In the middle of our Australian Summer, I made two pairs of Oliver + S Sunny Day Shorts. I knew that before shorts wearing weather finished, I would make another pair, but with some modifications. I wanted to add contrasting bands to finish off the legs.
The Sunny Day Shorts waistband is constructed as a separate band. Not hard to do, but it does make for a lovely finish. Using the same method as the pattern, I added bands to the bottom of the legs.
How cute is that car fabric. It's Rush Hour, by Alexander Henry. Sadly, I only have some little scraps left. I'm not sure what the blue is, but it's quite a lightweight fabric that I found at the Fabric Cave. It does look a little like a linen, but I don't think it is.
To make the leg bands, I drew two lines (the width of the finished band), across the pattern and pinned the pattern to make it shorter. I made the leg bands the same width as the waistband. To attach the bands to the legs, I used the method described in the pattern for the waistband.
Looking at photos of the shorts now, I've realised I forgot to take the width of the hem off the pattern. This has simply made the shorts 1½" longer. This was on top of the 2" had already added for the previous shorts. Given that we're in Autumn and it's starting to cool down, I deliberately made the seam allowances less than the pattern stated, so the shorts would still fit well after Winter. My mistake means the length will be good, too.
I made doubly sure the directional fabric would end the right way up on the leg bands. Without thinking, I added the waistband the same way, making it upside down... LOL!!! Again, not a problem, as it will always be hidden under a t-shirt. Little Mr didn't mention it, so I assume he didn't notice and I haven't told him.
There is no pocket in the pattern, but it's easy to add an in seam pocket.
Once again, a session of kicking a soccer ball with Mr TMW, enabled me to take lots of photos.
My previous Oliver + S Sunny Day Shorts post includes a full review of the pattern, as well as links to resources for making them.
I'll be adding these shorts to the following collections here at Threading My Way...
If we're lucky, there might be another month or so of warmish weather and then it will be time to pack the shorts away till Winter is over. I love this time of year, so I hope the cold weather doesn't arrive too quickly.
... Pam
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Oh heavens what a cute way to use up little bits of those special/fun fabrics we have laying around - then you could add a bit to a t-shirt or tank top and have a matched set!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great way to add interest, especially since the cute fabric on waistband is hidden. And the pockets are great, I love the peeking fabric! It is never a mistake if the one wearing it does not notice ;)
ReplyDeleteThe band looks great on these shorts. I really like the length, the added pockets, and the fabric you used.
ReplyDeleteNow that is an adorable model. A little boy's shorts without pockets? OMG! Glad you rectified that mistake. Where would they put all those exciting little treasures they need to carry around?
ReplyDeleteThose shorts a simply adorable and so is the little one who wears them! That trim fabric is so cute too. Your work is always top-notch!
ReplyDeleteWell done!!! I love the new look :)
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking it was a shame my boys are too old to appreciate these now, but actually with a pretty, floral trim I think these might work really well for a girl...
ReplyDeleteVery cute! I love that you used the same print fabric for the pocket bags.:) I hope that you do get another month or so of warm weather. I'm wishing and not-so-patiently waiting for warmer weather here. We've had a day or two that was nice but it's back to cool weather here for the next week.
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