Hot Pink Ruffle Shorts

The last time I sewed Class Picnic Ruffle Shorts, BK wore a size 5. She outgrew them at least a year ago. They were always a favorite so it was time to sew up a new pair. This time with a few more modifications to make my girl happy.


The shorts are also one of my entries in the Shorts on the Line 2014 sewalong contest. If you'd like to participate, more info is HERE.

pattern: Oliver S Class Picnic Shorts
size: 8
fabric: hot pink twill
mods: A lot! Zip fly, added 1" in length, added 1" to the front panels on the side, squared off the front panels, put darts in the back for some shaping, topstitched the crotch seam, added raw edge ruffles, and made the fit a bit slimmer Whew!

I used my Zip Fly Tutorial to add the zipper and loosely followed my original Ruffle Shorts Tutorial for the rest of the shorts. I wanted a bit of a slimmer fit so I sewed the inseams and zip fly first and then had BK try on the shorts so I could adjust the fit. BK's ready-to-wear shorts that she likes have a leg opening of approximately 18". Based on that and BK trying on the shorts, I ended up cutting close to an inch off the back panels to get the fit I wanted.

I wanted the back to hug BK's curves so I added 2 darts for shaping. The back waistband does still have buttonhole elastic for sizing flexibility. I really like the raw edge Hosh Pants that I made for MG back in the spring so I decided to leave the ruffle edges unfinished. There is a line of stitching about 1/2" from the edge to keep the fraying in check.

The top is also from the Class Picnic pattern. I wanted to sew a top to coordinate with the shorts and was wishing that BK still fit into the Swingset Tunic. A lightbulb began to flicker over my head and I decided to try and make a spaghetti strap Class Picnic blouse.

I finished the armholes with bias tape and then added the straps to the front and back bodices in a similar method as the Swingset Tunic. I'll post a tutorial when I make the next one. There are a few snags I ran into that I need to address first.;) I'm not the first to make a sleeveless Class Picnic, Jessica at A Little Gray made one with bias tape ties last year.

 This is the perfect summer outfit for my active girly girl!