Tropical shorts {Dressmaking}

Same pattern as the denim short shorts, and a totally different result. It is amazing how much the fabric makes the pattern. It is great as this my favourite pattern, and that I can actually make the shorts on my own. 

I tried to take more pictures and add details on the process. The fabric is again stretchy but quite thick so hangs quite well. It is probably the fabric you would want for these shorts because of their shape. I bought the fabric ages ago and have no record of where I got it from... a real shame as I really like the fabric. 

I have made a size 42 and this time it was bigger (maybe it was the first time too and I forgot), and changed the size of darts for a better fit. I had to make them shorter. 

The invisible zip is not that invisible, but as I found in my stash the perfect coordinated colour it does not bother me. 

As with the denim shorts I made a feature of the hem with some raspberry bias tape. I like how it finishes the shorts. 

To hold the inner interfacing I usually stitch in the ditch in the darts and main seam. The pattern calls for glueing fabrics together - quite a lot actually - maybe it is because it is meant to be leather shorts.. 

The trickiest part of the construction is around the zip - at the top, it is really fiddly but totally makes sense. 

The actual hem is hidden, and done by hand.  

And here we are some shots of non-ironed shorts, ready to be styled some time soon! 

I am totally ready for the next heatwave! The pattern is available on the BurdaStyle website for download - if you wanted to make your own. 

Coming Up

Here are some of the projects I hope to share next week... 

Finished but not photographed

Hoping to have made some progress

So nearly finished... 

Happy weekend everyone!

There is still time to enter the giveaway over at Le Challenge - for a chance to win three paper piecing patterns! Don't miss out!

Chiltern Green Road

Mixing (my) handmade and high street...

Wearring: Panama straw Hat, updated by Made in Home (blogged here); Earrings: CinderelaB; 

Shirt (old Promod, but there is a bargain here); 

Spikey necklace: F21; Shorts: Made in Home (blogged here) 

Denim short Shorts {Dressmaking}

It may just be me, but finding the right pair of shorts is really hard. I don't expect anything funky, just shorts that will suit me and will be easy maintenance (ie washable). I waited a long time to get these shorts out. I made them before getting pregnant (I think more accurately before I knew I was pregnant) - so I did not get a chance to really wear them. They got discarded with my other pre-pregnancy clothes. 

But it is time to get my wardrobe back - even though I have no space for it. And these shorts needed to get out. They are as I remember them: super comfy, classy with a vintage twist. I thought they were a bit long for this very hot summer, and made them shorter this week. And I am going to live in them... until I make the next pair (I have a tropical print in mind)!

Patterns: Burda Style 12/2011 issue, no 112 (leather shorts)

Fabric: Light denim blue (find similar here)

Size: 42, and it does fit like a 42 (I am a 12/14 in the UK)

Modifications: Made them shorter - and made a feature of the bottom hem 

(yes, I could not be bothered to get the serger out)

Result: This is going to be my one and only shorts pattern. They are high-waisted, totally fit my bum and are flattering. Whatelse does a girl need? 

The magazine states that it is an easy pattern. I have to confess I made these when I took some sewing lessons last year - and it is all a blur as my teacher wanted to make sure I was finishing one garment per session. Great for my wardrobe, not so great for the learning part. Looking at the construction, now that I have made PJs, it does not look that bad. Plus I have a pair done that I can analyse in details if needs be. Slightly scared of inserting that invisible zipper on my own though. 

For those asking, I will be modelling these on Saturday, with my updated straw hat, so you can really see how well they fit! If you would like a sneak peek, you may find some pictures on my BurdaStyle profile.