I hate when I make a new top or a new bottom, and then realize I need something to wear with it. With these two new patterns, that just released, that problem is solved.
Let me give you a quick run down of the Tennessee Tee before we jump into my Iris short obsession and my current 10 pairs.
The Tennessee tee is a loose fit top with three necklines, the scoop, an overlap V, and a subtle overlap V. It has slightly dropped shoulders, which add to the “slouchy” look without it looking sloppy, and a straight hem. You can choose from three sleeve options, an oversized long sleeve, a regular short sleeve, and a flutter sleeve. Ā There are also two optional chest pockets. I love the simple assembly of the overlap V neck and it was my favorite version of the Tennessee. Then I made the scoop version and I’m loving it just as much. I have made three so far and can’t wait for some cooler weather so I can give the oversized long sleeve a try too.
I live in the desert. It’s hot here most of the year so I seem to live in shorts majority of the time. I never found the right pattern to encompassĀ everything I wanted in my everyday shorts so I settled for some store bought pairs and the occasional specific short pattern. I don’t have to settle anymore, Iris is my everyday (and night) knit short pattern.
The Iris shorts have three inseam lengths, 3.5″, 5″, and 8″. There are two waistbands to give you a low or a higher rise, and optional front and back pockets. The best part about the Iris shorts, I can make a pair from less than a yard. I even fussy cut and got a pair of high waist with front and back pockets, from a 22″ x wof scrap I had. Shorts as a scrap buster?? Yes please!
Like any inquisitive sewist, I was curious how the Iris shorts would look and wear in different fabrics. So I decided to give it a try and I made 10 pairs. To avoid this being one super long blog post I split it up into two. My fabric and fit comparison follows below, but if you want to see all the fun details like pockets and how I’m wearing my new Iris shorts, you can see all 10 outfits here.
I know I love ponte for leggings, so I figured I would love it for shorts as well, but we all know that not all ponte is created equal. I have my favorite blend and source that I go back to time and time again, but I had something specific in mind for two outfits so I branched out a little when I didn’t have the two colors I needed in my stash. Hence the reason there are three pairs of ponte (four if you count the refined ponte) included in this comparison.
I made one pair in Liverpool, but since I did the 5″ inseam on it instead of the 3.5″, I did for all the others, I didn’t include it in the side by side comparison. The fit is pretty similar and the shorts are ridiculously comfy so I am planning on making a few more in Liverpool.
These are all the 3.5″ inseam option with the higher waistband. The fabric types I used for the comparison are :
Top row (left to right)
Cotton FT denim 50%x100% (same fabric I used for my leggings here)
French Terry 30%x75% with Double Brushed Poly waistband 50%x100%
Double Brushed Poly 50%x100%
Middle row (left to right)
Refined Ponte 50%x75%
Double Knit 50%x50%
Jacquard Double Knit 30%x75%
Bottom row (left to right)
Ponte 25%x50%
Ponte 50%x50%
Ponte 75%x75%
As you can see, most of the fits look similar. Where I noticed a slight difference was on the side shots. My thighs are smaller than my hip size is and while on some fabrics it wasn’t noticeable, I definitely noticed it more on the Cotton denim FT and the Animal print Refined Ponte. When looking at pictures they all look pretty much the same, but fit wise, I could tell a slight difference in my thigh space.
I originally thought the DBP and FT would be more of a lounge look and just for home or to sleep, but I was surprised when I paired them with my tops at how non lounge they actually looked. Because of the amount of stretch my DBP had, I might have been able to slim down my sides and waistband a little, but they were comfy and didn’t fall off, so that would be a personal fit preference for sure.
If I had to pick a least favorite, it would probably be the refined ponte, and just because it feels a bit more structured than I like to wear for everyday shorts. They will still be worn though because I absolutelyĀ love them all.
I love the wide variation of stretch percentages and fabric bases I can use for this pattern.Ā Next I want to try a pair in some athletic stretch mesh, and another Liverpool pair, ohhh and maybe a few more pairs in DBP or even MVC for sleeping. What fabric do you plan to use?
To see all my outfits, the details I did on each, and all the fabric sources check out my other blog post. Fair warning, there are lots of pictures š
This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I may get a % back, at no additional cost to you. Letās be honest, we all know it goes right back to adding to my fabric stash. All opinionsĀ on this blog are my own.
Sew Gr8ful 