short alterations and happy accidents

 

I thrifted these shorts a while back--last summer at a Salvation Army up in Hudson for $2.50, to be exact. (I have the single worst memory in the world yet I can recall where I procured every. single. item. of clothing/accessories/underwear/anything I own--without exception. Ridiculous.) I knew they'd be a warm-weather staple and I did wear them a lot but they had one drawback: a pocket on the right hand side only, that gaped open and made them borderline unflattering. Borderline. It bugged me, but I still wore them.

This summer, however, I got inspired. I think it's partially due to my sewing skills improving, and feeling a little more adventurous, but also its from being in so many fittings for the show I'm currently in, and seeing these stitchers/drafters/costume builders/designers in action--as many shows as I've done and fittings I've been in, I had never really appreciated the level of skill and artitstry required to make a really beautiful piece of clothing. I know it seems obvious, but trying to learn and teach myself about making clothes opened up my eyes to see--very clearly--how truly difficult it is. And how much I suck. Not really--but next to these women I am a complete and utter hack. But I can learn!

This was a tedious process, and I won't make you live through all the boring details like I did (but I hope to never have to seam-rip a serged seam again). I removed the pocket--and when I say removed--I mean I cut it out messily and cut a 2-inch hole out of the fabric. See?? Hack. I removed the pocket seams, re-folded the seam, stitched it down, re-hemmed the bottom, then, using the left-over pocket fabric and stitch-witchery, cut out a couple of triangles, ironed them on, and stitched them down. It was an hour of my life and I'll wear them a hundred times more, I'm sure. And really--as mad as I was at myself--I think it's even cuter with the little details!

The seam isn't perfect, but I kept thinking about these two women in particular--their names are Maggie and Marina--who used such care and such an eagle eye for every single miniscule detail on a garment they had created, and I stuck with it, and I did a really good job--for me. So: mission accomplished :)

And guess what? I have two shows today! So I am off to do a matinee! Please, please have a beautiful day!

Comments

[mathyld / encore petite]

I love it the way it is ! When I saw the pics, my favourite detail were the little triangles :)
You're good !
x x x
___m___

[Teeny]

Good job! The triangles have made these interesting! You'll always be your worst critic as a seamstress.

[Larry]

Thoses little triangles point to the cutest gams in history!

[mamushkamarie]

the first time i tried sewing (anything other than a pillow) i though "bah, easy!" you should have seen the hem on my skirt! haha! your shorts look adorable, and i think the little triangle detail is just what they needed ;)