A wardrobe for J.? Mens' Kwik Sew 3884

Well, no.  But it's a start!  And, J. really wants a wardrobe (of all things!!).
So, we'll get started on some men's tailoring between projects.  For now this project cost me only the pattern and a zipper!  But, I must admit - it did take at least 10 hours of precious sewing time.

The fabric, which had been in my garage stash since at least 1994, worked well for these shorts.  I was very concerned about the use of the fabric but J. loved it.  So these short are a "wearable muslin."  Controversial in the sewing community, I know.

I was worried about matching the plaids but I believed these turned out fairly well (but not perfect).

Oops!  Forgot to cut those threads before the picture!! The full pattern review is Here.  I sewed View B; a new techniques for me were inserting a fly zipper, adding mens' style side pockets and a welt pocket in back.  I probably should have taken the darts out of the back.  During the fitting J. pled for them to stay - for he was afraid they were too loose.  Ultimately  the shorts are a smidge too tight - the pockets pull out.  J. claims they are very comfortable; he wouldn't take them off after the picture!  For reference, Kwik's Sew envelope for 3884 below:

The pockets in front are designed very very shallow (for a man) and I added material after they were in.  We like the pattern but J. wants another pair of shorts in a different pattern for hiking rather than these.  Sigh.

What about you, dear readers, do you find menswear exhausting?  Are you yeah or nay on making your man clothes?  And would he wear them, anyway?

Sojo Shorts

Dear readers!

My sewing mojo ("sojo") continues. . . . I finally finished my Kwik Sew shorts this weekend!  I lost one of the buttons for the final finish but luckily J. found it vacuuming on Monday morning!  I present to you Kwik Sew 3854 View B:

 Here is a view of the waistband - it's a bit high but I lowered it an inch as an alternation:

Other changes:  Took out at least 5/8 inch out of both sides (and I think I can take the buttons over a half of an inch).  I always seem to make my clothes slightly too loose!  Do you?

The obligatory booty shot:

My other alterations include I carved out the crotch seam deeper in the back of the short - J. Stern suggests this in her jean tutorials - and she states that jean designers do the same - I always wondered why my RTW jeans fit so well.   By the way, her website is JSterns Designs.  Her jeans tutorials start around April 2009 and go to Fall 2010.

Although I don't show it the insides have a clean serged finish, and I lined the pockets with red/white butterfly fabric.

Here's the package view:

I don't love this material - I picked it up on my travels for 1.99 a yard at Joann's in Brandon, Florida.  I made a muslin for these shorts and consider this to be a second muslin before cutting into some expensive technical fabric for hiking - I love the shorts and plan to make another pair.  No zippers!! Gotta love it.  I am going to Newport to teach a class and plan to take these (but not to teach in:)).  More for clam chowder after class.

This is not my style Icon (preppy Andy from The Office in his red pants):

I think my style is more laid-back skateboarder meets rock chick meets mad men styling meets backcountry hiker.  Ok, whatever that is, right?  How do you define your style?