Men's Shirt to Boys Shorts

I love thrifting and garage sales.  They are a great source of creativity.  Recently I found this shirt made beautiful green plaid.  It was a size XXL and you know what that means, lots of fabric.  Better yet it was only 50 cents. I knew I had to make a pair of shorts from this shirt.

The only problem was that it had a big stain on the bottom front.  I figured I could work around it.

So I deconstructed the shirt.

Cut out my pattern and sewed it together.

I had planned on using the front pocket as a rear pocket for the shorts, but with an XXL shirt comes an XXL pocket.  It was much too big for a size 4 shorts.

I ended up using it as a side pocket instead.  I think it worked out perfect. 

And there you have it.  A totally cute pair of shorts from a men's shirt.  This pair will be added to my collection for Hopeful Threads July project.  Shorts pattern by Fishsticks, Mud Puddle Splashers.

Garage Sales R Us & a Giveaway

I have just discovered a new (to me) blog, Garage Sales R Us. This blog is all about Garage Sales and all things thrifty. If you like to go to garage sales, have garage sales and bargain shop than this is the sight for you. Right now Garage Sales R Us is giving away, 1 Personal Electric Cutter Cricut Machine. This machine can quickly and easily cut alphabets and shapes.  To get more information and enter to win visit Garage Sales R Us.

Simple Cargo Pockets

I have been making shorts for Hopeful Threads July Project, little boys shorts. I dug into my fabric stash to use my fabric on hand including scraps and short cuts of fabric. In some cases I found that I didn't have enough fabric for side pockets. Now we all know that little boys love their pockets. Where else would they put their rocks, sticks or whatever else they find laying around. I used some scrap fabric to add a simple cargo pocket. I didn't use a pattern so I thought I would share with you the formula I used to make the pockets. I took this idea from a pair of shorts my son has.

First you need to decide the size of your pocket. Add 1/2 inch to the sides and bottom of the pocket and 1 inch to the top.  

Cut the flap 1/2 inch wider than the pocket piece and 2 1/2 inch tall.

finish the edges all around.

Fold down the top edge 1 inch, right sides together.

Sew down the top edge 1/2 inch in on the sides. Trim seam to get rid of bulk.

Turn right side out and fold in sides and bottom 1/2 inch.

Open the seam and fold the corners in diagonally.

Fold the seams back in to create a nice corner.

Sew the top down.

Pin the pocket to the front and back side seam.

Sew two rows of topstitching.

To create the flap fold piece in half, right sides together. Sew side seams using a 1/2" seam.

Sew two rows of topstitching.

Pin down 1/2 inch from the pocket and sew down using 1/4 inch seam.

Fold flap down and stitch the top edge.

And now your done.

The shorts pattern is Mud Puddle Splashers by Fishsticks.

I made these shorts for Hopeful Threads July project, little boys shorts for Cambodia. It's not too late to participate. Check out her blog for details.



Hopeful Threads