While putting away my winter wardrobe in May (yes, in Belgium we do that a little later π), I realised that none of my shorts fitted properly any more. Either the legs were a little short or I no longer felt very comfortable in them; most of them were between 8 and 15 years old, after all... Like Marie Kondo, I decided it was time to thank them and say goodbye, but... while packing my suitcase this summer, I realised I had no shorts left for holiday adventures π±! Disaster!
Luckily, I had just received special issue no. 2 of Fibremood, featuring the Dahlia shorts, which were exactly the kind of shorts I was looking for!
So, let me tell you about my new shorts!
The Dahlia design
Dahlia is the essential pair of shorts to pack in your suitcase. Above all, I love the high waist. It defines the waist and feels comfortable when you are running around or hiking... You do not want low-rise shorts that you constantly have to pull up. I also like the front pleats, which are not too pronounced and therefore do not create too much volume at the front. I hate it when the cut of a pair of shorts makes you look as though you have a tummy, when it is simply the volume created by a pleat.
I also really like the generous leg width, which does not dig into the thighs, and the leg length with its charming turn-up.
Dahlia is quite an elegant pair of shorts, and your fabric choice can enhance that effect or soften it.
Finally, Dahlia has side pockets (essential in shorts, in my opinion).
It has a buttoned waistband and a fly.
It is a lovely design for tackling slightly more challenging shorts and trouser projects.
Practical information for sewing Dahlia
As I mentioned above, Dahlia is available in fibremood special issue no. 2, currently on newsstands.
Fibremood rates it at difficulty level 2 out of 5. I find that a little low, given the fitted waistband, buttonhole and fly; I would have rated it 3 out of 5.
As usual, Fibremood spoils us with its size range: Dahlia is available from 32 to 60!
Fibremood recommends fabrics with some body, such as cotton twill, poplin, denim, linen or a woven jacquard for this design.
In the dressmaker's basket
To sew Dahlia, you will need:
My supplies
For my version of Dahlia, I wanted to try the new 3m fabric remnants. After trying double gauze for my LΓ©anne dress, I wanted to try cotton sateens with elastane. I wanted comfortable shorts that would move with me while hiking, and thought a little elastane in my sewing project would be perfect!
I also wanted an easy-to-match colour and a fairly discreet motif, so that I could easily coordinate the tops and bottoms of my outfits. I therefore chose a black fabric with a repeating golden-beige motif.
I used black gΓΌtermann thread for assembly, a black 15cm YKK closed-end zip and a reclaimed button that matched the colours of my fabric perfectly.
Technical skills
As I mentioned above, Fibremood rates the design at 2 out of 5... Personally, I think it should be rated 3, as Dahlia includes quite a few technical skills:
- making pleats
- assembling the side pockets
- sewing the crotch seam and side seams
- inserting the fly
- attaching the waistband
- making the buttonhole
- making the turn-ups.
It is a good design for learning plenty of techniques used in shorts and trousers.
My sewing experience
Sewing Dahlia is a lovely experience. I chose size 36 and did not add ease at the hips (as I had to do for my Benita trousers), because the shorts are quite roomy. I therefore recommend checking the size chart and prioritising your waist measurement when choosing your size. I also chose a stretch cotton, so I was not worried about fitting into them.
To be honest, some of the steps for constructing the fly and turn-ups puzzled us a little, as Fibremood suggests a somewhat unusual method. It works, but it is not the one we are used to. If I make them again, I will use my usual construction techniques.
Apart from that, nothing to report. The shorts fit beautifully, and I love them!
There we are! I will be able to explore Japan's forests and mountains in my lovely Dahlia shorts. What about you: do you like wearing shorts in summer?
If you are like me, pick up your needles!
