Summer Uniforms

Last week, or maybe it was two weeks ago, (it's summer, and time is not measured during summer break), I read this post about summer uniforms.  Now, it's not nearly as glamorous as a skirt, but I present to you my summer uniform:

Behold, the Maritime Shorts!

While tinkering with deepening the rise by 1/2", I realized I was essentially grading the rise from an 8 to a 10.  I went back and tried on the gray twill pair I made in May (the reason for the crotch deepening), and admitted that I could probably use a little more room in the hips, too.  I mean really.  Who wants tight shorts in the summer when it's wiltingly hot? The waist fit, though, and normally, grading up one size between the waist and hip is old hat, but honestly, grading the pocket pieces stumped me a bit.  

So I went the easy route, and just made the size 10.  Comfier?  Definitely.  Flattering? Well, no.  I had room for a good size algebra text book in there.  You know, those big, heavy ones.  

Hmm.

Okay, so I removed the waistband right at the center back, took in a good size tuck, tapering to nothing just past where the pockets start, and shortened the waist band to match.  Which may not have been the best solution, but considering the shape of  my shape, it worked.  

I've worn these twice since they were completed on Wednesday, (small children = frequent laundry), so they are field tested and approved.  I transferred the changes onto the pattern, and I'm set for factory level production.  

Front view + belly flash

Side view of improved pocket action

The picture that I'm sure had our neighbors wondering why my husband was taking a picture of my butt in our driveway.  

Oh well.

If the blog's quiet for awhile, just picture me churning out an army of Maritime shorts and little Renfrews, set for fast morning dressing and world domination.

Pattern: Grainline Maritime shorts

Fabric: cotton denim from Joann's, quadruple washed

Notions: 9" zip from stash, medium weight Pro-weft interfacing ( Best. Stuff. Ever.)