I had never really thought about making shorts for myself, even though the few pairs I own are all either hand-me-downs or cut-offs from old denim. I rarely shop for clothing, and shorts have never made it high on the priority list. In fact, when I was pregnant with Eliot, I gave away all but 1 pair of my shorts (realizing that I didn’t like any of them. Does any one else think skinny jean shorts look a lot like biker shorts?) and planned on buying a few new pairs this summer. But I never got around to it. (I did inadvertently create one cute pair when I made my American Flag Denim Quilt🙂

When I spotted these Ikat Maritime Shorts that awesome and super friendly Jen (of Grainline Studio and Hound) made, I loved them. They are chic, simple, flat-front, mid-rise…what’s not to love? So of course a couple months later when she released the Maritime Shorts Pattern for sale, I immediately bought it. Jen is an expert seamstress and pattern maker. I devour the sewing tutorials on her blog, and am still amazed by the finishing details on the shirt she made me for the Button Up Refashion Swap. Jen’s patterns are really well designed, explained in detail, and so easy to follow. The Scout Woven Tee  I made with her pattern is still one of my favorites.

Making these shorts was a great learning experience. I lengthened the pattern to hit at the knee by extending the inseam and side seam by 10″, just following the same angle as the pattern, and I love the way they fit. I had never before inserted an actual, functioning fly, and the step-by-step in this pattern was so simple. I also loved putting pockets on! I almost always add pockets into the sides of dresses and skirts, but back pockets were something new for me! I did end up choosing a size too big on the pattern, so before adding the waistband I took in the side seams to fit, then cut a new waistband in the correct size. Next time, I’ll cut the right size from the start!

Now that we’re getting ready for fall, I can’t wait to wear these shorts with boots (in fact, I almost wore them with boots the day I took these photos, but the 80 degree weather swayed me back into my flats!) I’ll definitely be making another pair or two for next summer, and am excited to try a couple variations with them. High five to Jen for such an awesome pattern. Keep’em coming!

p.s. I got a little tired of my diy ombre hair, so I had it dyed back dark brown. Isn’t it amazing how a little change can be so refreshing?!