Summer is in full swing here: bumblebees, ice pops, swim lessons, and heat. Bring on the City Gym Shorts free sewing pattern from The Purl Pee!
These shorts are officially $0/Free shorts! Forty-ounce denim left over from a button down blouse coupled with bias binding made from a random fat-quarter in my stash, plus a free pattern. That's what I'm talking about.
I was going to draft a simple knit tank top to pair with the shorts; exercise my drafting skills, and maybe create a new, simple tutorial. But ...well, it's Summer. And there's no school. I'm giving myself grace to complete one item (note: one item, not outfit) and one post per week; I'll sneak them in between swim lessons, free concerts, story hours, and afternoons lazing at the pool. Luckily this Gap top from last Summer matches and fits.
I love the retro look of the gym shorts. I love even more the ease of wear -- perfect for self-dressing and for staying cool while playing hard. I sewed up a size 4-5 without alteration to the fit except for the length of waist elastic. The width of the shorts is a little roomy but the length is a smidgen short. Someone remind me next summer to keep the width but add some length. As always.
That exposed seam? Oh, it's completely deliberate. *shakes head no* You thought maybe it's related to The Peanut's twenty questions per minute average all day, including while I attempt to sew? Of course not. In fact, it marks the back instead of a tag. I left the tag off and expose a seam. It's completely planned and efficient. Obviously. And I may actually do it on purpose next time.
I made one change as I sewed. After I attached the waistband, I trimmed back some of the layers that would have been encased in the waistband fold-over. I felt they weren't necessary and worried the denim would get too bulky at the waist. Other than that, this is another popular-for-good-reason free pattern. I'm glad I've added it to my arsenal.
Pattern
City Gym Shorts for All Ages from The Purl Bee, size 4-5
Fabric
40-ounce dark wash denim, Joann's Fabric; Fat Quarter from stash
Note
I think everyone would benefit from trimming those extra layers out of the waistband -- reduce bulk and keep cool.
Love
The contrast trim on the dark denim, especially the tiny flowers that disappear from a distance but are a flirty detail up close. I'm already dreaming up other fabric combinations I want to try -- add them to the never-ending, someday project list.
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