With summer approaching I figured I should make some cute shorts. Everyone and their mom raves about Grainline Studio’s Maritime Shorts, so I figured this was a great place to start. Also, I like to support the indie sewing pattern companies and usually their patterns fit much better than the big 4 and with less alterations.
Oh yeah – I decided to go back to pink hair – Gwen Stefani and Return Of Saturn FOREVER!!!
Almost 2 months ago I discovered www.terrysfabrics.co.uk. Although they are more of home decor fabrics, I knew the heavier weight could work out for pants or shorts. I picked out my fabric but when I received it I realized the owls were a bit larger than I thought they would be. I wondered if my plan for shorts was still good or would they look weird? I posted on my Instagram (follow me if you haven’t) asking for ideas.
But in the end I went with the shorts. The material was thicker and perfect for shorts. I have to say these shorts were a lot simpler than I thought and sewing with this material is a breeze.
When I made the shorts my waist measurement was 28 1/2″ and hips were 38 1/2″. This time around I was sure to make a muslin. I started out with a size 10 but those were HUGE!! I then decided to try out a 6 – I like my shorts to be short and tight. That size was perfect, so in the end I cut a size 6 and all seams were 1/2″ except for the sides, I did 1/4″.
The directions were great and the pattern very simple. Shorts can be very intimidating but these aren’t that bad – I promise! I already have plans for more. I can say though, the zipper instructions frustrated me like crazy. Next time I’ll follow the M6707 instructions, because those were super simple! Also – when you do the basting for the fly topstitching make sure to use a different color, that way you can remove the correct thread when you are finished.
I made sure to serge all of my edges for a more professional feel.
Make sure when you cut and lay out pieces #8, #9 and #10 to mark them. It’s really easy to get confused! These shorts remind me of jean shorts you buy at the mall. I loved that I could get a good fit by making my own. I also like that these are a bit more low rise that high up over your waist.
I highly recommend these if you haven’t made them already. This pattern is a pdf and only $8.50 – super deal! I love shorts with wild patterns on them – makes life more fun 🙂
Totally awesome, great job.
Thanks!!
They’re cute. I love the owls. Hair looks fab too
Thank you and thank you!!
Love the fabric! These shorts look good on you!
Thank you 😀
These shorts look great! (I love owls). I’ve had this pattern on my “to do” list for awhile now. I must try them out 😀
You really should! It’s great and summer is hopefully here to stay lol. I really do advise you to use any other fly zip tutorial though!
These are super cute! I love how the owls are peeking out of the front pockets!
Thanks for noticing that! I was very careful about how I positioned everything 🙂
Forgive me for unearthing this ancient post but I’m working on my own Maritimes and am squinting at the waistband markings with suspicion — did you wind up using their markings for the button/buttonhole, or just going with what looked right once it was assembled? Because the mark on the short side is *definitely* inside the seam allowance and I just can’t imagine how that’s gonna work.
I’m pretty sure I just guessed. It’s been awhile and I suck at markings, so I’m 99% sure I made up my own!!!