sweetfrenchtoast » sewing + diy for a modern handmade life

In the time since I took a nasty spill in the middle of a run, I’ve been to urgent care twice and my sports medicine doctor once. I’ve had two sets of x-rays and had my arm in a sling for a few days. In other words, it was way worse than I thought…much more than just a skinned knee and elbow! While I (amazingly) didn’t break anything, I now have doctor’s orders to avoid running, biking, lots of stairs, big hills, yoga, lunges, and squats for three months. THREE MONTHS! I was just starting to feel like I was making good progress in my running, so this directive is pretty disappointing.

In happier news, I finally finished my Colette Iris shorts for the Black and White Challenge…and I absolutely love them!

As I mentioned when I shared my muslin, I made several changes to the pattern:

• added 1/2″ length
• moved the pockets to the side seams
• moved the invisible zipper from the side seam to the rear
• graded the hips down so the shorts will fit me in the waist and fit my narrow hips

All that work with the two muslins paid off! They’re a perfect fit.

I love this pattern so much, I’m planning a shorts wardrobe overhaul for summer! Once I sorted out my adjustments, making them was pretty straightforward. I really like the clean front and the invisible zipper, as it makes these slightly dressy.

With the custom fit, they are incredibly comfortable too!

Have you ever made shorts before? What’s your favorite shorts pattern?

I’ve finally made some decisions about what to sew for the Black & White Challenge!

I’ve decided to use some black and white fabric from my stash and tackle the Colette Iris shorts. The fabric I’m using has a pretty black and white floral print and has some stretch to it, so I thought it would make a nice pair of shorts. If I have enough left, I’ll try to make a pencil skirt too.

I’m making several changes to the Iris shorts, so I’ve made two muslins so far. That’s commitment, people! I really don’t want to muck up this fabric because it’s really nice, and since it’s been in my stash for a while, I’m not sure I could buy more. So I’m being extra-cautious and have made two muslins to try to get the fit and my changes just right.

I’m making the following changes:

• adding 1/2″ length
• moving the pockets to the side seams
• moving the invisible zipper from the side seam to the rear

I have pretty narrow hips, so I’m also grading the hips down so the shorts will fit me in the waist and not look like clown-wear in the hips and thighs.

I’m sure to an experienced seamstress, these tweaks would be a piece of cake. But for someone like me, who is still very much learning, they’re KIND OF A BIG DEAL.

I think, with this second muslin, I’m now ready to transfer my changes to my pattern and cut into my black and white fabric. I’m still a little nervous about getting the facings and the zipper to work out just right, and I can never quite turn up a straight hem, but we’ll see how it goes.

Wish me luck.