Finished Project: Orion Shorts Sewing Pattern

Here’s my latest finished project, the Orion Shorts sewing pattern from French Poetry.

Something about a global pandemic shifts me right into my homesteading roots. Suddenly I’m rummaging through every shelf, every closet, every box; organizing, renovating, modifying, cooking, baking, freezing, gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and making, making, MAKING!

I’m unsure if this is a compulsive thing triggered by general anxiety, or instinctual, in service of a sustainability mindset (especially when getting to the store is stressful and challenging and the post office is lagging.

At any rate, I’ve been a productive machine, utilizing all my resources. One of my first projects was my neglected stash of fabric. I spent a week sorting it all, much of which was leftover from projects meant for my babies (now 20 and 17, which gives you an idea of the last time I had time to sew), rescues from worn garments and sheets, leftovers from costume shop giveaways, and an assortment of great vintage bolts I’d swiped from The Old Pitts Homestead stash.

After assessing the yardages for potential uses, I surveyed my household for clothing needs. My daughter has been looking for some time for a good pair of high-waisted, vintage looking shorts, and the Orion shorts from French Poetry fit the bill!

I had just enough vintage tomato red corduroy to make her size.

Check out the surprise twist: a pocket of vintage cotton in a geometric, red and white lattice pattern…

…and a row of black and white buttons on the side.

Just a heads up, though this pattern is super easy to finish in a day, a small step of sewing up a side seam is missing in the instructions (but easily realized).

My California kid is super excited to wear these with black stockings to keep her warm during harsh NYC winters once she finally gets to go to college in person. She’s happy with the idea, so I feel no need to clue her in to what real NYC winters are like. We all need a little dream to get through this weird time, right?

Let me know what you think of my finished Orion Shorts by French Poetry! Please leave a comment below or instagram with the hashtag #makeadlib . Don’t forget to tag @makeadlib so I can see your feedback!