I really don’t love wearing shorts. Maybe it’s a comfort thing, maybe it’s a not wanting to feel too exposed kind of thing. Either way, I went on a spree of trying on shorts at various stores. It’s too hot and humid to wear pants, and a dress or skirt isn’t something I want to live in all summer. So I made shorts! They fit way better than any store-bought option and the fabric and finishes are much higher quality. Thank you sewing!

I’m always happy to make something instead of buying it at the store. It actually feels like a fault half of the time because I see something and tell myself “oh, you can just make that.” and then never actually make it. My closet looks pretty sparse lately and I’m ready to commit a little bit more time sewing a few things that I know I’ll wear. It’s hard to squeeze the time in, but it really is something I enjoy and I love sharing about what I make, even if it isn’t something from one of my own patterns. I hope you might find some of the stuff I write about helpful.

I had been seeing a few friends make the Spring Shorts pattern from Peppermint Magazine (pattern created by Pattern Runway for the magazine). They happen to be a free pattern, which is never a deciding factor for me. However, I thought it would be helpful to let you know that it appears to be somewhat limited sizing, which I’m guessing is part of the reason that they can offer it for free. I chose a size 10 and I think the fit is excellent. I did french seams for the side and crotch seams. I didn’t feel like changing my serger thread, so there you go! I think they’ll also be quite durable, too. I used some twill tape and a couple wood beads from my little pile of trinkets, and I really love how they came together.

The fabric is a linen from Indiesew last summer. I love it but at first had the hardest time deciding what project to use it for. At one point it ended up being, gasp, a table cloth! Which was perfect for the time (I didn’t even hem anything), but also was perfect from when I found it the other day and figured I’d give it a shot with these shorts! I think it’s the perfect shorts fabric for this humid summer.

I’ve already cut out a second pair (from chambray) that I’m equally as excited about. So hopefully those will get sewn up even quicker now that I’m familiar with the pattern, maybe I’ll add some patch pockets on the back!

Pattern: Spring Shorts by Pattern Runway for Peppermint Magazine
Fabric: Striped Linen from Indiesew, last summer (she has some cute options in her shop) also, Harts Fabric has a bunch of nice options here

So I snapped up Wiksten‘s linen earlier this Spring and totally blew the fact that I didn’t get enough for the first project I had in mind (the Wiksten Shift Dress/Top). I wasn’t too mad though, because I knew I could figure out something else to make instead. It’s such a beautiful color and nice drape for a summer garment so you can’t really go wrong. About a month ago, I had been seeing a few warmer climate sewists already sewing up tanks, which really gets the creative juices flowing when we’re still a bit cooler for a few more weeks. Surprisingly I felt the urge to jump in and get started even with other projects looming!

I always love Rae’s patterns, and the Gemma Tank had been high on my list for quite some time. It ended up being the perfect amount for a Gemma so I got to work! I love that this project takes hardly any time at all. Yet it still produces a beautiful tank that’ll be perfect for summer (and hopefully help get rid of my farmer’s tan a bit). I’m also really excited about keeping it around for fall and winter to layer under some cardigans (maybe I’ll even make one!). An added bonus is if you’re a Creativebug member, this tank is one of the classes you can take, taught by Rae herself! I love that. I’ve had a membership for maybe three years now and it’s such a great way to try something new or break out of a rut!

I started out without any changes to the pattern. I was really cruising along and finished, but then decided to wanted to take in the side seams a bit and then shorten it a smidge because I don’t think I’ll be tucking it in at all. I think the changes ended up being just right and am really happy with it.

Pattern: Gemma Tank by Made by Rae, video (which also includes the pattern) on Creativebug here.
Fabric: Wiksten Linen Fabric (peacock blue)

I made this Crescent Tote as one of my first samples before the pattern was published in Making Magazine’s No.6 issue. I always love using Ellen’s (Ellen Luckett Baker) beautiful fabrics. The designs, colors, and weight of the canvas fabric is my favorite for bag making. They’re popular, too! Most collections of hers sell out relatively quickly, so if you see one you like be sure to snap it up. I usually buy one yard and that covers what I need for *most* projects. If I’m making a large tote I might do a yard and half. 🙂

I’m so glad to see lots of Crescent Totes popping up! It’s a fun and relatively quick project. I definitely plan on trying to focus on quicker projects. I know I like them because they’re satisfying to make, especially if you don’t have lots of time to sew. They’re great for an afternoon of sewing, or breaking into two small sewing sessions. When I can I enjoy cutting and prepping in on session and then maybe the following day sewing things up! Do you like to sew that way? Or an all-in-one shot? I used to be in the latter category, but that lead to many late nights of sewing. Not complaining about that though, it satisfied my urge to make even when my kids were super little.

So I think this sample might be one I’m keeping for myself! It’s such a nice size for knitting projects, which has me thinking, what project to start on next?!?

Hope you’re enjoying this early part of summer (at least for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere). Have a great weekend! Oh, and if you finished a Crescent Tote (formerly named the Making Bag in the magazine issue) tag me on Instagram (@noodlehead531). I always love seeing what you make! So many fun fabric combinations to oogle over.

I have one more sample to show off (it’s been an interesting balance between some secret sewing and all the other stuff life brings), but I’m excited to share them soon!

Pattern: Crescent Tote
Fabric: Brushstrokes (Paint Collection) by Ellen Luckett Baker for Kokka Fabrics