tiny happy

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‘tiny happy’ was a journal of my handmade life from 2006-2025.

shorts

Shorts 2

Shorts 1

Shorts 3

My project this week was to make some clothes for Arlo to wear this summer. So far I've made a few pairs of these long shorts/short longs (which are they?) which he seems to like wearing. To sew these, I used my own simple pattern that I've been adapting a little every year since he was a baby. It's a pretty simple one, with lined patch pockets on the front, with lots of room for bits of lego and stones, etc.

His favourite pair are the ones with robot-pockets, of course. It's Japanese linen I found on etsy. Where would we be without those great Japanese prints? Next up, a shirt. I'm a little nervous about that.

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21 responses to “shorts”

  1. Julia Avatar
    Julia

    It’s so funny to read about you making shorts for your boy when we are having the coldest day of the season so far. I woke up to snow on the ground. Brrr. It’s so good to be able to escape the cold via the web.
    I love the shorts.

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  2. louana Avatar
    louana

    I love them, I’ve been making some for Andrew too. But not with cool pockets like that, you’ve inspired me. Although I wonder if adding the pockets might encourage another wee collector in the family? (I still love those chairs! can’t believe what a bargin they were)

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  3. Sally Avatar
    Sally

    Really nice and simple and look comfortable (the most important thing). I have two boys and find it hard to find hard wearing shorts that are not too heavily styled.
    I bought some coin purses recently and they are so lovely – tempted to keep one for myself rather than send away for presents 😦

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  4. Marine Avatar
    Marine

    Looks great! My two boys are teenagers now and I miss the days when I used to make most of their clothes

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  5. annri Avatar
    annri

    it’s so cold here (18 deg F), that it’s hard to imagine shorts! those are very cute. i like the look of shorts below the knee on children. i have a bit of that robot fabric too, but haven’t decided how to use it yet.

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  6. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    Cool shorts. I’ve just tried my hand at making some sundresses for the girls – slightly nerve wracking, first time sewing kids clothes…but they turned out great and are very popular with the recipients.
    PS- I loved your black velvet bunnies from last week.

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  7. Alicia Avatar
    Alicia

    very nice shorts!

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  8. Eyecatchers & Wind In The Willow Avatar
    Eyecatchers & Wind In The Willow

    Awesomely BIG pockets for collecting ~ need to check them before putting in the washing machine or it could end up an interesting mix! 🙂

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  9. Lovely World Avatar
    Lovely World

    Those little feet remind me so much of my own boy’s little feet. But, he has to put on boots to go out now!

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  10. Margaret Oomen Avatar
    Margaret Oomen

    i am thinking of making 2011 the year of sewing for me.
    I have so many clothing ideas trapped inside my little mind just begging to be released.
    Many of these will involve pockets of course:)

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  11. dwanevans@gmail.com Avatar
    dwanevans@gmail.com

    I love Japanese fabric. I’ve ordered several times from an etsy shop called Karaku. She also carries the cutest stamp sets. I love it.
    Dwan

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  12. Anne Avatar
    Anne

    They’re very cool long shorts 🙂
    I love sewing shorts, such a satisfying thing as they dont take much to look so cool (japanese fabric certainly helps!) and I love being able to say ‘I made them’.
    Just wish I felt the same about sewing clothes for me …

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  13. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    I have been wanting to sew lately. I moved the sewing room into the garage to make way for the new baby. its a shame its so hot during the day and i need a few bottles of bug spray at night to be able to get in there.ight just have to drag the sewing machine in so i can whip up a pair of these for Ellie. They look so sweet. Well done Melissa!

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  14. Molly Avatar
    Molly

    Love these! I’ve a boy who prefers exactly this style (doesn’t want his knees to show!), which is the one thing not sold. I made a pair last year, which worked great, but without the swell touch of those contrasting pockets.
    It’s 3 below right now out my door, but come Spring, I’ll be trotting back over for inspiration.

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  15. Melbourne Road Avatar
    Melbourne Road

    perfect shorts for a little boy…large pockets for LOTS of treasures
    Lori

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  16. Tammy Avatar
    Tammy

    Long shorts for boys certainly seem to be the in thing. I can’t even sew a button. And my boys would never wear anything I sewed if I could. Of course, the are 12 and 15. My 12 year old still collects anything and everything and puts it in his pockets. Yikes! I can’t tell you the things that have come out in the wash. Best wishes, Tammy

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  17. Lauren Avatar
    Lauren

    Aren’t Japanese fabrics stunning? I swear the Japanese are five years ahead of the rest of us when it comes to design…
    Super cool shorts! I wonder how long the knees will stay intact?!

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  18. perches Avatar
    perches

    Love the shorts! Those are perfect length for little explorers, and I love the deep pockets.

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  19. celine Avatar
    celine

    these shorts look fantastic. love the contrasting fabric.

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  20. Lindsay Jewell Avatar
    Lindsay Jewell

    They look super comfy. Lucky kid. 🙂

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  21. Sharon W. White Avatar
    Sharon W. White

    Thank you! Keep up the good work!
    Now i find a good shoulder bag for my daughter in http://www.sanseed.com/fashionable-brown-metal-button-decorated-cowhide-tote-bag.html, However i don’t know it’s fit her or not, any one help me?

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