Thursday, July 22, 2010

Skort Capri Tutorial of a Pillowcase

I am not sure what to call these pants/shorts/capris/skorts, but I stumbled across this idea after making a pair of shorts for Abraham following the guide in Amanda Blake Soule's first book, The Creative Family, using an old t-shirt.

~Abraham's shorts~

Super easy to make. Then I knew that Sarah needed some more shorts and I had not been able to find any at the thrift stores of late (nor have I had much time to get to the thrift store). In addition, she has a tiny waist and we prefer longer shorts or skort style pants. I did have some thrifted pillowcases (25 cents each!) and realized I could basically do the same thing that I had done with a t-shirt.

Here is how ~

Holding the pillowcase the long way, take a pair of shorts the approximate size of the person you are sewing for, and with the shorts folded in half, line the sides up like in the picture below. The bottom edge of the shorts will be the already hemmed opening of the pillow case, so plan accordingly.

~I used chalk to draw the line. The pillow case is not turned inside out.~


Next, cut out on the purple line and then use what you just cut out, flip it over and line it up on the other edge, pin and cut out.




Next, open up both pieces and place right sides together and pin. Then sew from top down to crotch on both sides.



Now open piece up so seams are in middle of front and back and place pins down leg sides and then sew from crotch down to bottom of leg for both sides.


Roll down the top waistband 1/4" and press and then fold over another 1 1/2 inches, press. Sew around, leaving a 1 inch opening where you will insert the elastic.


Using a safety pin, pull the elastic around the waist opening. Be sure to measure your child's waist. Cut and sew two ends of elastic together. You can hand sew the opening closed.



That is it. I am not an experienced seamstress, but was happy to make these in only about 20 minutes or so.

Warm wishes,
Tonya


18 comments:

  1. Adorable - wish I could whip up some for myself!
    I wouldn't know where to begin.

    Namaste, Nicole

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  2. I love the mismatched socks in the first photo. Sometimes I'm so excited to start my day I throw on the first thing I find too!
    Camille

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  3. Those shorts look great! I have been hesitant to try Amanda's pattern even though it seems so easy. I love the floral print on those shorts. We find longer shorts and pants to be especially helpful in the woods and sun.

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  4. I love a quick, simple and functional project that produces such lovely results. Great idea, using the pillow case :-)

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  5. Very beautiful and functunal, and frugal! What a great idea, plus your pictures and intsructions are very eas to read. Thank for this!

    ~Samantha

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  6. Wow, seem to be having a bit of an *off* spelling day for me! Forgive me ;)

    ~Samantha

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  7. What a lovely project Tonya and the fact that it is thrifted makes it even more amazing:)

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  8. These are adorable. The vintage skorts rock. I also love your daughter's socks, my kids wear mismatching socks all the time, its the cutest. :-)

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  9. what a wonderful idea-- they are sooo cute!!!

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  10. Wonderful idea Tonya. I buy thrifted pillow slips often. I can't imagine how so many near new slips end up at the op shop but there is a lot of really good fabric in them.

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  11. I love the idea of using a pillow case to make children's shorts/pants! And these are really cute ones on your little girl. :) And I LOVE her socks. . .
    I have to make Ollie some shorts, and I have two pieces of fabric that have been sitting for weeks and weeks.

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  12. So cute! Great idea. I love the ones with the little flowers.

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  13. these are so cute! Very simple too, will have to give it a try!

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  14. What a great summer garment from a pillowcase!

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  15. A great tutorial, just the inspiration I need to get making for my boys! Also I want to add that I have so enjoyed the latest newsletter, full of fascinating ideas and wonderful articles, it is such a joy to read. I feel like I have received a letter from a dear friend and find it so uplifting. Thanks again for creating this wonderful thing.

    P.S I use your bread recipe about 3 times a week to make nourishing bread for my family, it has changed my mind about making my own, now I wouldn't do without it!

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  16. i just wanted to thank you for the pillowcase capri idea! i'm not a sewer, but my special needs daughter needs some comfortable pants/capris that can be made extra slim and these look perfect so i will give them a try. :o)

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  17. These are so cute! I am so excited for my first sewing class in August...can't wait to finally get going on some sewing projects!!
    Suzy

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