the short issue

August 27, 2013

Written by Meg

the short issue

SO i’m not sure if you remember – but when i first chatted to you all about Tania i mentioned that one of the first samples i made was too short.

Well, my dears, say hello to the too short shorts erh culottes hehehe

As you know, i like my hemlines short – but this is too far for me. yep.

It was one of the first samples i made of the Tania culottes and i thought i was ready to crack out the “good” fabric – that is until i realised that the pattern at that point was too short. SIGH. It’s okay though, it’s winter right now, so i’m wearing them with opaque tights – but once summer hits i’m going to add some 2″ wide eyelet lace to the hem and i think that will solve my little problem. I’ll be damned if i’m going to give up – i just love this fabric too much to waste a garment made from it (anyone else get emotionally attached to good fabric?! not just me surely…)

Anyone got any hot tips for lengthening too short shorts/skirts?! Thoughts?

[Make this look]

Bottoms: Megan Nielsen Tania culottes // Kit or Pattern
Top: Megan Nielsen Banksia top // Kit or Pattern
Blazer: Cue // Similar pattern
Shoes: Dolce Vita
Tights: We Love Colours
Sunnies: Witchery

About Author

Meg

Meg is the Founder and Creative Director of Megan Nielsen Patterns, and is constantly dreaming up ideas for new sewing patterns and ways to make your sewing journey more enjoyable! She gets really excited about design details and is always trying to add way too many variations to our patterns.

23 Comments

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dani

9 years ago

super cute…way to problem solve

Ginger

9 years ago

Oooh, I can see why you love this fabric– it’s phenomenal! I usually cut a hem band out of the same fabric and stitch that on when I accidentally go too short (I have to do that tonight, actually… got a little overexcited/confused trimming the hem on the maxi dress that I’m working on… which is now a few inches shy of maxi-length, whoops).

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to Ginger

Thanks Ginger! I actually made a Darling Ranges out of it too – and it looks even cooler in that, i’m pretty jazzed :)
I normally do a hem band too – i was just a bit apprehensive considering the circular hem, but heck, why not try! XOXO

Juli

9 years ago

Oh gosh, love that fabric too, you have such great taste!! I like the eyelet lace idea a lot to add a bit of length, but a contrasting fabric texture (like a semi-sheer silk or some silk dupioni) in a contrasting or complementing color sewn in a band along the bottom might be really cute too! You could put a line of stitches at the hem (and leave the bottom edges a bit raw and unfinished) for a totally different look. I’m feeling really inspired now and wanting to head off and stitch up another pair of Tania Culottes now just to try this out, heehee! :-)

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to Juli

Thanks Juli! Great suggestions! i love the idea of semi sheer :)
I’m excited to see how your next Tania’s turn out! We’re going to have wardrobes full of them hehehe

9 years ago

Cutest outfit and yes, that fabric is AWESOME.

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to LK

Thanks sweetie!!!!

Nicole

9 years ago

You know, as a designer myself it’s actually quite nice to know that successful independent designers like yourself have “oops” moments, no matter how long they have been doing it.

I get soooo down on myself for really small things (which I usually fix) and almost discourage myself from trying to turn my patterns into PDFs which is what I really, really want to do. If you had any advice in doing that, I’d love to hear some tips and tricks!

But thanks for posting this. It’s actually really inspirational for me! I mean that in the best way possible.

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to Nicole

Nicole! Honey you are so sweet – i can totally relate – its amazing how hard we can be on ourselves isn’t it?
But don’t you worry – i make PLENTY of mistakes :) I just don’t blog all of them LOL.
My design development is months to get out all the kinks, I would love to meet a designer who is perfect first time!
We’re in it together honey :)
XOXO

Lenora Ziobro

9 years ago

You might try a black and white checkered trim,just a thought or a white ruffled trim!It is a really lovely outfit and I love the boots!

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to Lenora Ziobro

Oooo thanks thats a super cute idea!! Seriously, i’m a bit over obsessed with these boots – i feel like i need to stop wearing them every.single.day hehehe

Gjeometry

9 years ago

These shorts are cute, I like the fabric! You can add a hem band eithe in the same fabric or something different to give it a whole new look. Add to each leg for shorts or the bottom of a skirt. It lengthens it and looks good too!

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to Gjeometry

Thanks for the suggestion honey!! contrast might look really cool :)

Rachel W.

9 years ago

Aw, what a pity that the sample didn’t work out (though I agree with Nicole– it’s always encouraging to hear that even professionals don’t always get it right on the first try!).

I just spent some time reading the archives, though, so I have faith in you rescuing these shorts, Megan: you are the queen of refashioning!

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to Rachel W.

Hey honey! i’m so glad to hear it’s encouraging to you gals – honestly, i never get stuff right the first time. It’s always trial and error :)
Meanwhile, thank you so much! I really need to get into more refashions, its so fun – i get so busy with my collections that sometimes i forget the joy of just remaking something :) XOXO

Denny

9 years ago

I would love to order pdf patterns but can’t see any reference to sizes on your site. Can you pls advise as I am usually an Australian Sz 12.

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to Denny

emailed you hun :)

kelly t

9 years ago

That really is gorgeous fabric! I’d love to see an update picture once you fix them.

theperfectnose

9 years ago

Yes. I totally get attached to fabric. I have some blue tiny check that I tried to make a shirt for Carl with, I’ve saved the whole thing to cut up into a shirt for me.. I’d like to see the laced up version of these.

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to theperfectnose

Oh my goodness, how is it that i haven’t stumbled upon your blog before? i think i need to move to Melbs so we can hang out :)

And seriously, i’m glad i’m not the only one getting way too attached to fabric. And yep, have done the same thing saving garments made from good fabric to use again – thats always some fun pattern placement ninja-ing to get it to work hehehe

XOXO

inked darling - megan nielsen design diary

9 years ago

[…] my too short Tania’s? WELL i loved that fabric so much that i made a Darling Ranges out of it […]

Linda

9 years ago

I have seen skirts with a light layer of gathered black soft tulle at the bottom. It is not a petticoat. The tulle is probably 8 inches wide with about 4 inches showing. Not sure how this would look with a knit. Could be pretty. Anyway just a thought.

ashwini

9 years ago

Hello..
Wow..! Nice dress and outfits… All given tips are very useful and informative… Online Shopping stores, ecommerce playing really a very important part in today’s busy scenario. Thanks for sharing all this information with us..

the short issue

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