Upping the Ante Summer Shorts {Simplicity 1430}

Pattern:  Simplicity 1430
Version:  D - the shorts
Sizing:  16
Fabric:  polyester suiting; bemberg
Notions:  zipper; button
Assembly time:  5 hrs
Instructions:  a must follow especially the fly front steps
Modification: lining; leg length
Recommend:  yes

It is absolutely no secret that I have a love affair with Simplicity 1430.  The bottoms pattern is the perfect pant for me.  The short pattern is even better.  I like the shape, I like the waistband, I like the zipper fly.  With that said, how many of the exact same shorts does one need?  As many as I want, I declare. This time around, I decided to try my hand at switching things up a bit though.

I had extra fabric from my gray dress and thought it would be perfect for upping the ante on summer shorts. So, taking the basic pattern from Simplicity 1430, the leg length was elongated by four inches to make Bermuda like shorts. Easy enough, right?
 

Unfortunately, things became more complicated by the need to line the shorts since the gray fabric offers no coverage from being able to see...underwear. This meant that lining pieces needed a quick drafting. Taking the original front and back pieces, I cut the curve of the side hip so the front piece eliminated the pocket cutout.  To complete the shorts, I first put the pockets in place, then basted the lining to the polyester suiting, and stitched the remainder of the shorts together following the wonderful directions.

Before my introduction to this pattern, I was not a regular connoisseur of the fly front.  I made it a point of avoiding a jean zipper and was intimidated by the top stitching.  One of the tricks I have gathered is to make a pattern of the zipper fly stitch line off the original pattern piece.  I then am able to take the newly created zipper fly pattern and place it on top of the right side of the pants.  Then, trace the pattern with a water soluble marker to make the line to follow with my sewing machine.  It make for a nice finish.

 

 

I absolutely love these shorts.  This pattern is so comfortable that there is already another pair of shorts waiting to be finished.  Whether a casual denim version or this lined suiting, Simplicity 1430 is truly a wardrobe staple.