I love to squeeze extra garments out of fabric remnants, don't you?
I had about a yard of dark blue linen left from this blazer I made two summers ago.
I decided to use it to make a pair of drawstring shorts using my new-to-me, mid-Seventies McCall's John Weitz pattern, which arrived last week.
One weird thing about the pattern is that whoever owned it had cut out (very yucky) fabric for the tunic cuffs, along with lining for the pockets, and stuck it in the envelope. There were a ton of rusty straight pins in there too.
Also inside was an unrelated, vintage Butterick men's shorts pattern, size Medium. You never know what you're going to find in these vintage pattern envelopes, not that I've ever found anything good. Have you?
The only adjustments I made was to add 1/2" to each outside seam (it's a 30" waist pattern) and to take 1" off the rise. Standard for me.
And voila! I really like these shorts. The drawstring means you don't need a belt, which is much appreciated in the hot weather. The two side pockets are very wide and very deep.
These shorts have a separate casing that gets added on top, as opposed to just folding over the edge. The drawstring is made from the same fashion fabric.
This wasn't an exciting project, but it's always nice to make something with leftover fabric and the results are extremely practical. A win!
BTW, if you've never heard of John Weitz, you can read more about him here. (Sort of a precursor to the Ralph Lauren type designer-who-doesn't-really-design phenomenon.)
Ever find treasure(s) in a vintage pattern envelope?
Have a great day, everybody!
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| Another John Weitz pattern is on its way... |
I really like drawstring shorts/pants and these are great. I like the fabric and especially the short length. (I'm not a fan of board shorts, long basketball trunks, etc.) They look comfortable and the picture of you facing the camera with your hands on your hips looks at first glance as if you're wearing a bare midriff tie-top.
ReplyDeleteThese shorts look great on you! The linen will be comfortable on hot days too :)
ReplyDeleteThe only thing special I've found in a vintage pattern was the pattern trace out and cut on an old 40s newspaper. It was awesome reading the snippets on those pieces!
Ahhhh! Peter! I COLLECT John Weitz patterns. I've only manage to get my hands on four? at the moment. I know I have his pants and shirt pattern which are like the modern Project Runway ones with choose your adventure styling. Then I have a fabulous coat pattern. Sadly, they are all too large for my guy, but until I find replacements, in my collection they will stay.
ReplyDeleteThis pattern is fabulous, I've never seen it before and the shorts look great. I've been thinking about some drawstring shorts too. Are you going to make the top?
I love his patterns, his pattern was the first suit i made myself in 1979 simplicity pattern, i wish i still had it but sadly .. not, I tried to find one atleast in size 46 but wasn't able to get it ... however i did pickup all or most of all his other patterns ... their just cool vintage
ReplyDeleteI was happy to see this post ... you should have made the short in orange just like picture in some water repellent fabric and the matching top .. i am waiting for this same pattern to show up and going to see what fabric i can do it in
I love John Weitz, my favorite designer when I was in public school/high school .. and yes .. very pre Ralph Lauren.
Corey Hill is built!
DeletePeter, beautiful fit. I enjoy how you combine being resourceful and having fun.
ReplyDeleteSince you live in the area, would you please help? I'll be in Manhattan to buy fabric for an outfit to wear to a wedding at the end of the month. Is there also a store where I can buy a clapper? (I want to make myself a button-down shirt, eventually.)
I'm not Peter, but I've seen them at Manhattan Wardrobe Supply.
DeleteThey may have them at Steinlauf & Stoller (239 West 39th St.). They're closed weekends though. I bought mine online -- you can find them on eBay, Etsy, and Amazon.
DeletePeter, forgot to ask a couple of questions:
ReplyDelete1. What other John W patterns do you have, and yes i know that you use your kenmore to sew your projects on, but what serger do you use?
2. The Hermes Men's Jumpsuit .. spring 2014, with all your jumpsuit patterns, do you think you would/could "knock off " the entire look ??
I think I could -- thanks for the inspiration! My serger is the Brother 1034D. I've had it for more than 4 years and it gets the job done.
DeleteNo finds in the pattern, but once a company sent me a bloomers pattern all wadded up as packing paper to protect the item I purchased! Now all I need to do is get around to making the damned things from some really cool, lace trimmed vintage cotton I picked up at a yard sale. Score! Swear, will do this fall...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jen:)
ReplyDeleteThose shorts look great on you!
ReplyDeleteCute!! Yes, simple, as you say, but they look great on you!
ReplyDeleteI found an ad calling for competition entries once! It was in a 1950s swimsuit and cover up pattern envelope and was printed on the same type of paper as the pattern, but the paper was pink! It was for McCall's Easter Dress-Your-Best Contest. You entered your outfit, and if you were picked you won a two week all expenses paid trip to Paris!!!
ReplyDeleteI found two mail order apron patterns stuck in this vintage apron pattern (http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Simplicity_4479). Some sewer was very organized, and felt a great need for aprons.
ReplyDeleteJust in time for a scorching day in NYC! Great shorts!
ReplyDeleteThose shorts look great. Perfect for those warms days ahead.
ReplyDeleteNicely done. Great for summer!
ReplyDeleteI like the shorts a lot.
ReplyDeleteI have not yet found anything in vintage pattern envelopes, but from time to time I have hidden cash in mine- figured none of the thieves in my house would rummage through there. I can't be the first to think of this spot.