What’s better than free fabric? Only one thing: a sister who actively looks for that free fabric for you! My sister moved and was getting rid of some home goods and asked me if I wanted this grey and white striped Threshold curtain. Her exact words were, “How cool would it be if you made something out of it for your Instagram?” Lol. I got lucky enough to have a sister, hype woman, and fabric source rolled into one!

The moment I saw this curtain I knew exactly what I wanted to make: paper bag shorts. Maybe it was the killer weather in Orlando ( *feels like 107 degrees*) or the pompom trim, but it just spoke to me. 

I’m seeing pompoms everywhere this summer! Since grey is one of my favorite colors to wear it’s a staple in my wardrobe but I don’t have any grey bottoms (until now!). I paired them with a ribbed white tank and wedges. These shorts will even look good with a long sleeve top or sweater when the weather starts to turn. 

First thoughts once I tried them on:

• The rise (crotch) is much higher than I was expecting. In a good way! I always expect the rise to be low in patterns but this one was actually in the perfect spot for wearing these shorts right the top of my hips. I have just enough room to wear the shorts on my waist and not be uncomfortable.

• I could have gone maybe an inch shorter in the legs. This is something I could easily remedy if I had a traditional hem but since the pompom trim was already placed I would have needed to move the pattern down. 

• The pockets are in the perfect place.

• I actually didn’t need to take in the waist at all. Simply tightening the elastic to my preferred tightness did the trick. I didn’t feel like there was an excess of fabric caused by the extra gathering.

• I could have done a size 12. I sized up because my hip measurement technically called for a size 14 but the legs are very roomy in this pattern. Next time I will do a 12. I’m even thinking about taking the legs in a little bit on the sides.

• Next time I might extend the ties so that I can tie them in a bow. This pattern really only allows for you to tie them in a knot.

Thoughts after wearing them a couple times:

• I love the way the look if I’m wearing any type of heel but if I were making shorts to mainly wear with flats, I’d definitely go an inch and a half shorter.

• The pompoms at the inside of my leg proved to be an issue… they got tangled and knotted together because they were rubbing together as I walked. I had to address the pompom knot (basically in my crotch) multiple times throughout the day and eventually decide to cut them. I cut all the pompom trim on the inside of my legs off (maybe about 3-4 inches). You can’t even tell when they’re on that the trim doesn’t go all the way around my leg. But now I know for the future!

If you want to follow along with my sewing journey of these shorts, head over to my IGTV channel! It’s split into two parts, one focusing on the base of the shorts and the other focusing on the waistband and final fit. 

Stay Creative!

Annie