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Rae's Cool Canvas Lander Shorts

We keep pretty busy at Fancy Tiger, and with the days getting longer and hotter, I knew that I needed a good pair of shorts to add to my wardrobe. I’ve never been a fan of how I look in shorts, and I know now that it is mostly due to the fit of off-the-rack clothes on my body. The summer sewing challenge presented the perfect opportunity for me to stretch my skills and make a highly tailored and flattering pair of shorts that I would want to wear again and again! Here's my take on the Lander Pants & Shorts Pattern by True Bias. 

Rae's Lander Shorts in Cotton Canvas

Pattern: Lander Pant and Shorts by True Bias

Materials: Canvas Peko in Charcoal Metallic by Cotton + Steel

Modifications: Grading from a size 4 in the waist to a 10 in the hips, shorten length, full seat adjustment

Button front fly on Rae's Canvas Lander Shorts

I decided on the Lander Pant/Short pattern by True Bias due to the high waist. I have a very long torso and have learned that low rise shorts and pants aren’t always the best look for my shape. I have a significant difference (10"-11”) between my waist and hip measurements, and knew I would have to grade between sizes in order to get the ideal fit. I made the mistake of assuming this would eliminate the need to make a full seat adjustment in order for the shorts to fit, and this was a mistake! My first pair was absolutely PAINTED on, and I was frustrated enough to have to take a few days off before re-attempting them. However, we fail upwards, right? It reinforced the importance of making a muslin for fitted/tailored garments, and I definitely learned from my mistakes with the first pair.

Back shot of Rae's Lander Shorts

Attempt number two went much more smoothly. Thanks to a great tutorial on fitting pants from Closet Case, I felt confident making the needed tailoring changes to make these shorts fit perfectly. I sewed my darts, I graded my seams and basted my hems; the moment of truth finally arrived. I tried the nearly finished shorts on for fit and SUCCESS! I finished the belt loops and attached the antique brass tack buttons and immediately wore the shorts out for the evening. I’ve never been so proud of one of my makes!

side shot of Rae's canvas lander pants sewing pattern

These shorts have definitely given me the motivation and confidence to make a pair of pants in this style and even to attempt my own jeans, now that I know how wonderful a tailored pair of pants can make me feel! The directions for this pattern are concise, clear and straightforward, and I encourage anyone who has been considering attempting a pair for themselves to take the plunge! The hardest part will be deciding whether to make them from twill, denim, or one of the beautiful printed canvases we have to offer!

Comments on this post (1)

  • Jul 16, 2019

    They look great! And what a great idea to figure out perfect fitting on a pair of shorts before you attempt the pants!

    — Jenifer

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