Rayon Jogger Shorts

Hello! I’m back with what may be the tail end of my Summer sewing! At the beginning of the Summer I saw a pair of rayon shorts at Gap that I wanted to try to re-create. The fabric was an abstract navy and off-white print and the shorts were a loose, jogger style. I ordered some of this Cotton + Steel rayon with the intention of making shorts. I decided to audition a few different patterns before cutting into my actual fabric. I had recently sewn the sample of the Alexandria Pegged Trousers for Indiesew and I decided to start with that pattern.

This pattern comes with a shorts variation, but it has a curved “dolphin hem,” which I didn’t want. I went with a straight hem and cut them so the inseam would be 7″ after hemming. I was a little bit leery about the pleats on this style, because I grew up wearing terrible ’80s pleats. I gave them a shot, though, since I loved how the Indiesew sample turned out and I’d seen versions on other blogs that looked great.

The shorts fit well and are really comfortable. The construction is interesting because the outermost pleat sort of encases the top of the pocket.  Sadly, in the end I remembered why I prefer flat front pants/shorts. When I walk in these the fabric poofs out and I don’t think they are the most flattering on me. I feel like they look best when I wear a longer shirt that covers the pleats and holds everything down. Or if I just stand still. I am really glad I gave these a shot and I have worn them quite a bit, but I decided not to use this pattern for my Cotton + Steel fabric.

Next, I tried the Carolyn Pajamas. I knew I liked my pajama pants and figured at the very least I’d end up with some comfortable jammie shorts. I lowered the  rise by about 3/4″ based on my previous Carolyn pants. I also shortened the pants pattern instead of lengthening the shorts pattern. I hadn’t ever assembled the Carolyn shorts pattern so it was easier for me to do it this way.

I am really happy with how these turned out! It’s been a while since I saw my inspiration shorts so I can’t remember if they fit the same way, but I think this is the pattern I will use for my real fabric. The only question is whether I’ll get a chance to make them before Summer ends or if they’ll have to wait until next year.

I also made the tees that I am wearing.  They are both made from heather gray Laguna Jersey. The short sleeved tee is a Union St tee. It’s a great wardrobe basic! The tank is a hybrid of the Foxglove Tank and the Tessuti Lisa dress. I used the Foxglove for the neckline, the Lisa pattern for the arms, and then followed the Foxglove pattern to get the flared shape. I kept a bit of the high-low hem from the Foxglove Tank, but reduced it considerably. The tank is almost exactly what I envisioned, but I think the fabric I used wasn’t quite right.  I think something with a little more drape, like a rayon/spandex, would be better.  It’s a bit of a tent, but it’s a comfortable tent on a hot day.

So the question is– do I look like I’m wearing my pajamas??

~Teri

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