Loose Leaf : Travel Issue 2024
there's a heat dome in the southwest and I need to make some shorts
This one is FREE TO ALL! Enjoy!
I’m currently writing this upon my return from Las Vegas. A trip I was hesitant about because of a “heat dome” happening in the Southwest United States. My cousin (who’s birthday it was) lives in Phoenix and didn’t bat an eye but I don’t fare very well above 80. Honestly it wasn’t terrible considering you’re inside most of the time, “it’s a dry heat”. As temperatures start to warm up here it gets me thinking about summer sewing which tends to be linked strongly to travel. Travel is one of those “why we sew” pillars: for experiences, events, necessity and travel.
Outside of this past birthday weekend to Sin City, this year my “travel” is more around moving my life from one coast to the other. Most of you know I bought a house in Kingston, NY and it’s in need of some major TLC (new roof, new windows, an entire bathroom). So my travel plans will be going back and forth a few times to check in and dismantle an above ground pool so I can get my home owners insurance lowered. True adulting at its finest!
To cross off a project from my 2024 “will she make it” list I have completed my High Sport dupe using the Post Pant and I. LOVE. THEM. (Emma took a stab at these too, check out her mods on IG)
Here’s what I did
Sized down to an M but used the L (my size) elastic. I didn’t want the elastic too tight and I wanted less gathering at the waist
Used the front grainline on the pattern (this is the middle of the leg) and sewed a 1/8” (3mm) pintuck starting 8 1/2” (21cm) below the waist seam. I didn’t add this into the pattern since I wasn’t concerned with the additional 1/4” (6mm) reduction. (When I make these again I would move the pintuck 1/2” (1.2cm) toward the side seam for my leg shape)
Took in 1/2” (1.2cm) at each side of the knee for a bit of flare.
Cropped to a 23” (59cm) inseam which removed the back vents.
They’re seriously the most perfect travel pant. I feel very coastal grandma, it’s asking for a matching cardigan set. The fabric I used was from my local store so can’t link it but if anyone has a good ponte source drop it in the comments below please!
So there you have it. Perfect travel pants for any time of year but really we’re focusing on the warmer months, the hotdog months, the supposed to be slower but end up too busy months. In switching out my wardrobe a few weeks back, I found some large holes that I’d like to fill that are thus:
SHORTS! - I’ve said this before but I default to pants always. This year I’d like to get out of the shower and see both my arms and legs the same color. I’ve already hacked the Adams Pant into elastic waist boxer shorts (which are everywhere right now) but I’m also in need of tailored shorts so thinking Adams, maybe even Coe shorts?
It’s like this with no sleeves and something else at the front closure Sleeveless Tops - Now, I’m not completely on board with the vest top trend personally. I don’t think this silhouette with the buttons and tailoring are my thing but I do love the look. So I have a “vest top” top planned that’s more a popover and no buttons. But deep vee cause summer.
Bias Skirts - Continuing my journey into trying to like skirts more I’m really quite into the bias skirts these day. I just bought The Pattern Lines Mercer Bias Skirt because sometimes I don’t feel like drafting and I trust Eira. Thinking about above the knees in a rayon challis.
Enough from me though, let’s here what some other folks are looking forward to wearing this summer :
Sook Yee Lee - Speciality Pattern Maker at Bode
“Vintage silk Tommy Bahama shirts off Ebay- when it comes to luxury and comfort I trust a brand that solely exists to create clothing for rich old people to vacation in. Not considered a “cool brand” so resale prices are fairly low and they’ve got 30+ years of product floating around so no shortage of hits and misses. I have a full 6’ rack of just Tommy Bahama camp collar shirts in varying colours and patterns that I alternate all summer.”
Emma Rothkopf - Owner of Emma Rothkopf
“I keep reaching for the Evan Cotton Maxi Skirt in Perennial Floral. It can be styled with a vintage tee, the matching Adelaide Bra Top, or a bathing suit to effortlessly fit any occasion. My best friend is even wearing it for her wedding rehearsal dinner with a lace blouse.”
Ali Labelle - Founder of Ali Labelle Creative and writer at À La Carte.
“I'm most looking forward to wearing breezy, soft pants in lightweight materials this summer. If they're part of a set with a matching button-up shirt, even better! I don't like to think too hard about what I'm wearing when it's hot out so it's all about ease and simplicity for me.”
Next Loose Leaf : We’re making shorts!
In Case You Missed It -
Last Loose Leaf on finding your size in pants.
The Uri Tank is out for my knitters and want to start knitting-ers.
I looooove what you did with the pintuck!!!
Good luck with moving life to the east coast! My best friend and his partner recently bought a house either in Kingston or a town next to it (lost track bc they looked at lots of places) and he just adores that area.