What I Made This Summer

I may be a bit late, but here’s my post about what I made this summer. When I was doing research for this, there were more garments completed than I realized. Here are the garments in no particular order along with the patterns used.

*This post may contain some affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Florals and Prints

The first top is the Ruched T from Angela Wolf patterns. The skort is an old Simplicity pattern S9336. The middle picture features a top I made with fabric gifted to me by Minerva Fabrics. Butterick 6685 is a super simple top pattern that was used for this look. Last of this group is the floral blazer. It’s a washed linen that I really love and it was also gifted to me by Minerva Fabrics (I’m a Minerva brand ambassador). For this I made Simplicity 8844. The pattern is an unlined blazer that has cup sizes so it’s easier to get a good fit.

My Travel Collection

This grouping features a knit travel wardrobe I made over a few weeks. The patterns used for this are the Angela Wolf Ruched T and the Angela Wolf Joggers patterns. This is so comfortable to wear and was great for travel. Along with a few other pieces made previously from the same patterns (and a couple of others) I basically had a complete wardrobe that coordinated.

Sleepwear and Short Set

These above were some fun projects to make. The first is a robe I made from a set of 40 year old Ralph Lauren sheets. It’s a lavender and white stripe cotton fabric that is the same type of fabric a button down shirt would be made from. For this, a very old (vintage) pattern was used – McCall’s 4320. The middle photo shows a pajama set that I made from a butter yellow and white stripe Ralph Lauren sheet set. These sheets were bought more than 40 years ago as well and I wanted to use the material for something since it’s such great quality. The top is Butterick 6296 and the shorts are McCall’s 8221. The last picture features a vest from Simplicity 3108 and the Colette Patterns (now Seamwork) Iris shorts.

Cargo Shorts

This is one of my last summer makes. These are the Love Notions Patterns Meadowlark Hiking Pants. The pattern features a shorts version that I made, and a full length pants version. These are so comfortable and I really want to make the long pants for fall/winter.

Conclusion

So that’s basically what I made this summer! From having a tree fall on our house in June to taking a quick vacation with my husband, then just trying to relax through the summer heat, I’m surprised that I got this much done.

It’s Been A Skort Summer

If you follow me on social media or on YouTube (and you should), you’ve seen the skorts I’ve made so far this summer. I’ve been using Simplicity 9336, with some alterations. I’ve had this pattern for a while, and I can’t believe that it’s taken me so long to try it. These are so comfortable to wear. So for me, it’s been a skort summer!

Pattern Alterations

Like I said, I did make some changes to the pattern, but not until after I had made it mostly as is.

The first thing was to add about 3″ to the length. As you can see from the pattern envelope, the skirt portion is pretty short (at least for me). After making the first one, I made additional changes and plan to do one more alteration. Because the skirt is more straight-line/pencil skirt style, I also made the additional skirts more A-line in style. It works much better for me and the look is smoother.

Pink skort S9336 — First skort of the summer

My Results

The great thing about this pattern is that the shorts fit me perfectly. I made no alterations to that part of the pattern. There is a pocket on the shorts that’s sewn into the side seam. It’s big enough for my phone, but it’s a bit awkward to access.

I guess if you are left-handed, you’d be better off putting the pocket on the left side.

Next, was this green skort made from fabric I purchased locally (this is a similar fabric).

For this particular make, I made the shorts from the same color as the skirt. It is very comfortable and something that’s very easy to wear. The pattern has a separate waistband. Wide can be used which also makes it very comfortable at the waist.

The latest one I made was with this Minerva scuba knit in beige.

The A-line style and the in-seam pockets have made this one a favorite of mine. I eliminated the pocket on the shorts but think I may add it back for the next one. That’ll give me three pockets which is just fine with me! With the alterations, this is similar in style to the Kate skirt I made last year from a ponte knit. Here is my original post about the first one I made (from a non-knit fabric).

It's been a skort summer back view S9336

Sadly, this pattern is out of print, but if you can get you hands on it (or if you already have it in your pattern stash), I highly recommend it. With or without the changes I made, it is cool and super comfortable to wear. I have fabric for one more of these and it’s still hot enough to get some wear out of it.

5 Quick And Easy Summer Shorts Patterns

Since many of us are in the middle of summer, I thought it would be a good time to write about making summer shorts. These 5 quick and easy summer shorts patterns are (mostly) beginner friendly. I am a person that believes that if you don’t challenge yourself a little bit, you won’t really perfect your skill and move beyond the simplest choice. I also believe that just because you’re more advanced, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a super simple pattern using your fabric scraps. So, let’s get into it.

*The following post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

The Patterns

McCall’s 8221

This is one of my most favorite summer shorts patterns. They are cute and comfortable.

I have made both views A and B. B is my personal favorite. They are at a comfortable length for me.

This pattern features inseam pockets and come in three lengths. There’s also an elastic waist. I made these in about an hour.

New Look 6055

This is a pattern where I have only made the pants but not the shorts. Since the pants were an easy project, I know the shorts have to be even easier.

As you can see above, there are two shorts versions. One, View E, seems to be a little bit shorter than the other, View D. Both of these have slant pockets, elastic and drawstring. As I stated, I haven’t made the shorts, I’ve only made the pants (View A). But those were easy to put together as well.

Itch-to-Stitch Sequoia Cargo Pants and Shorts

These are absolutely another favorite of my 5 quick and easy summer shorts patterns. The Sequoia is a pattern that is a bit more involved than a simple elastic waist. But don’t let that scare you!

Cargo shorts are terrific! This is a pattern that is definitely in my summer rotation when it comes to making shorts.

There are snaps, elastic and ribbed knit in the waistband as well as a front fly. She has a very good tutorial on how to assemble the waistband.

Itch-to-Stitch Sequoia Cargo shorts back

I have made this pattern twice. You can check out the Itch-To-Stitch shop here.

Colette Iris

Sadly, this pattern is out of print. But I still love it.

As you can see, this is rated as a “Beginner” pattern. If you know how to insert an invisible zipper, you can make these shorts!

The only alteration I made to mine was to make them a bit longer. Here is a picture of the first pair I made (many years ago)…

These shorts were part of a suit I made with matching blazer. Seamwork (formerly Colette) has a new pattern with the same name, but these seem to be a little different. And here is the blog post from the last time I made these shorts.

Kwik Sew 3854

Here is one I completely forgot about. I actually found this one when I was pulling out patterns for the YouTube video I made on this topic.

Now, if you look at this and think these are too short, don’t be discouraged. I almost always end up adding a few inches to the length of my shorts. I’ve not had a problem doing this and the results have been great. This particular pattern is one that I haven’t made yet. But I do like the two different styles. I have seen this made by other sewists, and it’s a very cute look.

Conclusion

So that’s my 5 quick and easy summer shorts patterns. What patterns are on your list? There’s still plenty of summer left here. Or there’s plenty of time to get ready for summer if you are in the southern hemisphere.

McCall’s 8221 New Look 6055 Kwik Sew 3854