Hello,
I can’t believe my last post on this blog was January 8, 2021. Life was busy, school happened, my sewjo went bye bye, and blah blah blah. But the best part, I learned some sewing skills from class, life slowed down and I GOT MY SEWJO back, oh and I look totally different now. Nothing drastic, but I cut my hair again. Most of you that know me, know that I love a short cut and I went back to that. I absolutely love it.
This the #sequoiamccalls, paper bag short with the tie belt. I constructed view b, size L based on my hip measurement, to complete this look. The fabric on the pattern is crepe, faux leather, poplin, and cotton blends. This short has the option to be lined with a lining fabric similar in weight to the fabric you are using for the shorts. I did not line these shorts, a personal choice, and it is way too hot in California for linings right now. I used a linen fabric that I found a Joanns Fabric and Craft. It can be found here. Please note the color that I am wearing is no longer available online, but I purchased this in store.
The pattern was instructions were pretty straight to the point. There wasn’t anything that made me think twice, super simple and easy to follow. I like that. The issues I did have are that the shorts pattern itself needed to be altered to fit my body. I wasn’t sure how to correct the fit issues I was having on my own. Carol in the Facebook Group Carol’s Sewing Corner was having a sew along for this pattern and she was answering all fit issue questions and any other questions, Carol is an absolute genius and she is freaking hilarious. She is the BEST!!!
The issue I was have was the shorts were being caught in between my thighs in the front and the back was, let’s just say a little uncomfortable, they were on the “cutting edge”. In order for Carol to assist each Sewist in the group were asked to make muslins, straight out of the envelope, with zero alterations, this way she would be able to identify the issues and talk you through what alterations needed to be done to get a good fitting short.
I was able to lengthen the crotch to help with the front and back issues. I absolutely love how these turned out. If it weren’t for the instructions on how to alter the pattern pieces for the fit issues I was having, I would not have made this pattern. I typically don’t wear shorts because of the fit issues, now I feel more confident wearing them, knowing that they are going to look great and fit my body shape.
Pattern Description: Misses’ Shorts, Pants, and Belt
Pattern Sizing: XSmall, Small, Medium, L,arge, XLarge, XXLarge – I cut the Large
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow? Absolutely
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the end product and that I understood the Pattern instructions.
Fabric Used: Linen from Joann Fabric
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Needed to lengthen the crotch. I have runner’s thighs and the shorts were gathering in the front, which then made the back seam uncomfortable.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes and Yes.
Conclusion:
I usually don’t wear shorts as they never fit me correctly, with the alterations to the pattern I think I found me a new “favorite” shorts pattern.
Riesha Nicolle 