It’s been a long time since we’ve released a new shorts pattern hasn’t it? Well, now that spring is upon us and minds are turning to warm weather sewing, we thought one would be in order. So please welcome the Sunny Day Shorts!
We like our Oliver + S Singles patterns to be quick and easy-to-sew so that you can whip out one (or two, or three) fully functional garments in a single sitting. That’s the idea with these shorts. They are basic pull-on, elastic-waist shorts that are good for both boys and girls. The pattern is a really easy one to follow, and it’s a perfect introduction to apparel sewing for beginners. (Have a friend who has expressed an interest in sewing? Here’s a great opportunity to give a lesson and have some fun in the process!)
You know I’m all about how you customize our patterns, right? Well, this one serves as a great launching pad for customizing. I can image them made with pockets, with cute applique details (like this Roller Skate Dress), and embellished with ribbon or embroidery. You could even do some color-blocking to provide visual interest.
These shorts can serve as a basic foundation garment in any kid’s summer wardrobe. Pair them with a t-shirt (like our School Bus T-Shirt) for days playing outside, or match them with a button-front shirt for going out to dinner. Choose a fun, colorful print for everyday wear or a subdued solid for more of a dressed up look. The shorts can be made in quilting cottons or in heavier fabrics (canvas, twill, denim, duck) for sturdier shorts that will last through all the rough-and-tumble of summer.
Let’s see what you can do with this pattern. Make a pair of these shorts, take some photos, and share them online. It doesn’t matter how. Write a blog post, pin them with Pinterest, post them on Instragram, create an album in Facebook, tweet them, add them to the Flickr group. Tag your photos of a pair of Sunny Day Shorts with @oliverands #SunnyDayShorts. And then leave a link to your post in the comments here. On June 2, 2014 (three weeks from today), we’ll choose two comments at random from all those who have shared their links in the comments. The winners will receive two free Oliver + S digital patterns of their choice. We’ll notify the winners via email once the drawing is complete.
Let the Sunny Day Shorts sewing begin!