Shorts and Shirts Summer Wardrobe: Chambray Shorts
Shorts! With buttons! Justin called these the Sergent Pepper shorts when he first saw them. Must be all the buttons… Anyway, this marks three out of four of my shorts I’m making for my Shorts and Shirts Summer Wardrobe. I’m nearly finished with my next shirt for SSSW but I’m self drafting it so it’s taking awhile.
These shorts were also self drafted by combining the best bits of crotch curves from a few patterns and pants I owned to create a franken-crotch that I think works pretty well.
These shorts sit lower on the hips with a waistband and has bound edges rather than a hem. I used my handy-dandy bias tape maker (thanks Polly!) and some old navy linen blend scraps that I had to create the binding. It makes a nice contrast to the cotton chambray I think.
The shorts close at both sides and have a little curve at the bottom where they meet. I used twelve metal buttons total. The design on the buttons are little flowers which I like because I think it makes them look less military.
I got the idea for the buttons down the side design when I put on my other shorts for the first time this season and realized they were too big. With these shorts if I lose or gain weight I can just move the buttons over and resize the shorts easily. No having to undo hems and waist bands and re-sew side seams. The buttons are both decorative and practical!
If I make these shorts again I’ll use a fabric with more substantial hand and less body. That’s just a personal preference. This chambray folds and wrinkles pretty bad and doesn’t always like to sit flat. But on the other hand, they are very light weight for summer!
The shorts have curved pockets in front and small darts in back.
I’m planning on making a pattern for these because with the binding and button sides they’re really easy to make and fit. But that’s going to have to wait for a couple months because I’m going on vacation in June and I have to whip up a bunch of clothes for my trip – including swimsuits! So much sewing, not enough time!!
Your shorts are adorable! AND brilliant!! I think they should be called “The Pie-Eating Contest Shorts” I love the little bias trim. They look like they’ll be perfect for summer. I’ve got to start making some shorts and Tshirts – its getting hot!
Hmm, now I’m hungry for pie! Thanks!
Oh a pattern for these would be lovely. they look really good on you. xx
Thank you, Pippa!
Frankencrotch – lol! Perfect new term for my own drafting too. Cute shorts. I just made your loose knit tee and it is so cute!
Very cute. Also frankencrotch-awesome!
Thirding the hilarity of “Frankencrotch,” I had to start that paragraph twice because I burst out laughing the first time. Sick shorts, though. And the idea of using the buttons to resize is such a good one.
I love these shorts! And how clever to draft the rise by combining the rise shape of many patterns. I’ll have to keep that in mind the next time I work on pants!
Thanks! It’s hard to find the perfect pants pattern so using a little bit of this and a little of that helps.
I’m loving all your shorts thus far – I’m definitely going to have to try these patterns. These look really very pretty AND practical! 🙂
thanks!
Um, please make a pattern. I’ve been running lately and I’m starting to get the itch to want to wear shorts for the first time in about eight years. And I want to make these. 🙂
I’ll try to finish the pattern before the end of July. I’m going to be pretty busy until my vacation so a lot of things are getting pushed back. I hope you’ll still be wanting to make shorts then. 😉
Waaaay cute! I love all of the details.
I am loving your blog lately! So much cuteness and sewing inspiration. 🙂 I would definitely attempt to make these… Good luck with all of your projects!
-Kara
http://www.beautifullyinspired.com
I absolutly adore these shorts! I hope that you do make a pattern for these, I would love to make them. Have fun on your vacation.
Adorable x
Hi, just letting you know I’ve tagged you in a blog meme! You can find the post here: http://meganandthemachine.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/challenge-11-things.html
Megan
Love these! They’re so sweet!
Lovely shorts! The side buttons are a great idea!