For about 10 days a year I decide I like sewing. I have just entered that period. Fortunately for me it coincides with my local fabric store having a large selection of clearance fabric as the prepare to move locations. Now, do I really need fabric? No. For a person who only sews 10 days a year I sure to have a large fabric stash. Stash or not, when I find a decent knit for under $3 a yard I stock up.
This week we were in the 90s in Des Moines. That is well above our average temperature, and it was a shock. In between trips to the beach and sitting in the air conditioning I decided I should make a romper. I found the Runabout pattern from Patterns for Pirates and got to work. Did I make mistakes? Of course. Do I care? not really. I’ll be making this again. It might be what I wear all summer. For my next version I’m going to add 2-4 inches to the tank top. I’m tall, and didn’t make any adjustments to the pattern. I had several issues with the waist band (note to self: if a pattern recommends a video tutorial on a tricky step watch it). Even with all of the issues I had with this project I’m going to be happy to wear it all summer.
Elliot’s summer clothes are still packed in the basement. He has a few pairs of shorts upstairs, but he is constantly asking where they are. I decided that instead of going to the basement to get his summer clothes I would rather go to the basement to the craft room and make him a pair of shorts. He now has cool tropical shorts.
I used the Sunny Day Shorts pattern from oliver + s. I plan on making both kids a few pairs of shorts before my yearly sewing binge is done (yes, I also plan on bringing up Elliot’s summer clothes). I’m thinking of adding a pocket to the shorts.
Have you ever added pockets to a pattern that did not have pockets? Do you have any tips?
A very special thanks to Kathy and Alissa, who inspire me all year with their sewing projects. Looking at their projects is what gets me excited to sew. If they didn’t write about what they were sewing I would only sew 2-4 days a year.
mildlygranola 
These are cute FOs and the fabric on those shorts is perfect. With you also sewing maybe I’ll get motivated to sew something other than a tea towel hem. In the meantime I’ll enjoy watching what else you make whilst your sewing mojo is high.
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I hope you start sewing, as I need all the inspo I can get.
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Ok found my patterns yesterday after some searching and have traced them onto separate paper as I am a bit hopeless with the rotary cutter. So perhaps I will manage to sew something today!
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The fabric on the shorts is great! I want to make a summer shirt out of it…
I am always adding pockets if a pattern doesn’t have them, and on the things I design, of course. I may carry my knitting, but never a purse – pockets carry my phone, wallet, and camera. I started by copying the pockets from patterns where they worked well, and now have a selection of cut paper patterns for in seam, front, and back pockets. I don’t always place them exactly where I want them to be, but they are easy to pin in place and move until I get it right! Or not.
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I’m going to copy you and start keeping the good pocket patterns in a folder so I can add them when I want to. Thank you for the advice.
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Every time I see one (or two) of your kids in a blog post I smile. They are adorable mini versions of you! Congrats on sewing something to wear, I am envious. I bought a couple books on making clothes but no clothes made yet lol!
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You can cut and sew a straight seam, so clothes should be easy for you. My seams are all wonky and I can’t cut worth a darn.
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Oh sure you make it sound so easy…:-)
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Awww, thanks for that Sarah! Your romper looks nice and cool for the hot days ahead. As for pockets…patch pockets are easy and can be whatever shape you want, just add about 1 1/2 inches to the top, and 5/8 on the other three sides. Then, fold the top over (right sides together) and the continue with a basting stitch (5/8 inch) on the other three sides. Use that as your press line, clipping as needed, then top stitch to your garment. In seam pockets are nice too, especially if you cut them as part of the body. Just stitch the pocket along with the side seams, and maybe a half inch at the top and bottom to keep it from folding out.
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Thank you for the pocket advice. I’m going to try in seam pockets with my next pair of shorts.
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Your projects came out great! I love the romper, and Elliot’s shorts have inspired me to sew some pj shorts for myself. You inspire me too!
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Your romper is just adorable! Elliot’s shorts are so cute too 🙂 You and Alissa make me want to learn to sew!
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What a great romper. So perfect for the coming summer months. Those tropical shorts are precious and he looks quite proud of them. I have never put in pockets unless the pattern called for them. So, I will be no help for you there.
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