Recycled Denim Shorts

For some strange reason I am loving shorts this summer and can’t get enough of ’em.

These shorts utilized the leftover denim from a wrap skirt that I made several years ago but since then deconstructed it and used some fabric to make this skirt.

I think it’s pretty cool that I was able to get two garments out of one!

The pattern was altered a bit from Simplicity 3850, an out of print Built by Wendy shorts and pants pattern. It is the same one I used for my first ever pair of shorts.

Changes I made from last time:

• I made one size bigger but did some fitting like making the legs a little narrower and changing the crotch seam.
• I moved the zipper from the front to the side and made it invisible.
• Made the shorts longer. Super short shorty shorts are not my thing.
• No pocket flaps on back. The flaps were faux anyway.

 

Also, you’ll notice the inner pocket area is not denim. It’s leftover blue shirting that I used to make this failed tunic. I literally had no more pieces of denim big enough to even cover that tiny exposed bit. I even used the original skirt waistband as “bias tape” to wrap the bottom of each leg.

Since I was already using that blue shirting for the inside pockets I used it for that little peep of exposed pocket, too.

If I make them again I think next time I’ll make the front waistband higher. Ever since fashion began to gravitate towards low cut waists I think pant manufacturers compensated by bringing up the back of pants to avoid that unwanted coin slot flashing problem.

But then the front really is still low and makes for a really weird tilted side view, in my opinion, almost to the point where it looks like my gut is hanging out the front.

Because of that I doubt I’d wear these shorts with a top tucked in like I am here. This outfit is for photography purposes only. 😉

In the future I’ll cut the front waistband more consistent to the height of the back waistband which I think is a better look for me.

I have a really odd urge to make another pair of shorts in a bright color – maybe orange or green. Very summery! Have you ever sewn shorts? Do you even wear shorts? I never wore shorts much at all until last summer.