Sew: Geometric Burda 7381 Shorts

I almost forgot to post this Christmas present make. Second only to the Liberty Negroni shirt, these are a firm favourite in the handmade gift department. One of my brothers rang me one day asking where to get cool fabric in Brisbane to make himself some shorts. I rattled off the usual suspects and thought a pair of handmade shorts would be a good gift for him. So I dutifully jotted down the idea many months ago. When the time came to get cracking on my present making, I went to Spotlight to purchase a mens short pattern and some fabric. I knew I wanted printed fabric of some sort and quickly spotted this fabulous geometric style design. But I couldn't find another cool fabric for my other brother. So I made them matching shorts! I did not stage these Christmas day outfits or the photo shoot at all. After opening their gifts they promptly put on their shorts and both happened to be wearing grey tshirts.

I matched the pattern horizontally across the side and crotch seams. For ease of sewing, I omitted the pockets and fake fly front. They have requested pockets for next years pair! An absolute breeze to sew and I'm so glad they like their shorts.

Project Details
Pattern: Burda 7381, view A
Fabric: Geometric Buzoku Cotton Duck fabric
Alterations: Omitted pockets & fake fly front, shortened to 46cm side length

I have some of this fabric left over. What should I do with it? A Moss Mini would look good...

The last photo is of them modelling their shorts in an action whilst making Mojitos. They crack me up!

L x

Sew: Colette Patterns Negroni Shirt in Liberty Capel

I made my beloved husband a Liberty shirt for Christmas. He's a collared shirt kind of guy and I thought it was time he embraced Liberty. I nearly fell off my chair when he agreed to the floral Capel print. Partly because he never wears floral, but mostly because I thought I might score the fabric if he disapproved! Thankfully he approved and away I went. I love this print and the dark blue background is beautiful. The flowers are a yellow cream which is striking against the dark blue. Love it. I bought him another two Liberty prints which I'll make up soon. Especially now that this shirt is such a success. It has already been worn many, many times!

I have to say that this is my proudest make to date. And that is a big, big call! It was such a pleasure to sew and the girls at Sewjourn can support that. Everything came together beautifully. The diagonal floral stripe matched perfectly. Not only on the front but across the yoke and side seams. And, can you see the pockets?? No, me neither.  

The pattern is of course the Colette Negroni. I've made it once before with limited success. The fabric was a dud. Too drapey and with some weird polyester content. I also made it too big. This time, I went down a size and chose Liberty, a beautiful crisp cotton lawn. 

Project Details

Pattern: Colette Patterns Negroni shirt, size L

Fabric: Dark blue Capel Liberty of London cotton lawn from Shaukat

Alterations: Shortened sleeves by 7cm

Just looking at this shirt in detail again makes me want to get stuck in to another shirt. I first must unpack all my sewing things from Sewjourn. It was almost a month ago!! Once I'm done with his next two shirts, I'm going to do the Archer for myself. It will be just in time for Winter by the time I get around to it...

Want to make a Liberty Negroni now?? 

L x