What’s even cooler is that my friend Katy of Katy&Laney designed them! They’re the first ever K&L release: the Tap Shorts. I’m day 3 of the excellent blog tour – see all the stops below.
I’ve never made shorts before so I was a bit nervous, but they came together in an evening and I love the end result. When Katy was developing the pattern, I tried on some of the early prototypes, and Katy ended up grading them up and doing some more fitting for plus size figures, which is fantastic – several other members of the Curvy Sewing Collective will also be showcasing theirs soon.
I brought them with me on my epic cycling adventure, and put them to good use poolside at the Park Hyatt Saigon:
The shorts are high waisted and have a super cool pleat at the front which I decided to keep stitched down to avoid any puffiness over my tummy area. Not into tummy pleats? No worries! There’s a diagonally seamed version *and* a non-pleated fly front version to try, too.
I made them up using an upholstery fabric from IKEA which I’ve had for yonks, and it proved to be the perfect weight and pattern to showcase the pleated design. Shorts aren’t always the natural bedfellow of the curvy lady, but I must say that I was delighted by how these turned out on my relatively large-waisted, somewhat-full-tummied, slim-hipped & thighed size 22 figure. They are magically stomach flattening on me!
In the spirit of full transparency, I know that the shorts didn’t work for *all* my curvy lady posse – it’s funny how even women with the same measurements can have it distributed so differently that they patterns come out so differently. But I can definitely attest that for my proportions (about 40″ waist, 48″ hips) and distribution (more on the front than the back) they work a treat.
I also made my first ever welt pockets – Katy’s instructions were very simple to follow and I did them pretty much perfectly first time. The only thing I’d do differently next time would be to use a lighter weight fabric for the facings as I ended up with quite a lot of bulk inside the pockets. I also appear to have a little bit of errr… “creep up” in the back crotch – I’m not sure if that’s a bit of an optical illusion due to the fabric, or whether I should make a pattern adjustment – any idea? The front fits perfectly, so I wouldn’t want to alter that.
The zip is on side, and there’s a simple waistband at the top. I made the size 20 (41″ waist) and next time I’ll add another inch at the waist, as there’s very minimal waistband ease and it will make them a little more comfortable when I’m sitting down.
yes please! i am venturing out this year from children’s clothes and tying to make stuff for myself. Being a curvy bottecelli lady i think these would be a gorgeous project and with the sun-shining a great reason to get the legs out.
Your shorts are amazing! The stripes are perfect for this style. I would love to win because they look freakin awesome! I’m pear shaped and I think these shorts will be perfect for my curves. I hope anyway!
Jenny these look bloody fantastic on you! Oh how I’ve had shorts struggles! Would love to try this pattern and that fabric is hugely fabulous! Btw, the back view looks fine – unless it’s uncomfortable I wouldn’t be too stressed (perhaps the fabric weight might be contributing).
ooh those shorts look fab! i would love to win this pattern because i have never made a pair of shorts before and absolutely want to have a try! thanks 🙂 beththegulfmini@googlemail.com
I actually gave up on shorts a couple years ago when I couldn’t find any to buy that fit. Now that I am sewing for myself,maybe I can make shorts that fit!
Ho Wow, the short looks staning, I always believed curvie ladies should wear such “minimal” piece of clothe outside the pool area ( as being a curvie one myself) but this one are just perfectly gluttering!!! Of course I want the pattern 🙂
genya.keselman@gmail.com
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Very very nice- I neeeed this pattern [and fabric] for the following reasons: [1] My milkbottle white legs need some sunshine [2] My lovely OH is ex-RN, so a nautical theme is spot-on [3] I never win anything [except my lovely OH, she amends quickly] [4] I promise to creep shamelessly and tell everyone to follow your blog! [edited: I’m also an idiot who forgets to post an email address, doh. elaine_sabin@yahoo.co.uk]
you look fabulous. I would love to win this so I can make MY first pair of shorts
those shorts look fabulous on you! I would love to win! Just because I love high wasted shorts but they never fit me (big difference in hip and waist measurements). I should try making them myself and that pattern is awesome.
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I would love, love to try these. They look so smart and flattering on you! Anchors away!
Those are really cute on you. Ilike the stripes a lot. I haven’t worn shorts in years because they always ride up and I end up walking funny, so I am not really entering the giveaway. But if anyone has tips or ideas for preventing short ride-up, I can’t wait to hear ’em.
These shorts look fabulous on you! I wear shorts everyday living in the south! Would love to make a pair in each view!
these look great on you! love the striped fabric, that is too perfect. i’ve made pants and shorts loads of times, but i’ve always been hesitant to go for the higher on the waist type. don’t know why, cuz they seem to be flattering on everyone! for the creeping in the back (which, honestly, i can barely see) you may need to scoop out the back crotch curve. it’s a pretty common pant alteration, and, as it happens, i talked about it a little in my most recent blog post. 🙂
I like that look ! 🙂
I want to win because more patterns and fabric are always good! haha. These look like a lovely pattern and a good staple that could be a great addition to any chic Summer wardrobe. simplybeu(at)gmail(dot)com
Love the stripes. I have yet to tackle pants and shorts all the way. There is always some little fitting issue that lingers but I keep trying,
Your shorts are great– I love the stripes! I would love to try my hand at this pattern. My goal is to make myself shorts this summer and this is a much different style than anything I own.
Oh my goodness. I’ve been swooning over these shorts since I first saw the pattern but with a similar body shape to you I’d never dreamed I could make a pair. Now….I simply have to! You look amazing in these. Very glam! The fabric is to.die.for. Gorgeous!
Gorgeous shorts. I love them in the stripes! Loving shorts this year myself so I would definitely make a pair.
These look like the perfect pattern for me to try pants/shorts! Exciting!
I would love to have these because sewing for myself scares me and so I never invest in patterns or materials for me. But…if someone were to give them to me for free, I may just have a go without the added pressure of spending money on a potential failure (or success).
Wow, that striped fabric is such a great match for these shorts! Great job Jenny – they really came out gorgeous. 🙂
I was just petting (fondling?) that same anchor chambray at a shop yesterday, so I’d love to win a bit of it. I’ve never made shorts or pants, but they are very high up on my sewing to-do list. Handmade jeans are on the horizon… one day!
The shorts look great. The welt pockets are impressive! I love your biker tan. 🙂 For the slight wedgie in the back, you can just deepen the crotch by 1 cm.
I need some shorts that are flattering on me and I think these would be great! And I adore the anchor fabric! It’s the closest I’ll get to the sea since I live in Kansas 🙂
Please don’t enter me for the giveaway as I’ve just made a pair of denim nautical shorts (spooky eh?!) I just wanted to say that your Tap Shorts look great on you and are very, very flattering. I hope you get an uncontrollable urge to tap dance whenever you wear them! x
Just love your shorts on you. I was not sure if I wanted to try out a shorts pattern, but now I definitely do! Lovely pattern and giveaway, so thanks to you and Katy & Laney.
your post was timed perfectly! I have been debating if I can get away with shorts, especially which pattern to use at my size (am a couple of sizes larger, ahem) and you look stunning in them (and the shorts are fabulous!) – so I’d love to try a pattern that allows curvy sewers to shine!
Why because I love to sew 🙂 Thanks for hosting the giveaway
I haven’t worn shorts for a few years because I’m never happy with the fit. It would be fun to attempt making them!
I want some shorts that look as good on me as those do on you!
Oh, those would be great! I need a new pair of shorts to go on vacation with my boyfriend, and these would be so stylish!
These look amazing on you! I have so much love for the Curvy Sewing Collective. Ya’ll have really inspired me to actually start sewing for myself.
Wow, wow, wow! Those shorts look incredible on you! I really love the look of the contrasting stripes and they just flatter your figure so well. I don’t know if I will ever be comfortable tucking in a t-shirt because I am so self-conscious of my tummy area, but if I had those shorts I might actually go for it. I have to say that they are just fab.
Wow! I would never of even IMAGINED that there could be _such_ a flattering short pattern for us curvy gals! I wanna try!
Those shorts are really hot, I’d love to make a pair or two
Amazing shorts! The stripes look so good with the angled pleat. I have a few well worn pairs of high waisted Gap shorts that I love, and this looks like the perfect pattern to make them in fun prints and colors!
Nice work! You look fab and so do the shorts.
I would LOVE to win this pattern and fabric combo. the shorts sound perfect for my figure type (very similar to yours) and I would really enjoy making and wearing such a charming pair of shorts! Thanks!
I have started sewing for my daughter again and these shorts would be awesome!
Oh Jenny – these look amazing on you! I would love to win just to see if they would work for me. Shorts would be great for dog walking and casual summer outfits – my hips and thighs are not slim, however so I’m not positive they would work for me. g
Wow, I love these shorts. The pattern is SO great on you (talking of twinsies we are the same measurements). I would love to win this. I used to wear shorts and mini skirts all the time but since I have expanded I have completely lost the nerve to get my pins going public. Would love to make them. xx
These shorts look brilliant on you. My fave version so far! You look fabulous!
I would love to try this pattern! I actually squeeled when I saw the pattern on pinterest yesterday! I have a heard time finding shorts that fit me since my waist size is a couple sizes bigger then anything else. I am leaving for holiday soon, and I am in desperatly need of a pair of nice, classic and stylish highwaist shorts. These look perfect!! 🙂
Your shorts turned out really cute! I had never heard of this company before until someone else mentioned this new pattern in passing on another blog post. I thought about buying the pattern right then and there but wanted to see a few pairs made up (preferably on a curvy figure) first before taking the plunge. So yes, please enter me in the drawing. 🙂
I have made shorts before–the Colette Iris. They were cute and flattering, but sadly, I didn’t wear them much because I discovered that I really prefer a fly front on my shorts, so these would be perfect for that.
While I’m not much of a shorts girl I’d love to win because I’m always up for a new sewing challenge. Also, I love what the pleats do to the stiles…fabulous!
As others have noted, finding trousers to fit curvy girls is a challenge. Maybe these will fit!
Thanks to you and Katy and Laney for hosting such a great giveaway!
The tap shorts looks great on you. I’d love to find a pattern for shorts that are flattering on me. This one looks like it would, and would be great in the nautical fabric.
Those looks lovely! I would like to sew a pair of nice shorts (not fitness wear)–those look like a lovely pattern.
Rose in SV
I’d love to try shorts, it would be nice to have a pair that didn’t look like a brown paper sack with at string around it.
Those shorts are amazeballs! I love that nautical print too. I recently did the Coletterie Wardrobe Architect series and decided it’s hight time I get over my shorts phobia and give my iridescent yams a chance at some sunshine. This pattern looks like it might fit the bill!
I would love to win because I vowed to not buy any more patterns this summer… then this showed up! What luck! Thanks for the giveaway!
I want to win because those are the most unique shorts I’ve ever seen! I love that pleat detail combine with the stripes on yours, you look fab!
Great giveaway! I would love to win! i like this shorts
Anna
anna_k67@yahoo.com
Wow, these are gorgeous on you. I love the stripes, they work so well. I would love to try these shorts – I’ve been meaning to make some for a while and this is a gorgeous pattern! I have a voluptuous bottom half so I’d love to see if these shorts could fit!
Katy@sleeksilhouette.com
they look fab: its funny, i’ll happily wear a skirt but never shorts, not sure why. I’d love to give these a whirl, and given its winter here down south, i’ll have several months to perfect the pattern 🙂 katdouglas@gmail.com
Oh, beautiful. I love the diagonal lines on the front. Pretty welt pockets. I would love to make a pair of those!
Way cute!!!! I want to win as I just purchased some lovely linen blend fabric that I can use on my 2nd pair after using my win innings…hint-hint. 😉 also, I have not made shorts…ever and would be delighted to try.
I am so impressed with how much your blog has grown, congratulations Cashmerette!
Oops, contact Geni at genevieve1designs@gmail.com if I win.
Love those! I’ve never made shorts, but I have trouble finding shorts that I like so I’ve been looking for a great pattern. And that anchor fabric is awesome! Thanks for the giveaway.
I want to win because I still Need some Shorts for summer and the pattern is quite stunning, as well as the fabric! Your version Looks great.
Wow, your shorts are banging! So flattering on you. I love this pattern and the kit looks perfect – I nearly bought that anchor chambray when in NY so a second chance to own it would be nice! Fingers crossed.
I would love to attempt to tackle shorts! I havent yet due to lack of a good pattern and my plus sized body type–these look gorgeous on you so I am currently feeling brave….
The only shorts I ever had were pregnancy pants. I need to have me some! It would be a challenge of acceptance aswell as I am not happy with my tummy ever since my second pregnancy.
I love your version! I really like wearing shorts but it’s not always easy to find a pattern that’s flattering, especially on a plus size body. I’d love to give these a try!
What a cute pair of shorts! They would be great for this summer.
Those shorts looks so awesome on you!! And what cool fabric for a giveaway!
Those shorts might finally get me over feeling like i don’t want to flash any of my thighs! So fantastic on you!
These are fabulous on you but I think a lot of the reason is your awesome fabric choice!
Oh and please don’t enter me in the giveaway!
Your shorts totally rock! The shape is flattering, the fit seems perfect, and your choice of a stripy fabric enhances the diagonal seams ! I’d love to try to sew a pair for myself, and get to flash some legs during my upcoming holidays!
Ooh, that anchor fabric is amazing! I cycle every day and shorts are sooo much more practical than skirts on a bike. Thanks so much for the giveaway x
I love those shorts – you look fantastic! I am just learning to sew and already an addict. It is so much fun. I’ve been looking everywhere for a high waisted shorts pattern that is doable at my skill level and would love to give this one a try. The nautical theme is the icing on the cake.
Fingers and toes crossed, I would love to make a pair of shorts but have never been brave enough! Your blog is so inspiring!
i want to win 🙂 thetelltaletasha at gmail dot com
Great shorts! I love this pattern. And anchor-print cambray? Perfect! I’ll wear them sailing. Sign me up. 🙂 Thank you!
I love how you played with the stripes on your pair of shorts! Very clever! I’d love to win, haven’t tackled a pair of shorts yet. I’m working towards someday having a 100% handmade wardrobe. So far I’ve just made tops, dresses, and skirts. Need to cross pants and shorts off the list!
I really, really enjoy your detailed breakdown on the sizing of these shorts! I purchased the pattern on release date, because I don’t think I’ve seen a pair of shorts cuter than the ones in View A. After looking at the sizing in the pattern, I’m interested to see how they fit over my curvy bottom. I carry all my curve in my hips and thighs. Fingers crossed!
I’ve finally braved making (and wearing) shorts using Sewaholic’s Tofinos (shortened and with twill tape instead of the fabric bow they work well for casual shorts) and now I think I’m ready to tackle shorts with zippers 🙂
I’ve seen 3 different bloggers in these shorts now and I am officially a fan. I usually am not a shorts-lover, but yours look so cute! I’d love to win this little package 🙂 Thanks so much for the giveaway.
These shorts are absolutely awesome! It would be great to win this giveaway because, well because these shorts are absolutely awesome!!!
Your shorts are so fantastic! I would love to win so that I could have my own nautical shorts and conquer a welt pocket, it would feel like a great accomplishment. Also, I’ve only ever had one pair of high waisted shorts I felt comfortable in wearing, but I could wear the tap shorts all summer!
I would love to win as we have similar body types and you look rocking in them! Plus, our summers are super humid and sticky 🙁
Ohmigosh! I have the same measurements and body type as you – not uncommon, but I feel like I don’t see many slimmer hipped/thighed and full bellied plus size bloggers or seamstresses. So seeing how smashing you look in those shorts makes me really excited to try the pattern for myself!
Pretty please! I need a great short pattern. I have been trying to work on a made by me plus size wardrobe because it is so hard to find cute things in my size. These shorts are really sweet!
So bold. So perfect. I need to win so I can be just like shorts wearing You!
Your shorts look fab, and your fitting description matches me! So I would like to win these shorts as I’ve not worn shorts in over 10 years and these make me want to try some!
These look amazing…what a great idea to use such a wide strip! I would LOVE to win…my shorts situation is woeful, and I LOVE that fabric!
I recently found your blog and love it. I would love to make shorts for myself and my daughter
GREAT. Now I Have to rent a car and drive to Ikea so I can buy this fabric. It looks AMAZING cut on the angle. So flattering! And your welt placement is perfect.
Thanks! I bought it yeaaaars ago to make cushions, so check before you trek, I wouldn’t want you to be disappointed!
I want to win because I’ve never tried making shorts before, and I really want to!
Your shorts look amazing! I’ve been coveting that fabric and think the pattern/fabric combo will make a super cute pair of shorts for the summer. This is my first time reading your blog and I’m looking forward to seeing more!
Wow, those shorts are super cute!! I have always had a hard time finding shorts that fit right in stores but now, not only do I like this pattern, I also have the ability to tailor it to my measurements. Win win 🙂
I’d love a chance at this pattern. Never made shorts before, and I don’t really wear any since I’m never a fan of the RTW ones that are made for us curvy ladies. The fabric is adorable to boot! Chambray and little anchors! Sign me up.
I think this would be a great challenge as I’ve never made shorts before, but would love to make a pair for a family meet-up I have this August at the Delaware shore!
Ive been too timid to wear shorts, but after seeing yours, I want to!! They are super flattering, just adorable on you!
First, you look wonderful in your shorts, the horizontal stripes ar slimming.
Why do I want these, well because..
OK better answer, I have struggled. For over year to perfect pants . I can finally say that I have achieved a good fit. I would like to apply what I have suffered to learn to making these striking shorts. I live in La Paz , Baja California Sur, and shorts are an important part of my wardrobe.. I am trying to look polished and stylish , and escape the tee and shorts or tank with blouse over top. These shorts are so classy they would be a wonderful addition to my wardrobe.
Yours are adorable! I’d love to sew up a pair for our hot VA summers.
Your shorts are so beautiful and fun! I’ve recently lost some weight and need new shorts and a pair of nautical tap shorts would be perfect to wear all summer long. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, I love love love the anchor fabric.
These shorts look so sophisticated, I love the stripes with the pleats.
I would love to win because I have never made a pair of trousers for myself before and shorts seems like a good place to start! Plus I LOVE chambray and all things NAUTICAL!
Great job on those shorts….they look amazing on you! And I can just imagine how adorable the anchor fabric would be. Super cute 🙂 So far I’ve only sewed skirts and shirts, but these shorts are tap-tapping their way into my ‘want to try’ pile pretty quickly. Learning how to sew welt pockets?? Bring it on! (tess_melody@hotmail.com)
Those shorts look great on you. I would love to win this, because I need shorts that actually fit. I have alot of difficulty finding clothes and patterns that fit properly.
Your shorts are awesome! Great fabric choice – I think you did a great job!
These are so cute! I love how the stripes go diagonal-wise on the pleats. Must have a go at this pattern some time…
Ooh, great shorts! I love the way those stripes go with the stitched-down pleat. And you look great in them!
LOVE the anchor fabric, the shorts are cute too! 🙂
I adore anything anchor printed, and I adore shorts, so double love. 🙂
Oh year!! These are great looking shorts on you, I’m nearly the same size as you and have always avoided shorts but yours have changed my mind.
I don’t always like wearing shorts, but this looks like an interesting and figure flattering pattern- and I love anchors, so I’d love to give it a try! Thanks!
Cute, and an interesting shorts design. Love the fabric, too! Thank you!
This would be absolutely fabulous to make up for ME! (Please, please!)