Butcher Orange Colette Iris Shorts

I love wearing shorts in summer to bum around the house, go for walks and do all those things where a skirt/dress will get in the way. But, I only own TWO pairs and they are on very high rotation. I've set out to find a TNT shorts pattern so I can make myself at least a weeks worth. I love my Monochrome Tania Culottes but they're not quite everyday enough for me. Others have had success with the Colette Patterns Iris Short, so that's where I begun.

I ordered the pattern from Indie Stitches and went to find some suitable fabric that same day. I found this silky smooth red orange linen blend from Darn Cheap Fabrics. The fabric frayed quickly but was otherwise easy to work with. The Iris shorts were SO EASY to prepare with only 6 pieces to trace, all on only 1 half sheet of tissue paper, using just 1m of fabric! Not having to wrangle sheets of tissue paper was a nice change.

I made version 1, cutting a size 8 but extending the length down to a size 18. I followed the instructions and the shorts came together in just a morning.

I've called these my butcher orange shorts because, simply, I butchered them! They look OK from the outside but the inside it a hot mess. I went a little crazy pinking the the crotch seam and with the fray factor I'm worried I will have a hole in the crotch within a few wears. I attached the waistband facing by stitching in the ditch which is fine for the outside, but an uneven mess on the inside. I couldn't find a red orange invisible zipper, so say hello to my very visible white invisible zipper.

I also have two fitting issues. 1) The waistband is very lumpy and bumpy! I think this would be improved by trimming the seam allowances. 2) The crotch is VERY high. I don't thinks it's too noticeable from the outside as the fit in the bum and front seems good, but next time I will definitely need to lower the crotch curve just for comforts sake!

Looking past the mess, I like the shorts very much and can see myself making another pair or two. Overall the fit is reasonable, the length is perfect. The shorts are high waisted and I  love that they look good with a blouse tucked in or out (see below).

So far, making shorts has been fun and I'd like to try more. I'm thinking about the Pattern Runway Scalloped hem shorts or the Sinbad & Sailor Raven shorts.