Pattern: Scallop Hem Shorts from Pattern Runway
Fabric: Cotton gauze from Stonemountain and Daughter Fabrics and some silk habotai scraps for the pocket bags
Notions: Invisible zipper and silk organza for interfacing.
Cost: Approximately $10
When I first started thinking about the pieces for my Winter Wardrobe Challenge, I had played around with the idea of making winter shorts to pair with tights. Originally, I wanted these to be very structured and made from a highly textured fabric. However, the fabric I ordered for this project turned out to be much heavier than I had anticipated and my vision was getting farther and farther away from me.
While looking around for some inspiration, I stumbled upon these beauties from Leifsdottir and I knew my shorts needed to be floaty and ethereal!
Although the ruffles are charming, I don’t (and didn’t) think my hips would appreciate the added attention. I still wanted to keep the overall effect though and decided a cotton gauze would give me the texture I desired without the added weight.
As far as modificiations go, I took about an inch/inch and a half off the crotch length. This seems to have solved my biggest complaints from my first pair but I still think I should go back and cut a smaller size. For a unique touch, I decided to draft my own waistband which can be tied at the side. It’s a little hard to see with the black fabric but hopefully this picture gives you a better idea.
Although the shirt isn’t included in my challenge garments, it is made by me.
Pattern: Self-drafted with the help of the lovely Miss P (see tutorial here)
Fabric: Rayon challis purchased last summer at Fabric.com
Cost: Around $4
This shirt is quickly becoming my best friend! I call it my not-a-t-shirt-t-shirt. Although the rayon challis is a woven fabric, it drapes like a jersey but the greatest thing is it doesn’t cling like one! It’s also incredibly soft and just keeps getting softer with each wash. I will definitely be buying and using more rayon challis in the future.
I used a double needle for the hem and the sleeves. The neck is a bias-band edge that I learned from Lynda Maynard (page 26 if you happen to have her book). This is the first time that I’ve this technique it in a garment. The sewing isn’t perfect by any means but I think next time around it will look really professional. Also, I think I’ve finally convinced myself to take the time to properly staystitch. I staystitched the neckline on this shirt but I did it in one line rather than moving from the center to the shoulder like I’ve been taught. You can see the ripples on the left side that are a result of my improper technique.
Winter is approaching fast and the light is fading with it! Hopefully you can look past my noisy photos!
