Shorts experiment

Front

Back

This was an experiment I did of making shorts/knickers. I made up a simple pattern which I think I like the shape of. During this trial I realised a few things about making the underwear/shorts, I finished the seams with french seams which worked really well but perhaps I could finish them with the overlocker for cheaper manufacturing. When designing the shorts I didn't consider how I would finish the hems, I ended up making a rough binding with calico which was ok but because I didn't iron it, it wasn't perfect. I think in the future this knit could be finished with an overlocked edge and with elastic to keep the hems tight. I also did not consider how I would finish the waist band, I ended up sewing a raw band of calico, having the opening at the front which was intended to go in a bow. However because there was no elastic in the waistband it didn't make the waistband tight enough to I just twisted it at the front and tucked it in. In the future I could finish it with elastic and I think it would be more appealing having the bow at the back or just having a simple closure so it doesn't look girlie.

Fabric samples and shopping

I went out today in search for fabric, unfortunately being a student I couldn't afford the merino knits :( but I did find some 100% cotton knits and 5% spandex cotton knits on special!! will be great to get into making things and having a practise on the less expensive stuff!.

 Three Merinos/Stretch Wools that I couldn't afford, I want to stick to natural fabrics as much as possible and think wool is perfect for winter and the lighter knits would make great material for knickers and other undergarments like romper suits and body suits.

 Holding my own fabric against a stretch merino- I think they go quite nicely :)

My buys for the day.

• 2x 1m wool knits for $8p/m
• Carded wool for a massive bargain at $10 !! (brought from junk/antique/vintage shop)
• 2m Elastic for $1.50p/m

I opted for cheaper cotton knits instead of the merino, I think for a middle market label merino is still possible however as a student it is not, will begin prototypes in cotton before buying expensive stuff! Also I was very happy with the two colours that happened to be on sale, a light dirty pink and a darker grey blue which match my previous colour story perfectly! yay.

Lamb trim

While browsing I also saw this beautiful lamb trim which was so soft and moved amazingly, it gave me ideas about long haired or tassel trims for me sleeves.

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Transparency

1. Linen, $20.00p/m.

2. Silk & Cotton, Donna Karen, 111cm, $20p/m.

3. Cotton (Voile), DKNY, 141cm, $15p/m.

4. Linen, 131cm, $18.00p/m.

5. Cotton (Voile), 137cm, $15p/m.

6. Cotton, Donna Karen, 111cm, $20p/m.

7. Cotton (Voile), DKNY, 141cm, $15p/m.

The fabrics I'm looking as are Linens, Wools, Cottons, and Voile Cottons. I want to use natural materials as much as possible and muted, organic colours. I think the fabrics with more transparency would be great for outer layers of my garments as they will not hide the inner layers but show them off.