Wednesday 12 February 2014

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.

Colette Iris Shorts

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.

Colette Iris Shorts

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.

Colette Iris Shorts

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.

Colette Iris Shorts

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!

Colette Iris Shorts

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).

Colette Iris Shorts

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.

11 comments:

  1. So cute + I love the pockets 'n' colour :)
    Re: the lumpy-bumpy seam allowance on the waistband - yup grading the SA will help loads... and to make the trimming/grading of SA easier - try Duck-Billed Applique Scissors (they help to prevent you from accidentally snipping the fabric underneath the area that you are trimming).

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    1. Thanks Claire, they are a fun addition to my wardrobe. Thanks for the great tips. I'll put duck scissors on my birthday list and see how Tim interprets it ;)

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  2. Hi Liz! I just found your bog via Indie stitches on facebook :) It's so nice to find aussie blogs, and even melbourne bloggers! I'm new to blogging my sewing and have just made my first piece of clothing - the Wiksten tank! Just had a look around your blog and I'm really inspired! I've already hit the follow me on bloglovin button :)

    Lou

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    1. Thanks for those kind words Lou! I checked out you wiksten tank - it looks great! Thanks for following me :)

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    2. No worries :) I'd love to go along to some social sewing events, where can I find out more?!

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    3. Check out Rachel's blog My Messings for details on a monthly sew social. Thread den run sewing nights and the meetup website also has other social sewing groups. Other fabrics meet up are less frequent I think. Good luck and hopefully meet you soon :)

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    4. I have seen My Messings actually! Thanks for the info for the others! Hopefully I can get along to one of these events soon!

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  3. These shorts are really cute. Nice fabric choice.

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  4. Oooh love these!! So glad to hear the tips on fitting - and that it was an easy make overall - they look great! Don't you just "love" the infamous visible invisible zip? LOL I seem to have way more of those than the invisible variety - ha! ^__^

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    1. absoltuley! and I think a zipper at the but always try's its hardest to pop out and say hello!

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