Wear White After Labor Day-Absolutely!

As many of you know, we here in the US have just celebrated Labor Day-the unofficial end of summer. The old rule was that after the holiday, you should not wear white again until the next summer. From what I understand, this all started in the 50s among the wealthy. It was considered “refined” to stick to this rule. Well, I am of the belief that you should wear what you want (for the most part). So when it comes to this “fashion rule”, I say wear white after Labor Day-ABSOLUTELY!

Garments I’ve Made

While I don’t buy white and don’t wear it that often (almost every time I do, something’s going to spill 😂), I have made some things that I really love and that fit really well.

Morgan Boyfriend jean – this pattern by Closet Core Patterns is a looser fitting jean (more of a straight-leg jean)

Angela Wolf Skinny Jean

Seamwork Audrey Denim Jacket

Style Arc Sally Jean Skirt

Simplicity 8056 Amazing Fit – an oldie but goodie in the pattern department. I made these about a week ago.

Wearing these items is great because they are versatile. If you have similar garments in your wardrobe (whether handmade or store bought), consider how they can be mixed and matched with other items you have. In many parts of the country right now, we have been dealing with some serious heat. It’s hard to think about sewing for Fall when the temperatures are in the 90s and above.

Wear White After Labor Day-Absolutely!

I don’t know about you, but I appreciate the freedom of wearing what I want, whatever the season. While it’s always been possible to do so, it’s nice sometimes to actually do it and not feel like the “odd man out”. Hopefully this post will inspire you to keep wearing those things you love throughout the year.

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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.

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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

Making A Tunic With New Look 6105

When I received this viscose challis from Minerva, I know right away the type of project I wanted to make. That’s how I decided that making a tunic with New Look 6105 would be the perfect patten/fabric combo. The pattern calls for some type of flowy fabric that can move.

The Pattern

This particular pattern is from 2012, and I honestly don’t know if it is still available. There are four variations with the pattern (sleeves, length, hem). I made View A. It features a high/low hem short sleeves that roll up and a one-button front placket.

The Fabric

This ia a non-stretch, 100% Viscose fabric in “Amber” that was gifted to me by Minerva Fabrics. It is super soft and flowy. I also love fabric that washes and dries well (without shrinkage). And because it is a natural fabric, it is breathable so it’s great for summer.

Viscose challis is a versatile fabric that can be used for many different garments. Here is another Minerva make I completed last year.

Making a tunic with New Look 6105

The only change I made to the pattern was to add a snap about 2″ above the button. Otherwise, the shirt was just WAY to open for my tastes.

If I was to make this again, I would shorten the length. In the photo on the pattern envelope, the tunic doesn’t look as long as mine turned out. Now, this isn’t a problem for this one, but in the future, I would make that change.

Conclusion

Overall, this is a pretty easy pattern to make. Here is the post I wrote that’s over on their site. This was something fun to make that is easy to wear with jeans or even some linen pants.

Because of the length on this one, I would be careful to style this with slimmer pants or jeans.