I got the Great British Sewing Bee book for my birthday, and the first thing that I’ve made from it are these men’s shorts! I’ve actually just used the pattern for the men’s trousers from the book and made them shorter. James needed more clothes for his holidays to Greece and India this summer and he was disappointed with what he found in both vintage and high street shops. It must be frustrating being a man and having to choose from such a comparatively limited selection of clothes. Anyway, he needed a lightweight pair of shorts, and so I’ve made these for him from some funky baroque patterned linen. They fit him pretty well and the shorts are lovely and lightweight, so I deem that a success!
I actually made these shorts twice because the first time around I made them too small. I found the measurement guide in the book kind of confusing, and I was so frustrated to have to start all over again but I got there in the end! At least the second time around was faster because I had wrapped my head around the instructions in the book. The instructions don’t use standard sewing pattern terminology which is great and all, but that meant that the instructions were sometimes ambiguous. That’s not to say that I’ve ever found the instructions in traditional sewing patterns easy to follow because they’re always a challenge for me. I ended up making the shorts in a large, and then trimming away the extra fabric along the back seam before I sewed it together. I didn’t trim any fabric from the actual trouser legs, so that the shorts were still loose and comfy.
Making these shorts involved making a waistband, belt loops, pockets and inserting a fly zip which are all things that I’ve never done before, so I’m pleased with how much I learnt in the process. I think James should wear these shorts with the paisley shirt that I made him and look super funky. He’s currently in India for a month and I’m missing him a lot, so I hope his handmade shorts are holding up!
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They look awesome Jess – well done for making this! You’re so talented I could never sew anything so complicated. XX
Thank you lovely
I’m sure you could, I’ve seen you craft beautiful creations before, like your Moomins skirt and those gorgeous headdresses!
Wow–this is a complicated undertaking! It sounds like you really persevered and learned a lot that you’ll be able to apply to the next projects. I’m impressed with how well the shorts turned out, and I think James is a very good sport to model for the photos!
He certainly is! It’s definitely not his favourite thing to do, I usually try to photograph him when he’s not paying attention
Oh my goodness, how awesome are those! I would really love to take up sewing again. I did it so much as a kid, but later it fell by the wayside and I wouldn’t even know where to start with it now. My Mr. would love these! Lovely work Jess!
Thanks Marisa
I actually did a similar thing – I sewed as a young teenager and then picked it up again recently. You should give it a try!
How lovely – you did a wonderful job!
So grateful to hear more about the book, too.
Now sew a pair for yourself!
xx
I will I will! There are actually a lot of nice patterns in there, the slip dress and pinafore are high on my list
They are very cool! I just went and got a whole bunch of patterns actually. Hope my creations look as good! xx Haemeandrobecca.blogspot.com
Thanks! Good luck, I’m sure they’ll turn out great