The denim shorts are finished. I decided to use flat-fell seams on this pair to give the insides a cleaner look. The pattern doesn't call for this type of seam, but I think the extra effort was worth it.
Inside back view
Inside crotch view
Serged seam view
Pfaff serger and Alice
Finished view
Another finished view
I used my Brother machine for the buttonhole and to attach the button.
These shorts came together perfectly on size. I made a size 42, which is a 36" waist according to the pattern.
I didn't have sizing issues as on my shorts with the same pattern. I had made a size 36 which should have been a 30" waist. I had to take the waist in 4".
I like this pattern. I will plan on making a pair of pants with it in the future.
The denim shorts are coming together. I decided to add a little color to the inside of the fly by using some striped material left over from my mod shorts.
Fly attached Instructions had me hand baste the stitching line so I could sew it later. I ended up removing the basting and just following the contour of the fly with the machine.
Zipper pinned to fly
Finished zipper fly inside
Finished zipper fly outside
Front of shorts ready to sew to rear of shorts
The Brother was used for its zipper foot. And some people wonder why I need more than one machine.
I think my brain-fog was kicking in due to the heat. It took me a couple days to do this. But what else to do on 105 degree day except sewing in an air-conditioned house?
I liked the way my Mod shorts turned out by using Simplicity pants pattern 1948 with a shorts-length inseam. Because of this I am making Joe a pair of shorts with the same pattern. This pair is going to be a lightweight blue denim.
Alice wanted to help me with the project. She is a cheerful helper. She sews a nice straight-stitch with the greatest of ease while emitting a purr.
The front pockets and the tuck-lines are done.
Close-up of pocket
Close-up of tuck line
Mod Shorts made with same pattern
Simplicity 1948
My helper, Alice
It was nice to relax at home in the air-conditioning today. It has been over 100 degrees for over a week.
I go to the local thrift store at least once a week. When I went in a few days ago I saw a vintage sewing machine on the floor. It was even marked half-off. The clerk told me it had been there a month and that is why it was priced so low. I don't think I could have missed it on other trips. Maybe it was hiding somewhere, waiting for the right person to follow home. Someone who would marvel at its mechanics, simplicity, and beauty. Someone who would oil it and take care of it.
I plugged it in to make sure it worked. It worked! Of course it would. It was made in Rockford Illinois in the 40s.
I guess my new friend somehow knew I was the one to take good care of her. Yes, I changed to calling my new machine, her. She is so special. I don't know why this machine is not held to more acclaim by people. I guess I can appreciate her so much because I appreciate Model A Fords, Wringer Washers, Vintage Sewing Machines, and most vintage mechanics. This machine is for a tinker like me. Because there aren't needles and bobbins readily available, so you have to make what is available fit.
I am going to call her Alice.
Alice has some eccentricities that attract me to her:
An interesting name-brand.
Friction drive.(I was afraid it would slip. Not a chance! I kept doubling denim and sewing. She Purred.)
Straight-Stitch with reverse.
Feed-dog adjustment. (really just a disconnect, but manual calls it an adjustment)
A hand-wheel that goes clockwise instead of counterclockwise like modern machines.
A shorter needle than modern machines. (Grind the shank down on a 15x1 needle to the correct length.)
Uses the same bobbin as a Singer Featherweight. (A little filing on the bobbin lock-lever to fit bobbin winder)
A front mounted light switch.
A very well-lit sewing area.
A smooth and quiet purr.
A super-straight stitch.
A single plug-in in the back to keep wires out of the way.
Only weighs 20 pounds.
Wow! I didn't know I could get so worked up about a $4.25 sewing machine.
She is a Free-Westinghouse model ALB, Type E. She was made by The Free sewing machine company. But called Free-Westinghouse because all these machines exclusively used westinghouse motors.
Alice, better known as Free-Westinghouse Model ALB
I finished my Mod Shorts after a few roadblocks. Like the pattern size being off a little and my choice of size to use was off a little. That made for 4 1/2" too large of waist for me. So I ripped the seams, cut down and made the correct size for me.
Then I wanted to serge the leg seams. But a needle broke just as I started. I had to wait to get some more needles from my house. Oh, did I mention Joe and I have been living with my parents since February due to my Dad's health and also we have such terrible neighbors it was making our health worse. We have a bid in on a house we both love. So hopefully it will work out. My Mom and Dad enjoy us being here, but it is nice to be in your own place.
After the setbacks, I ended up with what I think will be great shorts for playing tourist or doing fun things like wine tasting. If I golfed I think I would look like a pro!
Modeled with a ThinManSewing Shirt
Yes, there are pockets front and back. The stripes lined up nicely, so they are almost hidden. Plus this pattern called for a tuck-line down the center front. It doesn't show in the photos, however it gives a nice touch in person.
Rear Pocket close-up
Tuck-Line
Serged Seam
I like this pattern. As long as I remember to choose a size smaller than I normally wear. I didn't put the pocket flaps on the rear pockets. I think if I made slacks I would try the flaps for an upscale look.
I would highly recommend this pattern. Simplicity 1948.
My next project is going to be shorts for Joe with this pattern. But with lightweight blue denim.
I might even use my new sewing machine. Blog to come.
This should have been the finish of the Mod Shorts. I tried them on without the waistband and thought they fit fine. Of course I guess when I was holding them on by my hand I couldn't tell how big they were.
I went ahead and started putting on the waistband and decided to try them on again. I am sure glad I did. They were 4 1/2" to big.
The reviews online mentioned this pattern ran large, so I measured the pattern before I started cutting material. How I ended up with such big shorts, I don't kwow. Was it operator error of the measuring tape?
So not quite fnished yet. I ripped out the threads I had the waistband attached with. Also the topstitching up the legs. Then I took them in.
I am now back to where I started today, just 4 1/2" smaller. I still need to finish attaching the waistband. Then finish up the shorts.
I made the back pockets with the help of a template I made by using lightweight cardboard form a 12-pack cola box. All I did is take the pattern as reference and cut the cardboard to the pattern, then 5/8" off all the way around to make it the appropriate size of the finished pocket.
I ironed the pocket material to fit the template. And voila! Matching pockets. The pattern called for buttoned flaps for the pockets. I decided to leave them off.
Once I sewed on the rear pockets, I sewed the back parts of the shorts together. Then sewed the insides of the legs of front and back together, then the outsides.
Now the shorts are looking like shorts. I still need to put on the waistband, but I tried them on to see how they are coming along.
I am quite pleased. The rear pockets and yoke seem to be the appropriate proportions.
Front
Rear
Except for the zipper instructions, the instructions have been clear and easy
Time for my little Bel Air Bantam and I to take a rest.
