Self-Stitched-September Item 7

Although I'm trying really hard not to buy any fabric, and to use the things in my stash (unless I'm buying things like linings and underlinings that I need in order to finish something from stash materials), I have to admit that I bought new fabric for these shorts. Or at least, I bought thrifted fabric, with the sole purpose being making a pair of denim shorts. I had seen the denim in the thrift store closest to my house, and had left it there, because I didn't really have a use for it. And I'm not adding to my stash, remember?

Then, I was looking through the challenges for the Sew Weekly. In particular, I was looking at the 'And the Winner Is...." challenge, celebrating the costume designers nominated for an Oscar. I went through the list of all the nominations, and discovered that I have seen a very small number of the films listed. And even fewer of them spoke to me in any sort of way. The list was narrowed down to Moulin Rouge, Across the Universe and Pleasantville. A nice cross section of styles, wouldn't you say?

I pondered using my red corset, full circle skirt, can can petticoat and calling it Moulin Rouge inspired. But although I sewed that outfit as a costume for a Moulin Rouge dance party, it seemed lazy somehow. Which left Across the Universe and Pleasantville. For Pleasantville, it would have been fairly easy to make the walk away dress, but for the life of me, I couldn't find my copy of the pattern.

So, my decision was made. Across the Universe it was.

I did a quick search for images and realised that while I loved the film, a lot of the costumes were too much part of the era for me to comfortably wear them. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against wearing vintage and vintage inspired clothing. But I just didn't think I'd wear anything that was inspired by the film. It was almost back to the drawing board for the challenge. I decided to give Across the Universe one more chance, so I youtubed a bunch of clips from the film. And realised that for the most part, I was right. I wouldn't wear most of the costumes.

Until I got to the 'Dear Prudence' scene. Lucy is wearing a plain white tank, and denim cut offs. And my mind strayed back to the denim I'd seen in the thrift store.

I went back, (and as three days had passed, and decent fabric tends to get snatched up) hoped the denim was still there. And, just my luck (or perhaps, luck was on my side for this one?), it was!

You get a good view of Lucy's outfit at about 55 seconds. It's a really simple outfit, but I like it. And, there is the contrast between the simplicity and normalacy of the costumes and the surreal sky they end up in.

The pattern for these shorts are another one of my love-hate relationship with BurdaStyle magazine patterns. On one hand, the patterns usually end up looking fairly good. On the other, the instructions suck and they don't always include seam allowances (luckily this one did). For the ruby shorts, I read and re-read the instructions, and I'm certain that at no stage did they talk about how you attach the placards and facings for the buttons. But the do give fairly long and detailed instructions about how to put in the bound picket (which I decided not to to put in).

I added a second patch pocket on the back. I use back pockets usually for my keys and phone, so I like having two of them. I lined the patch pockets with a paisley fabric - I still love this fabric, and even though no one else will see the lining of the pockets, it makes me happy to know it's there :) .

I also didn't include the belt. I folded the hems up to the outside, so the overlocked edges were exposed. I graded the pattern so that the hips were a size 40, and the waist was a size 36.

I'm happy with the way these turned out, but they are just a touch tight. I should probably have made a 42 hip and 38 waist. But that's okay, I'll just make 1cm seam allowances next time I sew it.

Fabric: Thrifted denim, $9.00

Pattern: Burda Style Ruby shorts pattern $3.00

Year: 2011

Notions: Thread, from stash; Thrifted Buttons, $3.00

Time to complete: 

First worn: September 2011

Wear again? Yes

Total Cost: $15.00