Simplicity 1370 White Cotton Eyelet Shorts

I love white shorts!  I have several store-bought pairs, but I never seem to have enough.  Plus, you know, they are white, so they develop stains pretty quickly.  This is Simplicity 1370, view B.  The fabric is this cotton eyelet from JoAnn's, layered over a stretch cotton bottom-weight, also from JoAnn, but I have no idea which one.

This pattern is unique for shorts in that it has a back zip.  I loved how quickly they came together with no fly front to worry about.  They fit very well, too!  I would lower the waist band by about an inch next time.  That's just personal preference, though.  They do not come up super high - just below my belly button.

I debated whether to use an invisible zip or a regular one.  I decided on a regular one for a bit more strength, but I would go with an invisible one next time.  The regular zip is definitely visible if I tuck in a top (so I won't with these).  They are not tight, so I am not worried about the zipper breaking after all.

The only fitting adjustment I needed to make was to scoop out the front crotch about 1/4 inch to pull in some bagginess.  Other than that, these are straight out of the envelope.  Love that!

Overall, I am happy with how streamlined these look under an un-tucked top, and I have some ideas to improve them for future versions.

McCall's 5857

Hi there!  I have such a backlog of projects I want to share.  I've been sewing and knitting up a storm since the boys have been back at school and back in their activities.  First up is some fun shorts using McCall's 5857.  This pattern is apparently out of print, which is just silliness, because it is a lovely basic shorts pattern.

The reason I am headless in these shots is not because my head looked a fright that day.  Actually, I had just finished fluffing my hair and reapplying lipstick.  No.  The reason I am headless is that the exact second Hubs and I went out to take photos (in the fading light, of course), it started to rain, so we opted to stay on the covered section of the porch.  Hence, close quarters, and hence, no head.

Anyway, the fabric is a fun cotton madras from Pennie Fabrics in Sarasota.

 This pattern has a mock fly front, which looks fine from the outside but isn't as pretty inside.  Easy enough to change if I'm ever so inclined.

 I love it with my chambray shirt (purchased, not sewn).

By the way, I've made these shorts once before, but before you click on the link, know that wool shorts were "in" for a minute, and you may find your heart in your throat at sight of a little fellow who is now 6 years old (no?  just me?).  Anyway, here they are.  :-)