ReplyDeleteperfect summer shorts. I must make some, i only have one pair of shorts mine are about ten years old too- actually possibly a bit older than that. sadly i have porked out a bit lately and they nolonger fit. this looks to be a good pattern.
ReplyDeleteReally great shorts. And lovely striped fabric.
ReplyDeleteI forgot all about railway striped denim until I saw your shorts - I LOVE this fabric! In the '70's I had a pair of bibbed "painter" style overalls I wore to rags I loved them so much. I'm going to find some of that denim! Love your shorts for length - they are perfection on you :) I think I've made enough tops for a while (after I finish my View Ridge by Straight Stitch Designs - a pattern I just love by the way!)time to move onto pants. I REALLY need some good fitted pants desperately and this is a good time of year to get going on that :)
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