The other day, I got the itch to make some shorts. I don’t think I’ve ever made shorts before, but I had to do it. I began by making two pairs of Anna Maria’s Pleasant Pathways shorts (sans embroidery).  I used some of my favorite Kaufman Chambray and my favorite print from Juliana Horner’s new line, Rosette.

The pattern was simple, with the most complicated part being the invisible side zipper- which was not complicated at all. The fit is great, but the length is crazy short. I won’t wear these out of the house, but the next time I make them (which I wager will be soon), I’ll add two or three inches to the length. I really do love them, I just need to keep my booty covered. I like to keep things classy around here. :)

I cannot complain about a free pattern, but I’ll just say this: it was lacking in directions on finishing seams. But truly, one cannot expect a free pattern to have the level of detail of a pattern for sale. I think to keep the lines on the shorts crisp and clean, I’ll attempt to make my next pair reversible. That way all the seams will be enclosed, though I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to manage using an invisible zipper on a reversible garment. Perhaps instead of making them reversible I should just line them fully. Yes, I think I’ll do that.

I also made Layla some shorts. Her’s are made with the same chambray used in mine.

For her shorts I used Oliver + S’ Puppet Show Tunic and Shorts pattern. They were soooo easy to make! For real, they might have taken 45 minutes to put together, and that is my first time ever using that pattern. Liesl’s patterns are always incredibly detailed and easy to follow. If you are new to garment sewing, I highly recommend going straight for any Oliver + S pattern. You will not be disappointed!

I’ll see you back here tomorrow!

-Meredith