Denim Shorts; A Summer Necessity

 Hello Readers. Every summer I need one thing in my wardrobe, denim shorts. It is a must. Since the time of Covid my shorts have gotten too small every year so I have to make a new pair. So, welcome to "Denim Shorts 2023 Edition".

It's an annual tradition!

Capri length jeans are not flattering on me. They tend to cut off my legs in a bad way. These will be perfect to cut off into summer shorts.

I like to try them on inside out and make a mark where I want to cut the length. 

I used a seam ripper to get the frayed look. I picked at the edge of the shorts and then washed the to get really good fraying.

Do you have a problem with the waist being too loose? I did but I found an easy solution. 

I found these metal jean buttons on Amazon a while back. (Not an ad. They don't know me.) They have a cap that you can take on and off the back like an earring. You can put them in jeans, or anything else. They stay on really well.

I attached the button a little further over and put the cap on. 

When I button the waist it is a couple inches smaller. No sewing needed!

Here is to a fun summer full of relaxation. (Just kidding. I'm a mom of an 8 yr old boy. We don't sit still.) Thanks for reading along, now go make something fun for yourself.

***Year End Update- I wore these all summer. They were perfect for casual mom life.

Easy Fixes

Hello Readers. It is so hot and humid outside. I hate the heat and humidity. Is it because I lived in Florida when I was young? And always got sunburned? Maybe. The point is, it is still summer so I am going to make and wear shorts because it is still summer where I am.. 

I have to make shorts because these Capri pants are killing me! It is just the worst look I could wear. They were hand-me-downs, which I love, (Thanks Sue C.!) but this length just cuts my legs off visually. This is not a good style for me.

  I cut the Capri pants into shorts. I tried them on and marked the length I wanted, but I made a mistake. OOPS! I didn't leave any excess to turn the edges under and stitch them down. Oh, no!! If I made a traditional hem these shorts would be really short. What could I do?

It's OK. I had an idea to fix my mistake. I used bias tape from my drawer of sewing "stuff"
to cover the edges. It would look nicely finished but it would not make the shorts any shorter. 

 The bias tape makes the hem of the shorts look sporty and fun. It was also an easy fix.

I took the waist in a bit and my shorts were done. I finished the inside seams with my serger but a zigzag stitch would work too.

 The white pockets were making the shorts seem a little see through. Beige underwear did not fix this problem because the pockets were so white. (Please note-This is NOT my bum!)

I have found white boy shorts style underwear fix this problem for white shorts or pants. 

I liked this loose sleeveless top my daughter gave me but it was a little too low in the arm holes and in the V-neck. I knew I could fix this with a simple adjustment at the shoulders.

 I used the existing shoulder seams as a guide and made new seams to make the shirt shorter. I just sewed about an inch away from the seam. That made the arm holes and the V-neck higher and less revealing. 

My new outfit was all set and it was perfect for the hot weather in my part of the world. I live out in the rural suburbs. The shirt was great for the hot day and because I fixed the shoulders, the armholes do not reveal half my bra. And the V-neck is not revealing all the bits and pieces I want to cover.

Thanks for reading along, now go make something fun for yourself. 

***Chickie's Year End Review-I liked these a lot and will be getting them out in summer.

Capri's To Shorts

 Hello Readers. I have been having fun with a big pile of hand-me-downs that I was given. I have been trying to make them work for me. Refashioning is always a lot of fun and it's a great way to get a wardrobe that is really personalized and suits me.

Lots of women like Capri pants in the summer. But they do not like me. They make me look very short in the legs and just short all over. I am short but these Capri Pants just emphasize all the wrong things. I look like a Hobbit delivering a ring. I could get upset about my Hobbit legs or I can make these Capri pants work for me.

I knew these Capri pants would suit me much better as shorts. I cut them off, hemmed them and made the waist a bit more fitted. This was a fast and easy sewing project.

So what about this dress? It was a little tight around the hips and in the bum. This photo is awkwardly edited because I took a weird picture but the dress looked pretty much like this.

I decided to shorten this dress into a shirt. It was a perfect fitted style t-shirt. I can be rough on my clothes so a fresh new t-shirt is always a good idea.

I was done sewing and I had a fun casual outfit ready to go. 

Thanks for reading along, next time I am going to show you more details about this dress. I had this blue t-shirt dress and 4 more like it to refashion in different ways. See you next time.

*If you have been following along with my 2021project to refashion for free all year, the year is 2/3 over and so far I am making it! I have not bought anything but needles and thread. And...well, a serger.*

***Chickie's Year End Review-I still think Capri pants are the worst thing I could wear. They look awful on me. Shorts are a better choice.

So Much Lemon Yellow

Hello Readers. How are you doing? I hope you are well in this crazy confusing time. I have been playing around with dye as you can see here.

This shirt was so pretty. I loved the eyelet lace on the hem and sleeves. It was a little too baggy. But these capri pants! These were the worst thing I have ever worn in my life! What happened to my legs? This was so bad.

Why lemon yellow dye? It was on clearance and this outfit needed dramatic action. And I don't have much yellow. I decided to be bold. I didn't realize how bold I was being. I assumed I was going to get light yellow clothes.

I cooked the clothes on my stove top for about an hour. They just simmered on low and I kept stirring.

 The fabric took the dye really well. I thought it would be light yellow. This is more of a mustard yellow. I was not expecting this strong yellow. I was a little put off. I took in the sides to improve the fit but I was not totally in love.

 I thought maybe shorts would be less over whelming that the yellow pants. Hmmm...

The yellow just doesn't stop y'all. The shirt also took the dye very well. I took the sleeves and body of the shirt in but tried to leave the lace at the cuffs as large as possible. I was going for a statement sleeve kind of shirt.

 I don't think I like these pieces together anymore. It's just too much yellow for me.

 So, separately then? I liked the yellow shirt with my white jeans. It highlights the lace that stayed white in the dye process. And maybe the shorts with a more neutral top?

Thanks for reading along, now go make something fun for yourself.