The Sew and Tell Project

On Friday, Eleri shared the Love Notions’ Summer Caye shorts and split-hem pants she made for her darling toddler.  You can see pictures and her pattern review here.  Today, I’d like to share with you the Summer Caye shorts from Love Notions that I sewed up for me and my mini-me!

I made the longer cuffed version of the shorts for both of us – 9″ inseam for me, 6″ inseam for my daughter. The flat front waistband adds a nice polish while the back elastic makes them super comfy. The particular fabric that I used had the feel of linen and had a nice drape and flow to it. This pattern is perfect for all those fun flowy summer fabrics – lightweight wovens and knits alike.

We both LOVE the front pockets – they are amazing!  They are deep and designed in a very special way that prevents the lining from ever popping out or getting messed up. This pattern includes an option for back pockets as well, but I left those off for these versions.

The Summer Caye pattern from Love Notions has options for pants, capris, and shorts in two lengths for both ladies and girls. For women, there are two cuts for the pants – wide and palazzo – and an option for a darling tulip hem on the capris and pants for both ladies and girls.  Next up on my list for myself is a pair of khaki wide leg pants that will be perfect for a casual workplace environment or day out shopping.  For my daughter, I think a pair of tulip hem pants in a lightweight chambray will be perfect for that cooler end-of-summer transition to fall. The pattern for little girls goes up to a size 16, and my little lady only wears a size 5t on the Love Notions size chart, so I can see many more of these shorts for her for future summers. The elastic back waist is especially helpful for little girls – no buttons and zippers – while the overall style looks so polished and adorable. For a more casual playdate look, I’ll probably make her the shorter version with a plain hem.

One thing I absolutely LOVE about this pattern from Love Notions is the trimless assembly and layers option. Only print the size you need! It saves ink when printing and makes cutting out your size so much easier since there is just one line.  The tutorial is excellent and offers excellent suggestions on how to adjust the pattern for a perfect fit, if needed.  I highly recommend sewing up a quick shorts muslin before you cut out your actual project – just so you can be sure you end up with a perfect fitting pair.

If you want to make your own matching mommy and me Summer Cayes for yourself – you can get a bargain and buy the bundle instead of the individual patterns. The ladies and girls patterns, in addition to the bundle will be on sale through Friday, May 6th! Pick up your copy so you can sew yourself or the little girls in your life some trendy and comfortable pants and shorts this summer! Stop on over at our facebook page and share your creations when you are done!