Every now and then my secret alias' pager bleeps and a little message comes through from Liesl of Oliver +S. This time, my mission, should I choose to accept it, was to demonstrate two techniques using the new SoHo Shorts & Skirt pattern. Firstly, to add belt loops, secondly, to add a lining.
I did the belt loops on some summer weight chambray shorts, froze my arse off modelling them and then instantly decided I wanted lined, wool, winter shorts. These, I would wear with tights - like I was some middle-aged, home sewist crafting version of Shannon Doherty from 90210.
Apologies for the crumpled waistband. I didn't iron in the nineties and it seems I still don't.
The wool blend fabric, and the lining, both came from the remnants bins at Rathdowne Fabrics during their recent half price remnants sale. It's a lovely soft wool with nice, drapey quality which suited this shorts pattern perfectly.
Knowing that I would be wearing them with tights, or stockings at the least, I left the leg length his time and didn't add any extra length. So, apologies for the eyeful of quad :) - although I have to point out that they are less glaringly and frighteningly pale due to these magic stockings that have BUILT IN SOCKS. Seriously, built in socks. I knew I was right with my boots and shorts in winter idea when there are already stockings in shops that have built in socks. It's a thing for sure.
I got all nice and fancy with the finish, hemming the shorts with bias and then an invisible hand stitched hem. Then I added thread chains at the inner and outer leg seams to keep everything where it should be as I'm swishing around on my Luke Perry fantasy coffee date.
(Edit: I couldn't go back to the nineties. I'm not sure there was good coffee)
For all the details (and some neat little graphics, if I may say so myself) on how to line a pair of pants, head over to the Oliver + S blog where the post is now live. Click the image below for a re-direct:
I've sold A on the idea of shorts with tights, and while I'm still not 100% certain that it is appropriate for this century, on this lady, it will be insanely cute on a seven year old. There should be enough wool left over for a pair of Finch Shorts for her....
After all I think I'd rather my coffee date was with my kid, in our matching, dorky handmade outfits.
Details:
Pattern: Liesl & Co SoHo Shorts
Size: 10 (no alterations)
Mods: Added lining as per tutorial on Oliver + S blog
Fabric: Wool blend fabric and rayon lining both from Rathdowne Fabrics.
Notions: Invisible zip, thread, interfacing
These look fabulous! The '90s are having a resurgence right now. Love the 90210 references! Off to find myself some tights and/or stockings with socks...
ReplyDeleteTHanks Meg. I've worn them quite a few times and the whole winter shorts idea is growing on me.
DeleteNot dorky at all - they look very good on you! I will have to go look for these nifty stockings with socks. (By the way, if you do find yourself magicked back to the 90s, you would probably have to try Pellegrinis for a decent coffee... everywhere else will only be serving cappuccinos!)
ReplyDeleteIt did occur to me that there would "always be Pellegrini's" :)
DeleteI think these are super fashionable (the 90s are so totally back, dudette)! Things I won't do: chokers, baggy plaid shirts, lucite (or was that the early naughts?), army boots. Not saying other people shouldn't, but I truly burned out on them. Things I will totally do: flowy sweaters, flowy everything, baggy elastic waist pants, lots of black tights, midi skirts. Things I'm on the fence about: bodysuits, mom jeans, rompers. Still considering those. Shorts over tights is in that "on the fence" category as well for me, but you are doing a lot to help me here, since these shorts are so culotte like, they almost qualify as a skirt, thus toning down the more youthful look I remember with winter tights ... But finch shorts or bloomers with tights is ABSOLUTELY the cutest thing on a little kid, no question! Baby Bea convinced me of that!
ReplyDeleteThanks Inder. I suspect it's the "fashionable" part that's mildly freaking me out. I've never done on trend, which I guess is what saved me form going "full grunge" in the '90s. Phew! :) Happy to listen to the music, just not to wear the t-shirt!
DeleteI don't know if winter shorts is a Thing, they looks super cool on you , so I say go for it! A pair of shorts over tights will look super sweet on A!
ReplyDeleteTHanks Jenya. I think A is up for it, but I have so much else to make and I wonder if winter won't be over too soon. Nice problem to have when it comes to winter, hey.
DeleteSure I have seen plenty of winter shorts-with- stockings ( or leggings!) all through winter this year! Yours look great! ( cue 90210 theme tune playing in the background, or maybe REM's " Losing my religion" )
ReplyDeleteThanks Dianne. That's me in the corner alright. :)
DeleteI think you need a short sleeved jacket to go with them... In the same colour, with a brown silk scarf around your neck. Bring back safari suits!
ReplyDeleteFantastic looking shorts and where are socks with tights?
Oh absolutely, and maybe a pair of leather flying goggles. I would look completely daft but I think I would feel a bit like Amelia Earhart!
DeleteLove these wool shorts, lined and with the additional touches just divine. Now where do you get those stockings with BUILT IN SOCKS I need to know for my poor freezing feet.
ReplyDelete