It's time for this year's installment of shorts for shorts on the line...
This is the third year I've participated in shorts on the line (you can see past shorts here and here) and each year I tend to go super summery. Bright colors, birds and a beachy feel...and this year was no different!
Really, the inspiration all began after purchasing some organic Sandpiper fabric from Cloud9 at Finch Sewing Studio the other week and I really couldn't stop imagining them as a cute pair of shorts for Violet.
I used Dana's Kid shorts pattern. At first I was a little unsure because Violet measured two sizes bigger than she usually does, so I sewed up a quick muslin, perfect fit, glad I checked just in case. It would have been a total bummer had I used my precious Sandpipers and then they not fit!
Of course, since these are Sandpipers...there had to be piping! (Plus I just love piping!)
I added white piping to the front pockets, added back pockets with piping and as a little "extra" some white ric-rac...
I really had planned to stop there and make only Violet a pair of shorts, but then Henry nosed in and asked what I was making him. Well, as I've said before I am a little gun-shy of making clothes for Henry as he doesn't always actually wear them. But, after some stash searching he found some Sarah Jane's Children at Play bike fabric that he liked. I had always planned to make shorts with this fabric but only ever manage a waist band and a bag. So, another pair of Kid shorts were made, the racer style this time...
Henry's measurements put him right where he usually is (size 3) but I made a quick muslin for him as well, just in case. I've got to say, I totally love this style, mostly because there is no hemming! HA! I think Henry likes them too, at least he did after I made them. I added a little pocket to the back, just because...
After sewing up the shorts I decided to sew up a couple of quick 3/4 sleeve raglans (pattern from Sewing for Boys) to go with them.
I used left over stripey fabric from these tanks and a couple of men's white tees that I got on clearance (a pack of men's undershirts for $5, nice white cotton and finished shirt hems!).
This time I actually added a little tag to the back because the kids always, always have a hard time figuring out the front vs the back with raglans...
I love these shorts and raglans, such a summery vibe...
And, they are super cute, of course these darn kids are pretty helpful in upping the cute factor!
Something newish this summer for us, going out in the evening! I know that sounds silly to some of you, but others I'm sure understand what I mean. In years past the idea of leaving the house to do something at 6:30 would be considered insane! But, this year it's easier, like something I actually do by myself! No more day only dates for us! It's so awesome and has opened up a whole new lot of fun things for us to do!
I took these pictures last week at a free outdoor concert smack dab at the beginning of sunset, the lighting is amazing!
And it's good free live music outdoors with plenty of room to run, dance and explore...
Oh yeah, and there's ice cream too!
Man, making memories with these kids certainly outweighs those difficult times!
This post is part of the Shorts on the Line sewalong. Shorts on the Line 2014 is sponsored by: Britex Fabrics, Hawthorne Threads, miss matatabi, and Soak Wash. Hosted by imagine gnats, small + friendly, and Kollabora.
