Monday, July 23, 2012

New Look 6100: I Made Shorts!

Until today I had a grand total of one pair of shorts in my drawer: a sad pair of black nylon swim shorts that had ARMY printed on one leg. Got 'em at the thrift store when I needed some for swimming in a river last year. And haven't worn them again since!

So maybe that tells you a little about my penchant for wearing shorts; i.e., I don't have one.

But something about the photos I'd seen on some of my favorite sewing blogs, plus the drawings for New Look 6100, made me think this pattern might work for me. The contour waist, side zipper, angled pockets and, most of all, flared legs, seemed different from the other patterns I have for pants and shorts.

I really like them. The flared legs are great for my inner thigh fullness--no wrinkles! And I think the contour waistband and side zipper are so nice and clean. No fly front zipper pokes out over the round curve of my tummy. I understand the thinking that the fly front gives a nice vertical line for the eye and is therefore slimming, but a flat front just seems to work better for me.


The fabric is a cotton sateen with stretch from FabricMart and boy does it grab lint, fuzz and hair with enthusiasm! Not a good thing when the dog of the house is a Great Pyrenees.


I almost cut the size 14, as my weight has been more on the upper side of where I want it to be this last month or two. But after checking the finished garment measurements, I realized that would be just too much fullness. I cut and sewed the 12, and they feel really good, but I'm concerned about them growing through the day and feeling too roomy. Next time I might cut a smidge smaller than the 12, depending on fabric. This is all to say that the pattern seems generously sized to me.


I sewed them straight from the envelope. No adjustments. Let me repeat, no adjustments. Amazed.


Looking at the back here, I can see that I need to do something to refine the back darts, but I'm not so sure what. Suggestions welcomed!

I did not do any topstitching other than at the pocket edges. Nothing is more discouraging than laboring over beautiful topstitching and then finding out the garment is a poor fit. Next pair I'll add more topstitching.

As to the length, these are 14 1/2" from the waistband to the hem. I did not use the hem facing but turned up a double 1" hem. The finished inseam is 4", which sounds short, but doesn't look too short to me. I think it has to do with the crotch depth, too.

New Look's instructions for finishing the waist facing at the invisible zipper didn't appeal, so I went my own way, with not such good results (the top edge is symmetrical, but flares out a bit at each side). After the fact, I went searching for a good tutorial, and Sherry's very clear method is what I'll be using in the future.

It's worth noting that these go together quickly and easily: a fast, fun project. And my word, this patterns has brought shorts to the (basically) shortless.

More versions are in the planning stages! Next I'd like to try View B, which is fuller and 2" longer. I have a piece of beige linen that may get the nod. Thinking these will wind up more like culottes, which sounds fine to me!


15 comments:

  1. Those are cute shorts. I didn't notice the back darts until you mentioned it. Maybe they end too abruptly? Do you "kiss" the fold of the fabric for a distance at the end?

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    1. Shams, you may have a "point" there! In theory I know about how I am supposed to make several stitches on the edge right at the fold, but I am frequently not sewing it that way. I'm making a second pair, so I marked the dart line (rather than eyeballing it per my usual current practice). Much better. Can't wait to see how it works out in 3-D. Thanks for the advice!

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  2. Well if you only have one pair of shorts, these are just the ones to have. Nicely done!

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  3. These turned out beautifully! Echoing Shams - the darts could probably be extended just a tad. Otherwise - looks like you have yourself the perfect shorts pattern.

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    1. Irene, I'm incorporating your advice even as we "speak". I think my sewing in general will benefit from you and Shams' feedback. Thank you so much!

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  4. These look great. You might also move the darts toward the center about 2 inches, if the other suggestions don't work as you hope. They seem way too far toward the sides, as compared to where your body fullness actually is.

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    1. Barbara, thanks for your input! I just finished a second pair with better dart sewing technique, but still a little bubble at the tip. Your suggestion will be incorporated into Pair #3 for sure. Looks like the dart is pointing to a little hollow spot right now. It's so helpful to get another pair of eyes and the experienced advice of other sewers!

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  5. Barbara, I saw on Male pattern Boldness you were looking for US made shoes. Have you checked out San Antonio Shoes. I love the them I wear a 10-1/2 narrow and they fit great

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  6. Very nice! I've had recent success with shorts, too, so I can identify with your feelings. Those may have some minor flaws but they look awesome on you! Look forward to seeing the next version.

    http://SuesSewingStudio.blogspot.com

    SueC

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    1. Thanks, Sue! I enjoyed seeing your shorts, too. Love your thought about customizing the size of the coin and side pockets. Congratulations on your Kenmore purchase--it's great that it has resolved your topstitching difficulties.

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  7. Cute shorts, and they fit you beautifully. Definitely going to put this pattern on my Want This list.

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    1. Thanks, cuckoochanel! I hesitated about buying the pattern because it seems so basic but I'm really glad to have it. I love that contour waistband.

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  8. I knew reading through your old entries would get me in trouble! I loved these shorts so much I had to go out and find the pattern. Now for the making...

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