Ruby Blues: My Favorite Essential

When I finished my first pair of Ruby Shorts, I immediately altered the pattern, given my lessons about fit and length, and cut out another pair using some leftover herringbone denim from another BurdaStyle project, the Marie skirt, that I made in March. I already loved the pattern, but I can say that this version—Ruby in dark blue denim with red buttons—is my hands down favorite summer essential (and perhaps project overall) that I've made yet.

I've made the pattern before, so in this version, there's no wonky evidence of things-gone-wrong and no crotch-fit-issues. These shorts reflect what I'm going for in my personal style: Basic with a little flair. The fabric is a dark denim, so it has basics-quality and pairs with everything. It's very loosely woven and lightweight to boot, so it's perfect for summer. Still, the herringbone weave gives it a little texture for visual interest, and the red button closure gives it that spark of color that adds without taking away from its versatility, not to mention a little retro stylin'. When I walked out the door for their virgin run after taking these photos, a man on a bike told me, "You look really nice." Aw.

Here's the front. I figured out the cuff, which eluded me in the first version. In this one, I folded under (to the wrong side) a 1/4 inch, then again 1 1/2 inches and stitched all the way around, enclosing the raw edges. Then I folded the entire thing up (to the right side, 1 1/2 inches hem/cuff) and stitched in place. I think a cuff adds a bit of elegance/formality to casual shorts, and this inseam, about 3 inches, is perfect for my body as it gives me a bit of leg without giving away the cow for free, if you know what I mean.

Here's the rear. I swapped out the small pockets in the original pattern for a rounded pocket from Sew U. Needless to say, they were wider than the original and thus, far too spread apart. I actually tried to remove them once I saw them on the ol' okole, but with the loose weave, I risked tearing the whole thing apart. So, it's a lesson for next time, when I'll sew them closer together, and will likely a jeans-style pocket because I'm not too good topstitching around the rounded corners.
Finally, my favorite, the side view. In the last version, the buttons weren't equally spread apart, so I fixed that here. It feels much more balanced, and the waistband hits a few inches below my belly button, both giving me comfort when I sit and balancing out a short-waist.

Though I presumably used the same pattern, this version is looser than the other even though this is a non-stretch denim and the first was gabardine. Is this normal? Though I admittedly fiddled with the first so much, so who knows if I took in the side seams more than I noted, making the first tighter.

Either way, these shorts—and the pattern—are keepers. So excited I have shorts I love for August and September! Definitely essential quality. :)