Monday, July 28, 2008

Denim Shorts with Sailor Front


Here are my shorts: (could have done a better job pressing at the end..., sorry!)


From the description Bluefly provides, the shorts have 4-button interior closure at front with 2-button side closures, pleats at waist with notch at back waistband and 2-button detail, curved side pockets on front with double-welt button pockets at back, cuffed hem and 4'' inseam. I tried to stay true to this description, however, my interior closure is 3-button.

Muslin:
I
used the pants block I have and adjusted it by:
a/ adding a front pleat
b/ adding width at the high hip of the back
c/ shortening to 4” inseam
d/ adding cuffs
e/ cutting out pieces for the sailor front
What I should have done but did not: Having never sewn shorts before, I did not think about adding ¾ of an inch or so to the front crotch and about that much to the back crotch length for more ease. Now I know!
Fabric: Lightweight denim. For pocketing I used a business cotton shirt that my husband would not wear anymore.
Construction-wise: The denim I used is 100% cotton, hence, prone to stretching with wear. Therefore, I taped the waistline, the outerseamof the back pieces behind the pocket, and the crotch curve with cotton tape.
Here are some shots of the inner life (as Marita calls it) of the shorts:

15 comments:

loopylulu said...

You have the awesomest pattern drafting skills. These shorts are ridiculously cute.

Erica Bunker said...

I agree, your drafting skills are impeccable! Very cute shorts!

Sigrid said...

Wow, perfect shorts and I'm impressed by your drafting skills too.

ceregana said...

wow, they are just perfect. love them . i definitely want something similar ;).

Amber said...

these are amazingly wonderful shorts. they have the same look as a pair of pants that anthropologie has right now....

Amber said...

oh, and PS how did you make your pattern block for shorts?

pps. you have the most absolutely wonderful patternmaking skills!

Anonymous said...

Very cute shorts! I'm impressed at all the details you incorporated.

I'm working on a (much simpler) pair of shorts right now, adapted from my own pants block. I didn't know that about the crotch length--so I'm really glad I stumbled upon your blog today. :)

Meg said...

Wow, I'm in awe of your skills. These shorts are designer fabulous!

Dei said...

Amazing. You are so very skilled! How are you able to draft such perfect clothing?! The shorts are envy inducing.

Adriana B. said...

Amber,
3 yrs ago I went to a patterndrafting class and stayed for the bottoms part. I think that K, King's method described in his TrouserDraft CD book is similar to what I was taught. In his book he also describes how to add different style features to your block to make a wearable pant from it.

shorty said...

I think you make amazing clothes!! I get so inspired by what you sew! I just started a blog and don't know much about posting pics from someone else's blog. Would you mind if I posted a picture on my blog? If I am totally out of line please forgive me, totally new territory. Thanks so much
Shorty

Adriana B. said...

Hi Shorty!
I know... it is so confusing with photos and content... I think the rule is that if the photo was taken by someone else, then you can link to it but should not post the photo itself. Anyway, in my case, I would not mind if you post a picture on your blog as long as you link to the source. What is the URL of your blog, I'd love to ckeck it out!

Christina said...

Everything you make looks so professional, and this is no exception. Just fabulous!

Tany said...

They are perfect! I like them better than the ones you used for inspiration! And you look GREAT on them!

katherine h said...

I love those shorts - you are so clever! I love the deep cuffs and the front pleat.