Today I’ve been coughing and sewing some shorts for my niece and nephew.  I’m beginning to see that if I sewed less and rested more I might be coughing less.  Sewing is relaxing, but it’s not really restful it you’re unwell.

Anyhow… back to the shorts.  Last weekend I rummaged through a pattern discount bin at Amite Textiles and took home the Beach Bum Hoodie & Board Short (Patterns By Figgy’s) for $5.  I traced the board shorts in a size 4/5 for my four year old nephew.

As a visual learner, I found the instructions for this pattern really challenging until I discovered this tutorial.  For me, a picture does tell a thousand words!

The great thing about this pattern is that I’ve learnt a new technique for adding inseam pockets.  Rather than sewing the pocket piece edges together (after they’ve been attached to the seam allowances) you press them to the front of the shorts and sew bias or twill tape around the edge (see photo below).  You sew on both edges of the bias or twill tape which gives you a decorative double row of stitching on the front (as seen in the photo above).

Miss Bea kindly agreed to model Mr A’s shorts for me.  She really is very cheeky at times!

Pattern:  Beach Bum Hoodie & Board Short (Patterns By Figgy’s)
Size:  4/5
Fabric:  Cotton twill that jumped from Lara’s stash into mine!
Alterations:  I used the heirloom finish (as described in the instructions) on the pockets, but overlocked all other seam allowances.

My niece, who’ll be three in October, continues her ‘no skirt and no dresses’ stance.  I imagine if her older brother wore them, she would too!  I decided some girly shorts for Miss F were in order.

When I saw the super cute shorts that Kelli from True Bias made her daughter, I knew I needed the Bubble Pocket Shorts from Elegance and Elephants.  This pattern is definitely is winner when it comes to comfort, practicality and cuteness!

I made the ‘classic version’ in size 3T/4T with the fully elasticised waist.  I used leftover fabric from several projects for these shorts.  I really like how the lightweight denim, floral pockets and geometric patterned cuffs all seem to compliment each other.  The fabric matching fairies must have been on my side today!

Speaking of pockets, aren’t the awesome?  They are truly the best part of this pattern and well worth the pattern naming rights.

Miss A, who is four years older than her cousin, kindly squeezed into these short for a quick photo shoot (yes, she is very petite).

Pattern:  Bubble Pocket Shorts from Elegance and Elephants – Classic Version
Size:  3/4
Fabric:  Light weight denim, floral voile and geometric quilting cotton.
Alterations:  I eliminated the front tie.  I also had to alter the waistband facing and cuffs as they were a little long.

Miss A has put in an order for some Bubble Pocket Shorts for herself.  My dilemma will be whether to make the 5T/6T or the 7T/8T.  I’m leaning towards the 5T/6T.  What do you think?  One size bigger than her cousins, or two?

Any why am I sewing shorts in the middle of a Melbourne winter?  We’re all heading to Queensland for an extended family in September.  I can’t wait!