Note: I received the fabric in this post for free, in exchange for my post. All opinions are my own 🙂
Today I’m sharing a project that’s been in the works for quite a while- almost an embarrassingly long period of time, if I’m being honest. Back in May, I received a lovely box of fabrics from Harts Fabric, including a cotton/linen chambray and a beautiful hemp knit. I was about to go on a trip to San Diego, so I quickly washed and folded it, setting it at the top of my list for my return.
Unfortunately, as soon as we got back we were hit with a variety of hideous illnesses- am I the only one who thinks that summer sickness is totally unfair? When you have a family of five, it’s like watching dominos fall in slow motion…just when you think you’re done, another person gets sick.
Further delaying my post was the fact that my first muslin of what was supposed to be my favorite summer shorts (the Emerson Shorts by True Bias) went totally awry- I’m honestly not sure whether it was me, the pattern or a combination of both, but I couldn’t get my test pair over my hips for anythin’.
After I recovered from the self esteem hit, I knew it was time to find a new pattern- as I was determined to make my breezy summer shorts vision come to fruition, despite the discouraging setback.
For my second choice, I turned to the Getaway Shorts by Pattern Emporium– I own several of their patterns, but haven’t ever made one (#patternhoarderproblems), so I was actually taking another big risk. I cut an Australian size 8, which seemed like it might end up too big, but fit my measurements, and went to work.
Chambray is quite relaxing to work with (it just presses so well!), and I even found myself with enough energy to add a few unique details, like the curved side seam and bias binding around the bottom.
I used an iridescent “denim” colored topstitching thread from Coats and Clark- I like how it stands out a bit against the main fabric.
I really like the waistband of these shorts- the elastic is stitched through in rows, making it extra comfortable and preventing twisting, a common (and irritating) problem with encased elastic waists. I also love the angled front pockets- they’re deep enough to hold my phone, but not so big they look comical on me.
While the shorts did indeed end up a bit big on me (mental note: make the 6 next time/trust instincts) they’ve been worn several times since these photos, and are amazingly comfortable in our hot! hot! hot! weather.
This is the back view- the pattern included an option for back pockets, which I wish I would have used! It looks a little blank back there…
After the shorts saga, I needed a quick and easy solution for the hemp knit, and found it in the Lago Tank.
I’ve made the Lago several times before, and knew I could rely on it to produce a winner. The color of the hemp knit was a surprise in my order, and I wasn’t sure initially whether it would suit me or not, but the weight and drape of this fabric is so amazing I needed to give it a try.
Turns out, I’m in love. I really enjoy how sewing encourages me to go out of my comfort zone in trying new styles and palettes- I’m much more adventurous with my machine than I am in a store with my wallet!
Immediately after this fabric was sewn up into a tank, I got requests from my husband and sons for a trio of tees- I only had enough left over to oblige one of them, and here’s the lucky guy!
We don’t get to twin much, so I had to seize the moment for some sweet mother/son shots!
Yes, its a totally boring boys tee (courtesy of Jalie 2918). And that’s the way he likes it. Anyone else have a kid who likes the basics?
Huge thank you to Dana of Hart’s Fabric for sponsoring this post- and for sharing some of her beautiful fabric! If you’re ever in the Santa Cruz area you should definitely stop in- Hart’s is where I took my jeans making intensive weekend class in January, and they always have something fun coming up!
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