Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Workhorse Maritime shorts

Firstly, apologies for these boring boring pics. I view these shorts a bit like a functional car that gets me from A to B - it's useful and practical but doesn't set my world on fire. I don't mean to insult the designer in the slightest, it's just that I am not a shorts girl. I'm not exactly sure why, maybe it's that my legs are not my favourite feature (though I love my Moss Mini). Or maybe they just make me feel a bit too tomboy-ish: short hair + shapeless legs + shorts = boy? (but then there are some lovely feminine versions out there). I guess what I'm saying is that I didn't pretty these up as they are a practical item for me - for sitting on the beach building sandcastles, sclepping around the house on a hot summers day, digging around in the garden etc. But that's not a bad thing... I may not love shorts* but there's no denying how practical they are.



Anyway... as with the Moss Mini, I loved this pattern - it was a joy to sew. I made these for a weekend at a beach house with friends late last year and they were super useful and practical, just what I needed!


In situ on holiday with Polly top and Blue sky hat




I used a stash remnant of lighweight denim with a little stretch (first seen in this Belladone). As with the Moss Mini I took in the back seam quite a bit (is this like a 'sway back adjustment' I wonder?) and also the side seams slightly.



I enjoyed sewing the back pockets and thought next time I sew back pockets I may try a fun decorative stitching design (thinking of Mary Nanna here :-)



And here's something I feel a little nervous showing, the inside of the shorts. I am not the sort of sewer who prides herself on getting the inside finished beautifully I'm afraid, I'm more of the 'just get it done, I want to wear these!' sewer. But, as looking at others' inside pics of Maritime shorts & Moss Minis have been so useful I thought I should return the favour. And also I can show you that I did put something pretty in - the pocket lining is a sweet green quilting cotton and I also used coordinating green overlocking thread.

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Pattern Grainline Studio Maritime Shorts
Size 6
Fabric Stretch light weight denim from The Remnant Warehouse

T-shirt Mesop

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* Disclaimer: I do have to admit that my anti shorts stance is waivering when I look at all the lovely winter versions of Deer & Doe's Chataigne shorts styled cosily (like this)... I'm thinking of a pair in a lovely woolen fabric, teamed with thick tights, boots, merino wool top, scarf...

6 comments:

  1. Look at you go with those zips! I'll be sending my pants up for you to zippy up soon!

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    1. You're already an expert on the zips though! I'm glad I finally conquered my fear on them (well, I'm on the way at least, I've done 3 now :-)

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  2. Great work! I'm not a shorts person either, but I feel like I'm waivering too!

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    1. Interesting to hear I'm not alone Abby - I was thinking most women love them. Maybe we just need the right patterns ;-)

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  3. Oh, these are just impeccable! The fit, and the INSIDES, all perfect! I only wear shorts for things like gardening or painting or hiking. Dirty, messy, hot jobs. So to me they are an entirely utilitarian garment as well; like jeans, but even more utilitarian. However, these are some good looking shorts! I could see these done up in wool tweed with floral facings and little cuffs ... just saying ...

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Inder ;-) Yep, utilitarian generally, though I like your wool tweed idea... I'm starting to look forward to winter sewing!

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