Hello my fellow sewists!
I wanted to share my latest make with you, the Flint shorts by Megan Nielsen Patterns. I decided to sew these shorts upon learning about the #makethatlook2020 Instagram challenge created by Lisa of AndSewOn and Whitney of WhitMakes on YouTube. This challenge was originally scheduled to run from June 1-June 30th, but was extended until July 7th, due to everything going on in the world these days. I certainly needed this extension, and I submitted my make on the last day.
The goal of the challenge was to sew a garment inspired by ready-to-wear fashion. I strolled through Pinterest as well as the Saks Fifth Avenue and Net-A-Porter websites for style inspiration. I stumbled upon this photo of some cute Dolce and Gabanna floral print shorts and knew they were perfect for the challenge!
The Dolce version is made of a cotton and silk blend, which explains the original $900+ price tag. I knew I had a similar fabric that I picked up from Destash Baltimore in 2018. It’s a beautiful cotton sateen border print with beautiful blue, teal and green medium-sized flowers on a black and white background. It has a small amount of stretch that is perfect for shorts and other bottom-weight garments.
For the pattern, I decided to go with the Flint shorts. The front slant pockets, waistline buttons and high waist are pretty spot- on to the style of the Dolce shorts.
I’ve had this pattern for a few years now and it was one my goals to sew it for the 2018 Make Nine Challenge. Pants and shorts are my nemesis when it comes to fitting, so I’d put off sewing the until now. I made a quick muslin in size 14 and they almost fit perfectly on the first try. The only changes I made were to lengthen the crotch depth by one and inch and to take a small scoop out of the back curve to add a bit more room for the bum.
The directions were clearly laid out, step-by-step, and I think even an advance beginner could handle this pattern. There are no zippers to insert, which is always a win in my book. The most unique part of this design were the pockets. The left side of the pants are left open in order to get in and out of the shorts. The pockets are lined which keeps the side opening down over the opening. I hand-stitched the inner waist band down for a clean finish. I also took two inches off the bottom of the shorts because they were a little too long for me.
I styled them with an Itch-to-Stitch Lagos top that I made last year and along with my favorite black gladiator sandals. I added a thrifted beaded bag and old scarf to get the look of the model’s photo.
I am so glad I made these shorts and definitely want to sew the pants version as well. I certainly saved a lot of money by creating my own version of these cute, comfy and chic shorts.
Until next time,
Take care,
Crystal
Tea
July 11, 2020Crystal, I’m in love with these Dolce and Gabbana inspired shorts you made. What a beautiful garment! I was going to ask how you get in and out if there’s no closure ? But I love that you just open it up on the side. I’m glad you made the deadline. I feel the same about shorts and pants… we do not get along. I think I’ll try this pattern though after reading your review.
CRYSTAL
July 11, 2020Thanks Tea! I certainly saved a lot of money sewing my own version of these shorts. The side opening is such a unique feature. The rise is always an issue for me with shorts and pants. I’m glad I followed your lead and made a quick mock-up. This is a great pattern to try. Thanks for reading the blog post. Happy Sewing!