I made these shorts about a month ago. The whole thing was kind of an impulse make–as I tend to do. And really isn't that as it should be? If it's not for work (or something equally required), then it should be fun, something you want to do. If I'm not enjoying my sewing or at least anticipating being able to enjoy it, then why bother? Enough of the ranting, let's move on to talking CULOTTES! I have fond memories of wearing culottes as a kid. Is it a skirt? Is it shorts? Kind of both! Fun and comfortable, I'm so happy that this style is back in fashion.
As I recall, I saw this pattern, McCall's M6965, online somewhere and it just happened to be on sale at Joann's that very same day. So of course I had to buy it and immediately cut it out. The pattern uses the Palmer Pletsch fitting method so, as instructed, I pinned the pieces together to test the fit. It was a little tight and I decided that it would work if I just stitched each seam with 1/2 inch seam allowance instead of 5/8 inch. The only thing I'd have to change would be the length of the waistband. I did some math and though I had it all figured out.
I found a lightweight navy cotton in my stash, leftover from this dress and also seen in this top. And of course everything went fine until I got to the waistband. The pattern says to staystitch the shorts and clip to the line and ease the shorts to the waistband. I eased and eased and stitched and it ended up looking wrinkled. No amount of pressing got rid of those wrinkles. Perhaps it was the lightweight fabric or my poor math but I was unhappy. So I unpicked the waistband, cut a longer one and redid it. I'm now satisfied with how the waistband looks although not completely pleased with the garment.
I did not lengthen the shorts at all and if I make this again I definitely will. These babies are short and the flirty, floaty hem make them feel even shorter. The other change I would make is to use an invisible zipper. They are just as easy to insert and look soooo much nicer.
So, I'm in the end, I'm really not sure about these shorts. I haven't even worn them yet, which is saying something. I think maybe if it was a lighter rayon fabric in a print, like in the photo from the pattern envelope I would like it more. I'm considering these a "wearable" muslin that I might wear eventually or might just give away. They do have a really fun flared shape that I like, so if I find the right fabric, I might come back and try this pattern again.
