Thursday, July 11, 2013

Summer (?) Shorts


I make a pair of shorts and what happens?... The fog rolls in that's what happens. But I know that the summer weather will reappear soon. I am an optimist. Handsome suggested I wait for a sunny day to take these pics but I'm also impatient....so you get foggy pictures.

Shorts:self-made Shirt:J Crew(thrifted) Cardi:J Crew(thrifted) Shoes:a mystery Belt:(thrifted)




Photo

I made these shorts from Newlook 6100, from the Project Runway workroom series. I am thinking that maybe this pattern should have had a bit more tweeking in the workroom before production. I would like to know if anyone else had trouble with the waistband on these... 

My Review: 

Pattern: Newlook 6100

Fabric used: A cotton bottom weight twill. 

Instructions: I followed the direction exactly and they were good. I was pleased with how well the cuff went on. Easy.

If I could change anything:The waistband gave me some trouble... It didn't fit at all when I pinned it to the shorts! I hadn't taken the shorts in and checked my pattern pieces to be sure that I hadn't mistakenly cut the wrong size in either the front/back pieces or the waistband. No..all the same size. But still, I had to take the waistband seam in by 5/8 inch exactly. Weird. So given that I had to make this alteration to the waistband, I assumed that the same would have to be done to the waistband facing...amirite... NO! It was too small by exactly...you guessed it...5/8 of an inch! Aaaghhhh! They were the same pattern pieces so this does not make any sense. If anyone knows what on earth I did wrong...LET ME KNOW! I also find that these shorts ride up my bum just a smidge...something I did not notice till I wore them out. (*update* after wearing them, they were fine..the cotton likely stretched a bit) So if I were to make these again, that issue would be addressed. In any case, I was not letting these things stop production, I wanted these shorts dang it! and I was getting them!

Repeat worthy?  Not likely. I won't promise that I will never tackle these again, I do like how they look and I love the pockets! They just need a little more tweeking.


This pattern did include a good workroom tip that I liked. *When stitching in the ditch, use your zipper foot to stitch in the groove while using your hand to spread the seam.
Overall, I really like these shorts, the pockets are great, the front lays flat, the high waist is a nice change, the cuffs add nice detail, they have carriers for belting and would be great in a softer fabric as well. 




11 comments:

  1. I like the foggy pics, it creates such a mood that contrasts your birght smile.
    Cute shorts, love the print. They remind me of a pair that I bought from Eddie Bauer some time back that I will probably wear out this year.
    I should get this pattern and make these, they look so simple and so chic.
    I do notice that they have no fly front, how do they close? wonder how it would be adjusting to wearing pants/shorts without the zipper in front...

    Your wonderful creations make me really yearn to get back to sewing!

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    1. Thanks becki! You are always so encouraging. I hope you get back to sewing soon. I have been checking in on you every once in a while but assumed that you were enjoying the summer. I've been wondering how the animal print dress was going.
      These shorts have an invisible side zip, I don't mind the side zip at all.

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  2. How frustrating regarding the waistband!! But... they do look great and they look super in the walking photo (you know I love a walking photo :). I agree with becki the fog is such a fun contrast. Lovely styling as usual x

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  3. Love them Margo, fog and all! I love the print you chose, very elegant, subtle and sailor-like. And you look fantastic in them!

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  4. They look really good on you! Isn't it frustrating when you have issues like that with a pattern??

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    1. Thanks kelly! It is frustrating but I am just going to move on to another pattern...probably to the Burda pants I made previously...just make them into shorts!

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  5. Despite the frustrations you did end up with a cute pair of shorts! The print is a lot of fun and the cuffs did turn out awesome. But wow - that fog rolled in thick! It's a great contrast to your outfit and I'm glad you didn't wait for blue skies.

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