One day I decided I wanted red shorts, I think it was some picture on pinterest that did me in. Some cool chick with a black and white striped shirt and sunglasses (note to self: spend less time on pinterst). I found a pair on ebay, I bought them, received them, didn't fit, sent back. Found a pair on Forever21.com, bought them, didn't fit, returned to the store. So I decided that the only way I was getting red shorts was to make my own.
I found a free pattern to use from Owly Baby here, but the pattern is only in a RTW size 4 and I had to make them a few inches smaller. I basically did a slash and spread only the opposite...slash and tuck...or fold? I also made mine about 1/2" lower cut because I prefer low rise pants.
I had numerous issues in making them including but not limited to sewing the waistband on upside down, and then sewing the facing and top stitching before I realized what I had done, a lot of seam ripping there. Then they were too tight, more seam ripping and resewing, then they were to loose...arrrgggg. A little bit makes a big difference with a waistband, I have learned.
I made my back pockets different from the pattern, I basically just traced one of my back jean pockets and then added seam allowances.
My first time making belt loops. I think they turned out okay but I think next time I will top stitch on both sides.
I got all my supplies at Joanns. The fabric is a tango red bottom weight twill, and I got the button, top stitching thread, denim needle, fabric for the pockets and inside waist band, zipper, and interfacing there as well. I had a gift card from my birthday so this cost me like 5 bucks out of pocket.
They fit pretty good, the waist band is still a little big, like maybe 1/4" to 1/2" but not enough for me to take it out again. Just something to change for next time.
They are also pulling at the front a little bit...I think my fly technique needs a bit of tweaking. Also, my hand is veiny eek.
All in all I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. I got to try a lot of new techniques like making a zipper fly, doing a bunch of top stitching and making belt loops, so a lot was learned. Red is great but I don't feel like I have a lot of shirts that go well with it, I'm thinking about making a striped t-shirt or tank top to wear with it. I think I want to make another pair with charcoal fabric and either orange or lime for the pockets and inside band. Then they would have a bit of pizzazz on the inside but still go with everything.