Sporty Summer Sewathon

When Karen announced her Sporty Summer Sewathon I really, really didn't think I would take part because I don't generally wear shorts, never mind about real exercise clothes!  However, on Friday evening I was sorting through my sewing patterns for no particular reason and I came across this beauty:

I don't even remember buying this pattern and had completely forgotten I owned it but I am so glad I found it!  I had a quick look in my fabric cupboard and found three metres of stretch denim I bought from Minerva Crafts (stripes and patterned).  I had intended to use the striped denim to make the child a little blazer and the patterned to make a skirt for me but I think this is a better use!

I made a quick muslin of the shorts in some furnishing fabric to check the rough fit then got started on the skirt.  Because of the amount of stretch in this fabric I wasn't too concerned with getting the fit exact.

The skirt is a wrap around skirt fastening with two buttons at the back and was really straight forward to put together.  I love the huge pockets on the front and cut them on the cross grain for added visual interest. I really like the effect of the stripes on the centre front seam, pockets and waistband.

For the shorts I used the patterned denim but did not have enough to cut a waistband out of.  The pattern actually has a waistband half the size and is fastened at the side using hook and eyes.  Aside from the fact that I did not have hook and eyes I decided an invisible zip would be much better.  The only other change I made to the pattern was to lengthen them by 5cm.  I really like the fit of these shorts and have shocked myself by actually wearing them in public today, not just for the photo shoot!

The top is a Colette Sorbetto made using leftovers from the one I made for Flossie.  There wasn't enough of the border left so this one is plain and is cut on the cross grain.  I used some Liberty Lifestyle cotton for the bias binding which I think looks really pretty.  I have made myself a few Sorbettos and always make the same changes.  I have taken out the front pleat, raised the shoulder seam, lowered the front darts and added ones at the back.

This outfit has been a complete surprise and revelation to me.  Aside from finding a pattern I didn't know I had, I didn't imagine I would make myself some shorts, never mind wear them in public!  I am so happy with the whole outfit and I had a fantastic time with my friend Kara taking the photos.  So thank you Karen for encouraging me to try something new!