Winter Wardrobe – No. 1 Pajama Shorts

All week I've been sharing sleepwear inspiration and today I have my own actual DIY sleep shorts to share. These shorts are number 1 on my list of DIY Winter Wardrobe plans. I used the Lakeside Pajamas pattern from Grainline Studio and fabric from a thrifted, vintage dress.

Summer Sewing No. 5 – Chambray Shorts

I started working on these shorts a really long time ago. I was daunted. I stalled out a few times. I procrastinated. I postponed. I made other things. I did the easy stuff first. But there came a time when I had to buckle down, bite the bullet, make a few muslins and just, like, do it. And look at those cute little shorts! The lightweight chambray, the vintage red buttons. This level of cute is apt to give you cavities. The pattern is Colette 1022 Iris shorts. There are tons of these around the blogosphere and the pattern has many "highly recommended" reviews on Sewing Pattern Review.

Moodboard – Shorts

I know that shorts aren't for everybody but they are one of my favorite things to wear when the weather is warm enough. They're the easiest thing to throw on when I need to just run around town and take care of things. There are so many cute designs and prints available for shorts these days that you can look as chic as you are comfortable. Here are some of my favorites.

Clockwise from top left: 
Kingston Printed Shorts  //  Leather Trim Shorts  //  Striped Shorts  //  Linen Stripe Shorts  //
Scalloped Shorts  //  Dotted Shorts  //  Pleated Shorts

Related:

Moodboard posts
Fashion posts
Pretty Clothes on Pinterest

Summer Style on Pinterest

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Pleated Shorts Vogue V1099

As alluded to, I made these cuffed and pleated shorts by adapting Vogue pattern V1099. The only adjustment I made was to shorten the length. I used a denim fabric with a little bit of stretch in it (that's all that seems to be available these days anyway). I would like to find an even lighter weight denim for summer clothing, a chambray really.

I am fairly pleased with the result although I'm a little concerned that the legs are too full and have considered releasing the pleats. Any thoughts on that?

The pattern was pleasantly easy to follow, especially considering this is only the third fly zipper I've ever done. Each time I've sewn a fly zipper, it has been shockingly easy. The plaid fabric visible in the photo is the pocket lining. The pants pattern has some great features including in-seam pockets, fly facings and front and back darts. The fit is below the waist but not too low, very comfortable. I highly recommend the pattern.

Plaid Ruby Shorts

I made these shorts using the BurdaStyle Ruby pattern. I lengthened the leg and the crotch. The leg could probably be shorter but I'm happy with the length. I've only made shorts once before and that pair had a zipper fly. I remember it being a really quick and easy project. These shorts were neither quick nor easy. First of all there are so many details including buttonholes, pockets and a decorative belt and then I had to go and choose a plaid fabric. Choosing a plaid fabric and actually caring about matching the lines made it ten times more challenging. I'm really getting tired of matching plaids and plan to avoid them for the time being.

I pulled it all off to my satisfaction but not without some frustration and seam ripping. Once again, I had a few problems following the BurdaStyle directions. I ended up mostly looking at the pictures and and going it alone. However, I did find a really good tutorial for bound pockets on the BurdaStyle website.

I found some white, vintage plastic buttons in my stash to pull it all together. I'm pleased with the result and very glad to be finished. To be positive, the shorts were a good learning experience of techniques. The next time I attempt a bound pocket or buttonhole, I'll be prepared! Shorts season is nearly over so I need to put them to use soon!