It’s a miracle — I’ve completed the first project of my new summer wardrobe sewing in time to take it with me to Cape Cod on Wednesday!

For these shorts I used the exact same pattern that I used for my second pair of pants. These are based on the pattern from the Sew U book, but modified with the slant front pockets from the Built By Wendy/Simplicity pattern 3850. I left off the pocket flaps on this version and cut off the legs to make them shorts. That’s pretty much it!

And after doing this fly installation, what, half a dozen times now, I am very happy to announce that this time I did it completely correctly for the first time! I simply used the notes I made during my midnight zipper revelation, and, voila, a perfect fly!

I used another Heather Bailey fabric for the waistband facings and pockets. This is fun to do, but in this case was also necessary, since I didn’t have enough of the khaki left to cut out all the pieces.

This project was great for multiple reasons: 1) I had already made this pattern twice before, so I could go straight to making the real thing without a muslin, or even buying a pattern, and 2) I basically made this from my stash by using leftover khaki from the pants, as well as the Heather Bailey fabric, interfacing, and a button that I already had. I only had to buy a zipper and thread (and the thread doesn’t really count, since I’ll always use khaki thread). That’s it. Sweet! Oh, and 3) I now own a total of three pairs of shorts!

And just so you don’t think it was all wine and roses, when I was ripping the buttonhole open I ripped a bunch of the stitches down one side of the buttonhole and had to do a repair job on it. No sweat. The button will cover it up.

I’m very happy to announce that a second version of the vintage dress may be next in line, because we just got in at the shop a tiny purple and dark brown print that is PERFECT with that Jay McCarroll fabric I want to use. PER-FECT.

Today I am on my way to Cape Cod, and I am looking forward to a fabulous weekend with my friends! I wish all of you equally fabulous weekends as well, and I’ll see you back here when I return!