Wednesday 18 June 2014

Hello sailor!


As you'll know, if you've read this post, I've had plans to sew myself a pair of sailor shorts for a while. I have a LOT of striped tops in my wardrobe, all waiting patiently for some denim sailor shorts to turn up and be paired off with. Very patiently in fact - I haven't owned a pair of denim shorts since 1993…..


Obviously gigantic messenger bags were all the rage 20 years ago.

Sadly I'm no longer the stick-thin 24 year old in the photo, but I wasn't going to let that stop me,  I just used a pattern that was a bit more flattering to my shape. The pattern is Kwik Sew 3854 which comes with two options: mid-length sailor shorts (which I opted for) or a fancy looking shorts/culottes/skirt hybrid. This was my first time using a Kwik Sew pattern and I was mightily impressed with the well explained written instructions and clear diagrams. The pattern I used was kindly lent to me by Zoe, but Sewbox also stocks it here.


I cut a size medium, which, according to the envelope, should have fitted perfectly, but they turned out much too loose, especially around the derriere. The denim I used has some stretch to it, but I suspect this pattern is sized quite generously anyway, stretch fabric or not. As usual, I couldn't be arsed to sew a muslin, so had to make all the fit adjustments on the go. To get them to fit the way I wanted them to, I removed a 1½" wedge from the top of the back crotch curve and ⅝" from the top of the front crotch curve. This means my waistband now has a centre back seam in it, like gents trousers! I also brought in the inside leg by ⅝", but left the side seams as they were as I didn't want to mess with the shape.


I like the way sailor shorts or trousers are constructed: they have a central panel section/flap which folds open just above the pockets. When worn, the shorts are buttoned on each side of the waistband for a snug fit.  You can't really get a sense of the exact fit until they're all buttoned up, so do as I say and not as I do - make a muslin first if you're at all worried about sizing!



I faithfully followed all my own advice from my tips for sewing with denim post and they sewed up perfectly. I used a contrast cotton for the inside waistbands and pocket facings to reduce bulk - I like the fact that behind all that denim, lurks a tropical surprise





For buttons I used the same wooden anchor buttons from Textile Garden that Winnie used on her Nautical Coco. Aren't they amazing?! They come with little holes in them, so you can sew your own anchors in any colour of thread. My thanks to the reader who suggested they'd be a good match for my sailor shorts! It did take a little while to hand sew the anchors on six buttons, but I think the time invested was worth it. Sadly, my buttonholes are a bit of a mess, but that's the advantage of using gorgeous buttons - nobody will be looking at the buttonholes!

I love these shorts! The fit is exactly what I was hoping for: comfortable and flattering but with a bit of a retro flavour to stop them looking too mumsy (I hope!) And as expected, they're a perfect match with my striped Coco.

Untucked….

…or tucked in


Hoorah for sailor shorts! x



51 comments:

  1. I really love these! They're so cute on you!

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  2. I love the sailor shorts and think maybe I could give them a go too. Also, wowzer, what a fab figure you have in those skinny denim shorts!

    http://asaucystitch.blogspot.co.uk/

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  3. I have to say, you were gorgeous then - and you are gorgeous now! And you're still working the same great look (albeit, in new ways to reflect new times). Sailor shorts aren't my thing, too much emphasis on the tummy. but I love the line of these and the length is perfect.

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    1. Aw thanks so much Kristin. Yes, I'm definitely still working the same look, I just have a smaller bag these days! x

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  4. Glad yours worked out well, this pattern was a disaster for me, but that's just how it is sometimes! Nice one.

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    1. Oh that's such a shame - I remember your comment from the previous post. And I STILL didn't take your advice to make a toile….! I think I was just lucky this time! x

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  5. Va va voom! These look gorgeous. I would actually consider making these now I've seen yours, whereas I've previously always thought NO WAY SHORTS. Love them!

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  6. Wit Woo- they're fabarooney love the shape - fancy the pleated pair as well - I just need to master the miner issue pant/trouser/short crotch fitting after an epic failure recently :)

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  7. Oh my goodness you've barely changed in 20 years! These are totally darling, I'm sure you'll get a lot of use out of them, weather not withstanding. Yay for shorts!

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    1. Jenny I love you!!! I'm going to print your comment out and wear it round my neck! Thank you - and yay for shorts! x

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  8. Oh I love these - so cute and a great fit! I'm not a shorts person but you are tempting me with that pattern!

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  9. Wow those shorts are cute and you still have the legs to carry them off! I'm afraid I look akin to Don Estelle from 'it ain't half hot mum' when I wear them! (see how old I am!) ho hum!

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    1. Haha! You'll never believe this but I was actually going to use a picture of Don Estelle in this post!!! Honestly, honestly! x

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  10. These are totally you and look marvellous!

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  11. You still rock a pair of shorts! They look great. Love the old pic too, I remember those messenger bags! I had a (probably knock-off) Diesel one and thought I was the absolute bees elbows :-)

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  12. You look totally fab in these shorts. I was actually looking for a good sailor trouser pattern for Lindy dancing! These would work perfectly for trousers. And the other version with the culottes/skirt looks mega cute. Great post, thank you.

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    1. I think it would be really easy to adapt the pattern for trousers. And they'd be great for Lindy dancing! Good luck! x

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  13. Hurrah indeed, they are so flattering and I love those buttons, checking out all your links now and might just be tempted to have a go? since getting older and larger i too have avoided shorts...but then everyone love a sailor!!!
    bestest daisy j xx

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  14. These look so great!! Hard to believe shorts can be so flattering, and they fit your style so well!

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  15. Love love love these! They are perfect! I think it might have been me who suggested the buttons. I certainly thought it, so I'm glad you went for them. They are so right for these. :)

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    1. Aw, thanks again Helen, the buttons are perfect! x

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  16. The shorts are great - lovely details. That retro photo is so cool :)

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  17. I love the nautical look, it looks great on you...and I thought you were in your mid-thirties!

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    1. David you sweetheart! You've made my day! x

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  18. Too cute! This pattern is definitely going on my to buy list. I've always been a little bit self conscious in shorts but I think the A-line shape of these really works. And YAY for buttons covering dodgy button holes... say that to myself nearly every time I do the damned things :p

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  19. These look fabulous on you. I think your 24 year old self would be mightily impressed too!

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  20. Great shorts, but more to the point, fantastic legs! Cripes of be loathe to ever put these in the washing basket if I were you because they look ace! Rachel ☺

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  21. I so wish I could wear shorts like this. You really rock that sailor look and the shorts look fabulous on you! Definitely getting some of those buttons though. I haven't been on the Textile Garden website for a while and I see I've been missing out!

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    1. Thanks Nathalie! Recognise the facing fabric?! x

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  22. These not only suit your body shape, Jane but they suit YOU! Really cute! I hope you get lots of balmy Summer days to wear them! (We're meant to be well into Winter here in Queensland but it feels more like early Autumn. I was excited to wear warmish tights yesterday for a change!) PS Love the buttons too!

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  23. These look amazing! You've totally inspired me to make my own!

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  24. they look great and you have fab legs! Very inspiring

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  25. Those buttons! I might have just found some inspiration for that stretch denim in my stash :)

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  26. Fabulous shorts, look amazing on you.

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  27. You've struck gold again Jane! Looking fab both then and now … I had that bag, was it Next! x

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    1. Yes it was from Next!!! That's hilarious Amy! And thank you. x

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  28. These are seriously fab!
    I can't see me having time for these this year but ones to remember for next summer.
    They are a really flattering cut.
    Your post has also reminded me about the Dragonfly fabric offer - need to see if still on. I'm going to be a copy cat and do a nautical stripe Coco.

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  29. Thank you! Yes, the Dragonfly 15% discount is valid for the whole of June - code is handmadejane. x

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  30. These are super duper cute!!!!!

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  31. These look super cute! They really suit you. I've always fancied a pair of sailor shorts so I'll bookmark the pattern.

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  32. those shorts are awesome! loving the anchor buttons! although i do think you should start sharing your anti ageing secrets!
    frankie
    www.knitwits-owls.blogspot.co.uk

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  33. Wowsers! Your shorts are fab, and they look great on you. I'll add to the love of the anchor buttons too. Loving the Past Jane photo, you look just the same! And I had a big messenger bag back then too, it was black moleskin and I think it was from Dolcis. How do I remember that?!

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  34. Very nice shorts,look great on you. I like the pockets and the buttons. Regards Berie!

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  35. What a nice little pair of shorts. It's so "Jean Paul Gautier"!

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  36. Looooooove!! Also - neeeed those buttons! x

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  37. those buttons are seriously cool! great make :)

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  38. Stunning lady! I have had a muslin of those shorts cut out for forever. So long in fact I lost 2 st since so its now useless anyway! Must get back to them though after seeing your fabulous version! x

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  39. So cute! I love this pattern and the buttons that you used!

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