Hey Everybody, how's your weekend been? I've spent the last week in Calgary, and it's actually been quite rainy, but there was a little sun mixed in, so not too bad. And to be honest, the rain has really suited my mood. We lost our sweet little Quincie about a week and a half ago, and while the pain is subsiding a little now, I miss her terribly, and I have not been feeling like my normal, happy and positive self. I have also really not felt like blogging (or doing any type of socializing for that matter). John took a bunch of photos of me in 3 different outfits, just before my last post, and I had every intention of writing two more posts for last week, but I just haven't had the energy. Plus it seemed wrong to post photos of me looking so happy, when in reality I feel the complete opposite. Anyway, I have thought a lot about writing more about Quinice, and maybe a tribute post to her, but I just don't know if I will. I sort of want to keep all the special things about her to myself. Not because I don't want you to know more about her, she was amazing, but because I want to keep her in my heart, and writing something like that feels like letting go. I'm just not ready to let go yet. Sometimes I pretend she's in her little bed next to me, because thinking about how I'll never see her little face again is just too hard. Anyway, I'm obviously getting a little emotional here, and it's not my intention to drag you down, so let's get onto the sewing stuff.
I thought I would hit two birds with one stone here and show you not only my new Thurlow Shorts, but also, an Archer popover I made a few months ago (and because of some poorly placed buttons, you also get a little peak of my me-made bra too).
There isn't too much to say about this Archer, it's got all the same fitting changes as my regular Archers, and I didn't really have too much trouble with the placket. It's just like a sleeve tower placket, only bigger. My only regret is that I wasn't more careful with my button placement. Sometimes I just follow the template and that isn't always the perfect placement for me. It works out better if I put the shirt on and plan where the buttons should go. Oh well, it's not that big of a deal and it will definitely not keep me from wearing it. I should also mention that the fabric is a Liberty Tana Lawn that John bought me when we were in London about a year ago. Of course I couldn't find the print on the Liberty website to link to, but I think it's called Lotta A, and the designer is Lotta Niemenen. It's a really pretty print.
Sorry for the wrinkles, but I had been wearing these for quite a while before we took the photos.
Okay, onto the shorts. You may not know this, but I've actually made 2 pairs of Thurlow trousers (last year), and I really like them both. One I made as is, and one I made with a skinny leg. I've never blogged either one, and I'm not entirely sure why because it's a great pattern and it fits me really well. Anyway, it was a natural choice when I was looking for a good shorts pattern to try.
I have never really been a shorts girl. I always want to wear them, but I never seem to be able to find a pair that fits right. They're either too long, or way to short, or too loose in the leg, or just right in the leg and too tight in the waist. Ugh!. I have never really been able to find a pair that's flattering on me. I can remember being on holidays somewhere and trying on a ton of shorts, and after coming out of the change room in several different pairs, even the boys (my 3 stepsons) were like, "hmmmm...maybe shorts aren't your thing". LOL. Of course now that I sew my own clothes I was keen to give shorts another try. I've made some elastic waistband pairs before but I really wanted to make a "real" pair. And by real, I mean a pair with a proper fly and waistband, and pockets. Anyway, when I googled Thurlow shorts, I spotted this pair by Caroline and that sealed the deal for me.
I started with a size 8 (sidenote: this took some trial and error when I first made the Thurlow Trousers, as my measurements put me in a size 14 waist and a between a size 6 - 8 hip, so I recommend using the finished measurements to help you choose your size), and I scooped out the back crotch curve by 1/2". I probably should have shortened the legs a bit but I kept them longer but with a deep hem in case I want to cuff them later. I also decided to leave off the back welt pockets. Part of that was due to laziness, but more so because I hate how fabric pocket bags get wrinkly and you have to continually iron them, and even then, they never seem to look right after a wash or too. I played with the idea of patch pockets, but with this fabric I didn't think they seemed right.
Speaking of fabric, this is a lovely tencel twill from Blackbird Fabrics. This colourway is sold out, but there is still a really pretty plum, grey and black in stock. This fabric is super soft and lovely to wear but it does really up the dressy factor on these shorts (at least in my opinion). Especially paired with this Archer, I feel quite businessy. Do you now what I mean? I've actually been struggling with what to wear with these shorts as I would like them to be quite casual, but they don't really go with any of my tees. That really hasn't stopped me from wearing them though, as they are super comfy, but next time I might pick more of a cotton type fabric, or even a denim maybe.
The only other change I made, was to do a button at the front instead of the hook and eye closure. I like how the button looks, and again, I wanted these to be a bit more casual. Oh and one more thing worth noting: with this pattern the fly is actually on the right side, instead of the usual left. I actually think that's how women's trousers are supposed to be, but with jeans, most pairs have the fly on the left like men's. Anyway, it's not something that bothers me at all, but if it bothers you, and/or you need a little extra help with this type of fly, you should check out Lisa's post. Lisa is a fly master and her post is so helpful!
So there you have it. Thanks for reading, and I have to say it feels really good to have this post written, and it's helped me to feel a bit more normal again. I know that I sound a bit forlorn, but losing such a big presence in my life, and really, such a big unconditional love, has been really tough. And while I know life goes on, I am really trying to make sure that I take time to grieve, and to just be sad. Anyway, I promise I won't be depressed forever, and thank you to everyone who offered me a bit of love, and a kind word or two on Instagram and Facebook. Hope you've had a great weekend! (I'm very much looking forward to getting back to the lake tomorrow.)